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Looking for the best things to do in Mendoza, Argentina? We’ve got you covered!
You probably know Mendoza for its world-class wine scene and the stunning Andes Mountains – but what else is there to do? After visiting here for ourselves, we were pleasantly surprised to find there’s more to Mendoza than meets the eye.
Indulge in adventure by whitewater rafting and paragliding, or relax at some natural hot springs and take in the views. Of course, you have to hit a winery (or two or three) and go hiking in the Andes – they made Mendoza famous for a reason! Follow this list and I’m sure you’ll fall in love with Mendoza, just as we did!
Quick Pick: Our Favorite Activity
Don’t have time to read the full article?
Our personal FAVORITE thing to do in Mendoza is go on this luxury wine tour! We visited multiple wineries and tried the best wines, enjoyed the views, and had an amazing tour guide. Check out the 750+ 5-star reviews and book this tour here.
Tip: This tour is very popular – book your spot today and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go.
Things to do in Mendoza, Argentina
1. Go on a wine tour
This is an easy first pick! A wine tour in Mendoza is basically mandatory while you’re here and honestly, it’s no chore to go on!
You’re in the heart of wine country after all and a wine tour is a great introduction to the city. It lets you try a few different kinds to find what you like and enjoy some scenery along the way.
This all-day luxury wine tour takes you on guided wine tastings at local wineries and includes a gourmet lunch. I loved this tour because I didn’t feel like I was being herded around but more like I was hitting some wineries with new friends. Oh, and getting lots of great food, on top of that!
The 8-hour tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off and is guaranteed to be a small group. Plus with all your wine, transportation, and food taken care of, it’s a great deal at $190 USD.
Depending on the day, you might head into Lujan de Cuyo or Uco Valley, both an hour south of the city. The tour goes to different wineries on different days. The day we went, we visited the Uco Valley and had a blast.
During the drive, you also pass through a little village called Chacras de Coria and get to see the Spanish-style church and the cute plaza that sits nearby. Our guide was a fountain of knowledge and we learned a lot as we went! This was such a fun way to start our trip and I definitely recommend trying a wine tour near the beginning of your stay in Mendoza.
Check out the 750+ 5-star reviews and book this tour in advance here!
2. Visit Aconcagua Provincial Park
We like to balance our wine consumption with some exercise, so a day trip to the most famous mountain is a must! Aconcagua Provincial Park is home to the tallest mountain in the Americas and the views of Aconcagua are spectacular.
While brave (and experienced) climbers may choose to summit Aconcagua – take note that you’ll need a permit (which can be up to $1,000 USD). It’s also a super challenging climb.
If climbing one of the highest mountains in the world isn’t in the cards for you, Aconcagua Provincial Park is still worth a visit! There are short trails you can walk showcasing valleys, mountains, and wide open spaces. A pro tip though – this park is at a high altitude and gets SUPER windy. So dress warm!
This small group tour of Aconcagua Park is a fantastic way to spend a whole day enjoying the landscapes around and in the park. You’ll get amazing views of the surrounding area on the drive down including a stop at Lago Potrerillos and in Uspallata for coffee.
This is one of the few tours that actually lets you go in the park and not just drive by! Once you arrive, there’s a one-hour guided hike where you’ll be treated to views of Horcones Pond, Puente del Inca Bridge, and of course, the peak of Aconcagua itself.
Finish off the day with an afternoon lunch of Argentine asado and some wine before heading back to Mendoza. The entire trip including all your transportation and food is $160 USD.
This tour is popular – book it now and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you depart.
3. Go horseback riding
Getting to experience the Andes on horseback is an experience that I never knew I wanted but was so happy to have stumbled upon. The views are something else!
Try out this horseback riding tour that takes place at a ranch right in the foothills of the Andes. Not only will you get to enjoy the stunning scenery, but the tour ends with a traditional Argentinian asado feast!
The tour starts in the afternoon, so you’ll experience the sunset in the mountains and have a dinner to remember. This tour stands out because it’s run by a local family, so it feels really authentic and hospitable. You’ll have three hours to ride horses through the mountain trails, making your way to the summit. The viewpoint is about 2,000 meters (6,561 feet) high, so the sweeping views are truly incredible!
After the ride, you’ll come home to a feast of roast, veggies, and locally sourced wine. This experience is not to be missed and is one of the best ways to experience Mendoza’s natural beauty and true Argentinian culture! This tour is only $95 USD including transportation, dinner, horseback riding, and your amazing guides.
Check out the 200+ 5-star reviews and book this tour here!
4. Enjoy lunch and a private wine tasting
Chances are you’ll want to enjoy more than one wine tasting experience while in Mendoza – we sure did! This private lunch and wine tasting tour was calling our name as we were dying to enjoy a fancy lunch out (our own little date in Mendoza!).
At around 10 am, the tour picks you up to head to the historic Trapiche Winery where you will be guided by a sommelier. We loved having the expert walk us through the wine tasting, we could really see how each wine was different! Next, you will visit the El Enemigo winery, which is owned by the prestigious winemaker Alejandro Vigil.
Casa Vigil, the house located at the winery, is an exquisite space where your gourmet lunch will take place, paired with wines chosen by Alejandro, himself. I love food and wine parings because the flavors of both are enhanced – it’s such a culinary experience! Plus the ambiance at Casa Vigil can’t be missed, it all works together for a spectacular day.
This can be a wonderful, romantic tour, or just a good way to spend some quality time with your travel companions. You can book this tour for $310 USD per person, including lots of wine tastings, lunch, visits to top wineries, transportation, and your wonderful guide – not bad if you ask me!
Reserve this tour now and pay later when you book in advance here.
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
5. Visit the Puente del Inca
Up in the Andes, a little higher than Mendoza, sits this natural, colorful bridge that passes over the Las Cuevas River. Puente del Inca which means “Inca Bridge” wasn’t actually built by the Incas at all, but was naturally carved out by glacial melt.
Puente del Inca gets its color from the minerals that coat it, which come from the nearby hot springs and the river. While you used to be able to walk across this bridge, it’s no longer safe for foot traffic. However, you can still admire this natural wonder from afar.
If you’re already heading to Aconcagua National Park, you’re in luck because the bridge is located in the same area, about 190 km (120 miles) from Mendoza. It’s easy enough to visit on your own by taking a rental car or joining a tour to get to this semi-remote area.
I recommend jumping on this day trip to the mountains from Mendoza. It’s a great way to see the dramatic landscapes of the Andes in a single day!
You’ll journey from Mendoza to Puente del Inca, stopping by the Potrerillos Dam and Uspallata along the way. Once you reach Puente del Inca, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the area and take photos, while learning all about the geology from your guide. This tour also includes a quick stop at Aconcagua Provincial Park for photos, but you won’t have time to hike like the other tour listed.
If you’re on a summer tour, you’ll also be able to see the famous Christ the Redeemer of the Andes statue – which can only be reached in the summer months of January, February, and March. (Remember, the Southern Hemisphere’s seasons are opposite from the Northern Hemisphere!). This tour also leaves time for lunch in the quaint town of Las Cuevas
A tour gives you so much more of the rich history of this area and you don’t have to worry about directions. You can book this tour for $91 USD and it lasts for about 12 hours.
Check availability and book this tour before you go here!
6. Go paragliding
Now that you’ve explored Mendoza from the ground, get a whole new perspective by taking to the sky! Paragliding is easily one of the best activities on offer in Mendoza for adventurers!
This paragliding tandem flight pairs you up with an instructor to get panoramic views of the Mendoza region. You’ll take off from a ramp on Cerro Arco as you literally run off a mountain and take flight. What a rush! If this is your first time paragliding, I can’t think of a better location to try it out. And if you’ve done it before – it’s still worthwhile because it’s one of the most beautiful areas you can do this!
You can request pick up from your hotel in Mendoza and all the transportation and equipment are included. This experience is $103 USD and lasts about 3 hours in total, leaving enough time to grab a glass of wine after!
Reserve your spot on this tour here and get flexible payment and cancellation options.
7. Cacheuta Hot Springs
If you are looking for a way to relax, it doesn’t get much better than hitting up some hot springs for the day.
Picture this – you’re sitting in the water, which feels like a hot tub surrounded by scenery that looks like it’s right out of a travel magazine. This is the Cacheuta Hot Springs or Thermas de Cacheuta as it’s known here.
While the hot springs are the main draw, there’s also a wave pool, kids’ water park, lazy river, and tons of indoor and outdoor pools to enjoy. This a great family activity, just outside of town – about 40 minutes or so. You’ll be surrounded by families on the weekends, and weekdays tend to be a bit more laid back.
When I visited Cacheuta, I chose to do this spa day experience which included transportation from Mendoza and gave me a much more private, tranquil experience. You’ll be picked up from your hotel or a meeting point in downtown Mendoza, around 8:30 am. Then once you arrive at the hot springs, the relaxation begins! You’ll be able to take a dip in the indoor and outdoor pools, have a mud bath (great for the skin!), and soak up the views from a plush lounge chair.
The spa is home to the only grotto sauna in Argentina, where you can let the mud and heat of the water help to soften and detoxify your skin. After you’ve soaked, shower off and head for a buffet lunch nearby with salads, barbeque pork and chicken, lamb, sausages, grilled vegetables, and more.
Locally sourced mountain spring water is included and you can book a massage at any additional expense if you’d like. The entire tour is around 10 hours long and is $130 USD per person. This tour left me feeling so relaxed and rejuvenated!
Dates are limited – book this spa experience here before it fills up!
8. Whitewater rafting
Argentina is said to have some of the best whitewater rafting locations in the world, thanks to its strong rivers and the stunning runs that they provide. Known as the best place in Mendoza to whitewater raft, Cacheuta is a worthwhile stop!
This full-day rafting excursion takes you through a 12 km (7.5 mile) section of the river to navigate some exciting rapids. Your guide lets you switch who is in the front of the raft throughout the trip, so everyone has some time in the “splash zone”. Luckily wetsuits are provided because you’re definitely not staying dry!
The tour also includes ziplining and a more relaxing stop at the Cacheuta Hot Springs, as mentioned before. The entire tour lasts for about 10 hours from pickup to drop-off. It’s a busy day!
Honestly, we think this tour is a great deal. You get a little bit of adventure and a dash of relaxation for a balanced day! It’s only $80 USD per person and is such a fun way to experience the top activities in Mendoza.
Don’t miss out – book your spot on this rafting trip here before dates fill up.
Where to Stay in Mendoza, Argentina
With so many things to do (and glasses of wine to drink!), you’ll need a place to stay in Mendoza to experience it all. And with so many choices for accommodations, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. Let me help you narrow it down to my top three pics for budget, mid-range, and luxury travelers!
Park Hyatt Mendoza Hotel – $$$
The Park Hyatt Mendoza Hotel is a 5-star hotel right in front of Independencia Square in a really impressive building. It’s just as nice inside with stylish, elegant décor in all the bright and spacious rooms. There are also 3 restaurants, a casino, and a spa.
The “standard” room has a king-size bed, walk-in shower, large bathtub, and flat-screen TV. You can opt for city or mountain views – both are great options! There’s also a nice pool and gym facility to enjoy. You can book a stay for around $300 – $500 USD . Book a room here today!
Hotel Nutibara – $$
Mid-range travelers will love the convenience of the downtown location of Hotel Nutibara. Simply walk out the doors and start exploring or find a great restaurant. The rooms are simple, but have everything you need. A huge plus is the private outdoor swimming pool!
Rooms average around $100 USD per night. Check availability and book a room here.
Windmill Hostel – $
Walking distance to the five central plazas in Mendoza, Windmill Hostel puts you close to the heart of the city. It’s inside a bright, purple building so you can’t miss it and this hostel has the friendliest staff! It’s also been named “Best Hostel in Mendoza” several times, so you know it’s a good pick!
You can grab a bed in a dorm room for around $15 USD or a private room with a double bed for around $30 USD. Breakfast is included (and it’s known for being really good!) and there are even two super-friendly dogs. Make a reservation today on Hostelworld.com or Booking.com.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
Even if you come to Mendoza for the wine (obviously!), you’ll stay for the hospitality and epic mountain views. It’s a little piece of Argentina we loved spending some time in and know you will too. Hopefully, our guide to Mendoza has given you lots of ideas for your upcoming trip!
If you’re heading to this part of the world soon, make sure to check out our other blogs about South America. We’ve traveled extensively in this part of the world and would love to help you find the hidden gems that will make your trip extra special.
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