Mendoza — Tour Highlights and Travel Tips
Tour Highlights
- At just under 7,000m, mighty Aconcagua is the world’s highest mountain that is not located in the Himalayas. Options for seeing it include a trip into Aconcagua National Park, a hike to base camp or — for the seriously adventurous — an attempt on the summit.
- If your Mendoza holidays coincide with the short skiing season from June to September, head to Las Leñas and hit the slopes at South America’s largest ski resort.
- No vacation in Mendoza is complete without a visit to one of its vineyards. Mendoza wine tours usually last several hours and, of course, include the obligatory wine tasting at the end.
- If you are in need of an adrenaline hit and want to try your hand at white water rafting, the Mendoza River offers the opportunity to tackle some stretches of Class III rapids.
- Argentina is inextricably associated with gaucho culture, and the Mendoza region gives you the chance to experience the gaucho lifestyle by taking to the saddle. Horse riding trips of one day or longer can easily be organised in Mendoza town.
Travel Tips
- Mendoza is the name of both the province and the provincial capital. While Mendoza town doesn’t have much in the way of unmissable attractions, it is the most obvious base for exploring the surrounding area.
- The weather is dry most of the year, meaning you can visit Mendoza at any time. However, perhaps the best time for a trip to Mendoza is from October to April when the temperature is at its most comfortable. March and April are the months of the wine harvest, and this is the very best time to visit the vineyards.
- Mendoza is a relatively safe town and the region is not dangerous for travel. However, as anywhere, always use your common sense. When in town, don’t go out into unfamiliar areas at night and be alert to the possibility of petty crime. Pickpockets are on the rise as Mendoza’s popularity as a tourist destination increases.
- There is no public transport from Mendoza airport to the town, so the best way to make the trip is to hire a private driver, known locally as a remis. The drive should cost a little over USD 10*.
- Aconcagua may be just short of 7,000m but there is one route to the summit that doesn’t require technical climbing. However, at such altitude, the risk of mountain sickness is very real, and this is not an adventure for the casual tourist. Only consider the trek to the summit if you are in excellent physical condition and are fully aware of the risks.
For more wonderful holiday ideas in the country, check our trips in Argentina.
*Note: Prices are as of May, 2019
