4 days in Mendoza wine country

Built from the plan’s must-sees, grouped so each day stays close together and ordered by time of day.

1. 1
   MorningWorth the time

   Plaza Independencia

   The big central square of the city, with fountains, shade and a craft market on many weekends. Four smaller squares sit around it. Walk to each if you feel like it, and look down at the narrow irrigation channels, called acequias, along the streets.

   Go when Morning, when the shade is cool and the city is waking up.

   Local tip Look down at the narrow channels beside the streets. They carry mountain water to the trees, and they are why the city is so green.

   

   About 10 min by car or transit2.5 km
2. 2
   AfternoonWorth the time

   General San Martin Park

   A huge park of tree-lined avenues, a lake and rose gardens on the west side of the city. It is the green heart of Mendoza. Walk or take a short ride in, and stroll the paths as the heat of the day fades.

   Go when Late afternoon, when the heat has eased.

   Local tip It is large, so pick one corner, the lake or the rose garden, and walk that. Carry water on a warm day.

   

3. Lunch

   Empanadas mendocinas

   The local empanada is baked, filled with beef, onion and often a little olive and egg. Order a few at a small shop or a cafe by the plaza and eat them warm.

   Local tip Order two or three each, and share a plate of different fillings.

   About 9 min walk0.7 km
4. 3
   EveningWorth the time

   Cerro de la Gloria

   A small hill at the top of the park, crowned by a monument to the army that crossed the Andes. The view runs over the city and the vineyards, and the evening light is soft.

   Go when About an hour before sunset (about 7:53 PM), then stay as the lights come on.

   Local tip Walk up the stairs by the monument for the view. The mountains show on a clear evening, and the Zonda wind, a warm dry wind, can blow dust, so check the forecast.

   

5. Dinner

   Provoleta and a glass of Malbec

   Provoleta is a round of melted cheese grilled over coals, served with oregano and bread. With a glass of Malbec, it is the classic start to a Mendoza dinner.

   Local tip Share it as a starter, then see what the grill has.

Built from the plan’s must-sees, grouped so each day stays close together and ordered by time of day.

1. Travel from Cerro de la GloriaAbout 27 min by car or transit12.0 km

   Where Day 1 ended.
2. 1
   MorningWorth a short visit

   Maipu

   The town at the heart of one of the oldest wine areas in the province, with a quiet central square and farmland around it. A calm place to start the day.

   Go when Morning, before the heat.

   Local tip Start in town and then head into the lanes. It is flat country, so it suits a slow day.

   About 1 h 18 min by car78.0 km
3. 2
   MiddayWorth the time

   The Uco Valley

   A wide high valley of vineyards at a much greater height than the rest of the wine country, with snow-capped peaks behind the vines. Wines here often taste cooler and brighter. The place for a long lunch.

   Go when Midday, for a long lunch that fills the afternoon.

   Local tip Book your table and your tasting ahead, and have a designated driver or a tour. The road is long, and the view is better after a rest.

   

4. Lunch

   Grilled lamb and a mountain view

   The long lunch of the trip: grilled lamb or kid, vegetables from the garden, fresh bread and a glass of the local red, with the snow peaks in the distance.

   Local tip Book ahead, and let the lunch run long. The afternoon has no plans.

   About 17 min by car13.9 km
5. 3
   EveningWorth a short walk

   Tunuyan

   The main town of the southern Uco Valley, with a wide plaza and tree-lined streets. A quiet place to end the trip, with the mountains turning pink at the end of the day.

   Go when Late afternoon, around sunset (about 7:53 PM).

   Local tip Walk to the plaza and watch the light turn the mountains pink. Then drive back with a rested driver.

   

Built from the plan’s must-sees, grouped so each day stays close together and ordered by time of day.

1. Drive from TunuyanAbout 1 h 12 min by car70.3 km

   Where Day 2 ended.
2. 1
   MorningWorth a short stop

   Potrerillos

   A mountain village beside a blue reservoir, the first lake on the road up. Stop for the view and the fresh air.

   Go when Morning, as the road climbs.

   Local tip Pull in at a viewpoint over the reservoir, then carry on. Layers help, because the air cools as you climb.

   

   About 41 min by car28.7 km
3. 2
   MorningWorth a short visit

   Chacras de Coria

   A leafy village south of the city, with a shady square and small cafes. A gentle place to begin before the day turns to wine.

   Go when Morning, with a coffee in the square.

   Local tip It is a village on the edge of the city, so a half hour is plenty. Walk the shady streets before the wine day begins.

4. Lunch

   An asado lunch among the vines

   The asado is the Argentine grill, with beef and sausages cooked slowly over coals and served with salad and bread. A long lunch among the vines is the meal many people come for.

   Local tip Book a table ahead, and order the cuts to share.

   About 10 min by car or transit2.8 km
5. 3
   MiddayWorth the time

   Lujan de Cuyo

   One of the oldest wine areas in Argentina, with vineyards in flat rows under the mountains. This is where many of the region's famous Malbec wines are grown. Choose one or two tastings, not five.

   Go when Late morning, with a tasting booked ahead.

   Local tip Book your tastings ahead, keep it to one or two, and have a designated driver or a tour. Never drive after drinking.

   

Built from the plan’s must-sees, grouped so each day stays close together and ordered by time of day.

1. Drive from Lujan de CuyoAbout 1 h 5 min by car61.5 km

   Where Day 3 ended.
2. 1
   MiddayA lunch stop

   Uspallata

   A wide high valley with bare, colored hills and a long, straight view. A good place to stop for a simple lunch before the road climbs again.

   Go when Midday, then go on up toward the high mountains.

   Local tip It is a quiet village in a wide valley. Eat something simple, fill your water and top up your layers.

   

   About 48 min by car70.5 km
3. 2
   AfternoonWorth the time

   Puente del Inca

   A natural stone bridge over a river, stained orange and yellow by the minerals in the water. It sits high in the mountains, around 2,700 meters, so go slowly and drink water.

   Go when Early afternoon, on a clear day.

   Local tip Stay on the marked paths, because the old bridge and the stone around it are fragile. At this height, walk slowly and drink water.

   

4. Lunch

   A simple mountain lunch

   A plate of grilled meat, empanadas or a stew in a small roadside restaurant in the valley. Eat something warm before you climb higher.

   Local tip Keep it light before the higher road, and drink plenty of water.

   About 12 min by car or transit3.6 km
5. 3
   AfternoonWorth the time

   Aconcagua Provincial Park

   The viewpoint of the highest mountain in the Americas, a little way along the road past the bridge. It is a short walk to a view of the snow and rock. Altitude affects people differently, so go slowly.

   Go when Afternoon, if the day is clear.

   Local tip Go only as high as you feel well. Altitude can bring a headache or breathlessness, and the road and the border pass can close in snow or wind, so check ahead.