Mendoza sits in a high-desert oasis at the foot of the Andes, its leafy streets shaded by acequias—centuries-old irrigation canals first engineered by the Huarpe people and expanded by Spanish settlers after 1561. A powerful earthquake in 1861 reshaped the city, giving rise to broad avenues and generous plazas that make strolling a pleasure.

Today, Mendoza is Argentina’s wine capital, famed for velvety Malbec and striking bodega architecture. Vineyard zones like Maipú and Luján de Cuyo are close enough for half-day tastings, while the Uco Valley rewards with cool-climate wines and sublime mountain views.

Expect 300+ sunny days a year, strong UV, and dry air. Wineries usually require advance reservations, and many restaurants open late. Harvest time (Vendimia, late Feb–March) is festive and busy; winter snows can affect the Chile border pass—check conditions if crossing the Andes.

Mendoza

Leafy plazas, a lively café culture, and a relaxed rhythm set the tone. Start at Plaza Independencia, then amble the pedestrian Sarmiento corridor to watch local life flow by. Parque General San Martín, designed by Carlos Thays, offers lakeside paths, a rose garden, and a quick drive up to the Cerro de la Gloria monument for city-and-Andes views.

Wine is the headline, but the dining scene is equally rewarding: think wood-fired grills, regional pastas, and produce driven menus that pair beautifully with Malbec, Cabernet Franc, and high-altitude Chardonnay. After dark, Arístides Villanueva Avenue buzzes with wine bars and craft beer.

• Where to stay: Browse vacation homes on VRBO Mendoza or hotels on Hotels.com Mendoza. Great picks: Park Hyatt Mendoza (city-center icon with spa and refined bars), Esplendor by Wyndham Mendoza (resort-style complex with pool and cinema), Hotel Crillon Mendoza (value stay steps from Plaza Independencia), and Hostel Lagares (friendly base for budget travelers).
• Getting in: Fly into MDZ (El Plumerillo). From Buenos Aires (AEP/EZE), it's ~1h50 nonstop, often $60–$150 one way; check Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com. From Santiago, Chile, flights are ~1 hour (seasonal) or take the scenic 7–8 hour bus via the Cristo Redentor Pass (winter closures possible).
• Getting around & wine regions: Maipú (20–30 min) and Luján de Cuyo (30–45 min) are closest; Uco Valley is 75–105 min. Use guided tours or a private driver for tastings; rideshare is fine in the city but not reliable between wineries.

Day 1: Plazas, San Martín Park, and a Gaucho Sunset

Morning: Travel day. If you arrive early, grab specialty coffee and warm medialunas at Bröd Panadería (sourdough toasts are excellent) or head to Bianco & Nero for a cappuccino and a slice of ricotta cake. Stroll Plaza Independencia and peek into the Museo Municipal de Arte Moderno if open.

Afternoon: Check in and freshen up. Walk the leafy Peatonal Sarmiento to Plaza España’s mosaic benches, then taxi to Parque General San Martín for a lakeside loop and the short drive up to Cerro de la Gloria for panoramas. For a casual late lunch, Mercado Central offers empanadas, charcuterie, and fruit stands; or try Fuente y Fonda for family-style milanesas and pastel de papa.

Evening: Reserve dinner at Azafrán, where the team curates pairings from a beautiful, library-like wine cellar, or opt for the candlelit courtyard at Anna Bistro for Argentine staples with a garden twist. Cap the night with craft pints at Chachingo Craft Beer on Arístides—try the hoppy IPAs connected to the El Enemigo wine family—unless you choose this unforgettable experience:

• Featured activity (evening, 4–5 hours): Horseback riding at sunset — ride with local gauchos just 20 minutes from town; includes a hearty asado with grilled vegetables.

  

Day 2: All-Day Malbec Immersion in Luján de Cuyo or Uco Valley

Today is for vineyards, cellar doors, and a leisurely gourmet lunch with mountain views. Most tours include hotel pickup around 8:30–9:00 a.m. and return by 5:30–6:30 p.m. You’ll visit three to four top bodegas, learning terroir basics (altitude, diurnal range) and tasting Malbec, Cabernet Franc, and Chardonnay side by side to understand stylistic differences across valleys.

• Featured activity (full day): All Day, Small Group, Luxury Wine Tour with Gourmet Lunch — a curated route of premium wineries (often including architecturally striking estates) with a multi-course, wine-paired lunch.

  

Expect welcoming guides, unhurried tastings, vineyard walks, and behind-the-scenes looks at barrel rooms and concrete eggs. If your route includes Luján de Cuyo, keep an eye out for the pyramid-inspired Catena Zapata; in Uco, you’ll drink in vast Andes vistas alongside your pours.

After you’re back in town, keep dinner light: share wood-fired provoleta and a crisp salad at La Lucia Grill & Bar, or try seasonal small plates and a glass of Cabernet Franc at a neighborhood wine bar. If you have a sweet tooth, grab gelato at Ferruccio Soppelsa, a beloved local institution.

Day 3: Andes High Country—Aconcagua or Thermal Spa Bliss

Choose your finale: a photogenic high-mountain circuit with a short hike inside Aconcagua Provincial Park, or a restorative spa day at Cacheuta’s thermal baths carved into the Andes foothills. Both options include beautiful scenery along Route 7 past the turquoise waters of the Potrerillos Dam.

• Featured activity (full day—mountains): Tour Aconcagua Park in Small Group from Mendoza with Barbecue Lunch — breakfast and wine-accompanied barbecue lunch included; actually enters the park for a one-hour hike and stops at Uspallata and Puente del Inca when conditions allow.

  

• OR Featured activity (full day—relaxation): Premium Spa Day at Cacheuta Hot Springs — thermal circuits, natural stone pools, mud masks, and a country-style buffet lunch in a spectacular canyon setting.

  

Back in Mendoza, toast your trip with a final dinner at Don Mario, a classic parrilla where bife de chorizo, mollejas, and papas a la provenzal pair beautifully with a final glass of Malbec. Night owls can finish along Arístides with a flight at a wine bar—or a mint chocolate cone at Bianco & Nero if you prefer something sweet.

Practical Bites & Booking Shortcuts

• Book flights: Compare routes and fares on Trip.com and Kiwi.com. From Buenos Aires: ~1h50; from Córdoba: ~1h20; from Santiago: ~1h (seasonal).
• Reserve stays: Browse Hotels.com Mendoza and VRBO Mendoza, or go direct to favorites like the Park Hyatt Mendoza.
• Tips: Book winery visits well ahead (especially Feb–April). Wear sun protection, carry a refillable water bottle, and plan for late dining hours. Taxis and rideshare are plentiful in town; for wine regions, opt for a tour or driver.

One more great option if you prefer a private winery day: Uco Valley Wineries with a driver lets you set the pace—check availability with reputable operators, or compare curated small-group routes like the one above for a stress-free day.

Three days in Mendoza marry the pleasures of vineyard life with the drama of the Andes. Whether you chose a gaucho sunset, a Malbec masterclass, or a mountain hike to Aconcagua’s doorstep, you’ll leave with sun-warmed memories—and a short list of bottles to hunt down back home.