Day 1 in Mendoza

Welcome to Mendoza! Upon arrival at the airport, you will go through customs and immigration. Should you opt to purchase a transfer to your hotel; a representative will be waiting for you as you exit immigration. Arrive at your hotel, check in and do not give in to jet lag! There is so much for you to see and do!

We recommend you get acquainted with the city, take a leisurely stroll around the heart of the city and explore La Plaza Independencia, along manicured parks and airy plazas that make up the geographical center of the city. Admire the central fountain, browse the market stalls, bask in the sunshine and enjoy nature. There are a wide variety of eateries encircling the popular plaza where you can sit back and enjoy some lunch and refreshments while dining al fresco.

After some lunch, wander the tree-lined streets and see the Basilica of San Francisco Solano, a National Historic Landmark of the city dating back to 1875. This beautiful pink stucco renaissance style church houses the image of Virgen del Carmen de Cuyo and the baton of command of General Jose de San Martin. See the elaborate altar and religious artifacts inside.

Check out one of the museums in the area, The Historical Museum `General San Martin` honors the general who liberated the country from the Spanish during the War of Independence. There are documents, objects, weapons and uniforms that belonged to the General on display.

The Foundation Area Museum offers exhibits on the historical and archaeological value of the region with photographs, dioramas and scale models recreating the history of Mendoza.

Continue walking through Parque General San Martin, which will bring you to a path up to Cerro de la Gloria, a quick 15-minute hike up the hill will bring you to a beautiful spot in the city to watch the sunset, offering breathtaking panoramic views over the city. The spectacular monument commemorating Jose de San Martin stands on the famous hill.

Terraza Mirador is another great location to capture a sunset in the city of Mendoza. A beautiful rooftop terrace situated on top of the City Hall with great views of the city and the surrounding mountain area.

Time to enjoy some of the delicious world-class cuisine offered in Mendoza`s best restaurants. There are many great locations for dining in the city, just next to Plaza Independencia is the bustling Ave Sarmiento Street bursting with restaurants, cafes, and shops. Stroll along the side streets in the center of the city, where you will come across many local establishments offering outdoor seating and some of the most amazing Argentinian cuisine. After dinner check out Aristides Villanueva, a lively spot in the evening time filled with restaurants, bars, and shops that run for blocks.

Keep in mind that most restaurants close from 2 - 8 pm daily. Mendocinans eat late! Most places will not open for dinner until 8 or 9 pm at night sometimes diners don`t even arrive until 10 pm on weekdays and later on the weekends.

Day 2 in Mendoza

Time to explore the epicenter of Wine Country! Mendoza is nestled in the foothills of the Andes Mountain ranges, an important wine producing region in the country with its varying altitudes, alluvial soil, stone and clay surfaces along the banks of the Mendoza River are the perfect setting for producing the most delicious wines in all of Argentina.

Mendoza is the main wine region for producing the famous Malbec grape. There are hundreds of wineries located in the region, thousands of Bodegas overflowing with fields of grapevines, offering tours and tastings, delicious wines and award-winning cuisine, the opportunities are endless.

You have plenty of options for visiting some of the best wineries in the country, there are four specific regions in the Mendoza area that are considered wine country: Maipu, Uco Valley, Chacras de Coria and Lujan de Cuyo. Each of these areas has its own unique qualities, for example, Maipu and Lujan de Cuyo are both quaint neighboring towns situated just outside of Mendoza offering cutting-edge wineries and a world-class food scene. Maipu boasts some of the best-known wineries in Argentina including Familia Zuccardi, El Enemigo, and the world famous Trapiche Bodega.

Many different tours are offered to explore the wine region, many include transportation, tours of the wineries and vineyards, lunch, tastings, etc. You can decide on how many wineries you would like to visit and spend an entire day doing so. Other activities to consider while out in the colorful countryside of Mendoza are horseback riding, bike riding, and hiking.

The massive and magnificent Valle de Uco region would definitely take up a full day to explore. Located 62 miles south of the city, this area is known as the `Napa Valley of Argentina` and is the largest wine producing region in Latin America bursting with over 800 wineries. Notable bodegas in the region include Bodega la Azul and Bodega Salentein along with resorts and spas offering pampering treatments. Visit Tunuyan, the main quaint town in the valley offering local restaurants and shops to browse.

Chacras de Coria is a charming town brimming with wineries, boutique hotels, museums, cafes, and shops. This beautiful suburb has some of the best gourmet restaurants around, making it the perfect location to head for dinner time. Chacras is also one of the best nightlife destinations in the region, Los boliches (nightclubs) can be found lining Bar Por Aca, El Abasto, and Lupulo. Enjoy a fun night out in this unique little dancing town.

Day 3 in Mendoza

Today explore the majestic mountain areas of Mendoza. Mount Aconcagua is the tallest mountain in the Americas and the highest peak in the Southern Hemisphere! Situated at the base of the Andes Mountain range reaching 22,837 feet above sea level. This mountains region encompasses the beautiful and breathtaking Aconcagua National Park, offering endless outdoor activities including trekking and climbing through trials to lookout points. There are several lakes in the park, rock formations, flora, fauna and an abundance of wildlife to see.

On your drive be sure to check out the Puente de Inca Bridge, an unusual brightly colored yellow and orange natural rock formation that forms a bridge over the Vacas River. Stop at the small market here where you can purchase some snacks and refreshments along with local souvenirs.

Make your way back through Maipu and stop in at one of the renowned restaurants for a delicious lunch accompanied by world-class wine. Sit back, relax and do some people watching on the leafy streets and the stroll along and check out the shops and wine boutiques where you can purchase that perfect bottle to take home.

If time allows, visit the historical Trapiche Winery and vineyards set in the Maipu region with a history dating back to 1883. This spectacular Florentine style building was established in 1912 and sits on 1,255 hectares of land lined with vineyards. Enjoy an afternoon of wine tastings in the tasting room and learn the process of producing the award-winning wines made here, Trapiche has won the Argentine Wine Producer of the Year twice and imports wine to 30 countries.

Spend your last evening in the city soaking up the last of the delicious wines from the region and dining on delectable cuisine.

Additional Days in Mendoza

Should you be able to spend additional days in Mendoza visit Villavicencio Natural Reserve covering 175,000 acres of land, the area is famous for its mineral water and produces Argentina`s bottled water.

If you are visiting Mendoza in late February through early March you will get to experience the largest event of the year, The Annual Grape Harvest Festival. The spectacular 10-day festival is full of excitement and entertainment fun for the whole family including pageants, folklore, theatre, and fireworks… and of course wine.

Your Last Day in Mendoza

Depart from your hotel to the airport for your return flight home. We recommend that you purchase a private transfer to the airport if so the representative will meet you at your hotel with plenty of time to get you to the airport for your flight out.