Mendoza Travel Guide
Are you planning a trip to Mendoza? Find all my best travel guide to Mendoza to help plan your trip!
Mendoza is Argentina’s wine capital known for its world-class wineries producing the best Malbec wines!
But Mendoza has so much more to offer than just wine tasting!
From its stunning landscapes in Andes Mountains over hot springs and outdoor activities to beautiful city squares and vibrant food scene, Mendoza has something for every taste!
The people of Mendoza, commonly known as mendocinos, take pride in their wine-making heritage and relaxed lifestyle. The region has a strong connection to both Spanish and Italian influences, thanks to waves of European immigration, which shaped its culture and traditions.
You should visit Mendoza to experience its breathtaking vineyards, adventurous outdoor activities in the Andes Mountains, and, of course, its famous Malbec wine!
I’m all about getting under the skin of Argentina and help you discover the best of Mendoza!
This complete Mendoza travel guide is meant as your first stop to start planning your trip to Mendoza.
Click on the content list to discover all the topics covered in the Mendoza travel guide. You can jump around in the sections as you like and check out my additional Mendoza resources!
Are You Planning a Trip to Mendoza?
Welcome to my detailed Mendoza Travel Guide from a Long-Term Argentina Expat!
Hola!
I’m Becci, a Danish long-term expat! I lived in Argentina for 7 years, and have traveled to many parts of Argentina – both alone and with my husband.
This is my Complete Mendoza Travel Guide to get you started on planning, exploring, and discovering the best of Mendoza, Argentina’s famous wine capital!
Do you have a question? Reach out or connect with me on social media!
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that at no additional cost to you, Becci Abroad will earn a commission if you purchase through one of those links. This helps to pay the bills and the maintenance of the site.
Discover Mendoza
Explore Mendoza in more details
Click on the topics below to explore all the posts about Mendoza and exciting places to visit.
Mendoza at a Glance
Getting to Know Mendoza
Let’s start by getting to know some of the facts about Mendoza before diving into the details of this Mendoza travel guide.
Mendoza Facts
Where is Mendoza?
Mendoza is located in the eastern part of Argentina at the foothills of the Andes Mountains.
In Spanish, the Andes Mountains are called la Cordillera de Los Andes. Just on the other side of the Andes Mountains from Mendoza, you will find Santiago de Chile, the capital city of Chile.
Mendoza is located 652.2 miles (1,050 km) East of Buenos Aires and can be reached by flight or long-distance bus from Buenos Aires.
Mendoza is the name of the province and the province’s mayor city: Provincia de Mendoza and Ciudad de Mendoza or Mendoza City.
What is Mendoza Best Known For?
Mendoza is most famously known as Argentina’s wine capital! Over 70% of Argentina’s wine production comes from Mendoza, and you can find wines from Mendoza in supermarkets and wine shops all over the world!
Mendoza is also famous for having the highest peak in the Western and Southern Hemispheres, Mount Aconcagua.
Mount Aconcagua is located in the Aconcagua Provincial Park, a natural park that is part of the Andes Mountains.
In Argentina, the Andes Mountains close to Mendoza are famous for being the place, where Argentine Independence fighter, General José de San Martín, crossed during their Independence Fight against the Spanish Empire to help liberate Chile and Peru from the Spaniards.
In the Andes Mountains, you can find plenty of references to San Martin and people who fought with him in the names of the villages or mountains.
Mendoza (Argentina) Map
What Language Do They Speak in Mendoza?
The official language spoken in Argentina and in Mendoza is Spanish.
The local accent in Mendoza, known as the mendocino accent, has some unique characteristics that set it apart from other regions in Argentina.
The Spanish accent in Mendoza is generally more neutral and influenced by Chilean Spanish due to Mendoza’s proximity to the border.
The Mendocino accent is softer and less influenced by the strong Rioplatense or River Plate Spanish accent found in the areas around Buenos Aires. In Mendoza, you’ll still hear the distinctive “sh” sound for the ll and y (e.g., calle sounds like cashe), but generally, mendocino Spanish doesn’t have as strong a pronunciation.
In tourist areas like wineries, hotels, and restaurants, locals might speak a bit of English. But it is still a good idea to brush off your Spanish and learn a few basic Spanish phrases before traveling to Mendoza.
Before you Go
Planning Your Mendoza Trip
There are many factors to consider when planning your trip to Mendoza.
In this section, I’ll cover key things you should know to help you prepare, from how long time you need to visit Mendoza to the best time to visit Argentina’s wine region.
How Long Do You Need in Mendoza?
The ideal amount of time you need in Mendoza depends on what you want to do and how much time you have available in your Argentina itinerary!
I would recommend setting aside 3 to 5 days to visit Mendoza.
In three days, you can spend one day exploring Mendoza’s famous wineries, spend one day visiting the city’s main attractions, and do a day trip to the Andes Mountains.
With five days or more, you can enjoy outdoor adventures like white water rafting, relaxing at Cacheuta Hot Springs, horseback riding through the Andes Mountains, or doing a full-day hiking trip to Aconcagua Provincial Park.
When is the Best Time to Visit Mendoza?
The best time to visit Mendoza is from October to April.
March is often seen as the absolute best time of the year to visit Mendoza because of the annual grape harvest festival, the Vendimia Festival.
Mendoza’s harvest festival attracts many people both Argentines from other provinces and international visitors. Mendoza City and the local wineries offer all kinds of wine-related events.
If you are a little bit like me and prefer to visit at a not-too-crowded time, Mendoza is great to visit at other times of the year too! If you prefer a quieter experience, visiting Mendoza between October and April would still allow you to enjoy the vineyards while avoiding the peak crowds.
In the beginning of spring around September and October, the weather starts to get warmer during the day and chilly at night. During this time, you can still experience a bit of snow when visiting the Andes Mountains.
During the summer months in Argentina (January and February), Mendoza’s desert-like climate brings very hot and dry days. During the Argentine summer, you might find Mendoza busier with local Argentine tourism due to the school summer holidays.
That being said, Mendoza is a fantastic destination year-round with its stunning landscapes and world-class wines.
Is Mendoza Safe for Tourists?
Overall, Mendoza is a welcoming destination, and most travelers enjoy their travel to Mendoza without any issues.
In Mendoza City, you should be aware that petty theft such as pickpocketing can occur, especially in the more crowded areas of the city..
Stay aware of your surroundings and take basic precautions such as keeping an eye on your belongings, keeping an arm around your backpack, and not leaving your phone on the table at restaurants and bars (put it in your bag!).
What to Pack for Mendoza?
When packing for your travel to Mendoza, you should think about packing plenty of layers. Mendoza’s desert-like climate means that the weather gets warm during the daytime but cools down a lot in the evenings.
For visits to Mendoza in the summer (December–February), pack lightweight summer clothing as the temperatures will be high!
For travels to Mendoza in the winter (June–August), pack warm layers and a good winter jacket, especially if you’re heading to the Andes Mountains.
For visiting the local wineries, you just need to pack comfortable casual everyday wear, a good pair of sneakers, sunscreen, and sunglasses for sunny vineyard tours.
For outdoor adventures like hiking or rafting, pack hiking boots or trail running shoes, layers for changing temperatures, and sunscreen.
Getting To Mendoza
Arriving in Mendoza
After planning your trip to Mendoza, it’s time to book your flight and arrange your transportation from the airport to Mendoza City.
In this section, I’ll cover everything you need to know about getting to Mendoza, including flight options, airport transfers, and the best ways to reach the city and surrounding wine regions.
What Is the Best Way to Get to Mendoza?
The best way to get to Mendoza, of course, depends on your starting point.
If you’re coming from abroad, the easiest option is usually to fly into Buenos Aires and take a direct domestic flight to Mendoza.
Flights to Mendoza From Buenos Aires
Mendoza’s International Airport (MDZ), also called El Plumerillo International Airport, receives several daily domestic flights from Buenos Aires.
The travel time from Buenos Aires to Mendoza is about 1.5 hours.
The local airlines Flybondi and Aerolineas Argentina run routes to Mendoza from Buenos Aires – and back!
You can reserve your tickets directly with the airlines or use Kiwi.com to search for the best prices.
Flybondi is a local Argentine low-cost airline, so expect a lot of additional fees for adding luggage, etc. and it isn’t the best service! Flybondi is also infamous for delaying and canceling flights with little to no warning.
Aerolineas Argentinas is a local state-owned airline, and slightly better than Flybondi. However, sometimes you can experience issues with purchasing your tickets with a foreign credit card on their website. To avoid these issues, book your tickets through Kiwi.com.
Long-Distance Buses to Mendoza
Long-distance buses to Mendoza are especially useful if you are traveling to Mendoza from other parts of Argentina or neighboring Chile.
Busbud is a great tool for finding the best deals on long-distance buses in Argentina.
The bus ride from Buenos Aires to Mendoza takes around 12-14 hours.
The route from Santiago de Chile to Mendoza takes 6-8 hours and crosses through the Andes Mountains. The route should be completely breathtaking!
How to Get From the Airport to Mendoza City?
Mendoza’s International Airport is only around 6 miles (10 kilometers) from Mendoza city center, so it is quick and easy to get to the city center from the airport.
Local Bus from Mendoza Airport to the City Center
Local buses are running from Mendoza Airport to Mendoza City.
Bus line 680 is the most popular local bus to get from the airport to the city center in Mendoza.
The bus ride with line 680 takes around 25 to 30 minutes, and there are bus stops at Plaza San Martin and one block from Plaza Independencia in the heart of Mendoza City.
Keep in mind that bus line 680 only runs on average once an hour from the airport to the city center.
There are two other bus lines connecting Mendoza Airport with the city: Bus Line 675 and Bus Line 965.
Bus line 675 route connects the airport with the north of Mendoza and bus line 965 connects the airport with the popular wine region, Maipú Valley.
To use the local buses in Mendoza, you need a SUBE card for payment. You can use the same card as you used for public transportation in Buenos Aires – if you can from Buenos Aires!
If you don’t have a SUBE card, you can buy a new SUBE card at the kiosco at the Mendoza Airport or take an Uber, Cabify, or private airport transfer to the city center and buy the SUBE card once in Mendoza City.
Private Transfer to Mendoza City
The most convenient option is taking a taxi or a rideshare service like Uber or Cabify from Mendoza Airport to the city center and the surrounding wine regions.
A car ride from the airport to Mendoza city center takes around 20 minutes.
If you have booked a stay in a local winery in Mendoza, I strongly recommend booking a private transfer from the airport to your accommodation. This way you avoid the hassle of dealing with public transportation in the more remote areas of Mendoza’s wine regions.
Welcome Pickups
For airport transfers, I normally use Welcome Pickups which is a super easy platform to use! You can book the car in advance so it is waiting for you at the airport when you arrive.
Many hotels and wineries also offer shuttle services, so it’s worth checking with your accommodation before arrival if they can give you a good deal.
Remis
At Mendoza Airport you can also find service desks stating “remis” that offer transfers to Mendoza city center. A remis is the Argentine word for a private car with a driver.
In Argentina, a remis operates much like a taxi, but they are especially popular in Argentine towns and villages where taxis are less common. Mendoza Remis is one of the more popular options for remises in the Mendoza area.
Taxi
You will also find plenty of taxis at the airport in Mendoza willing to take you to the city center or wherever you want to go.
I have found that I like booking with Welcome Pickups or a remise because I know the price beforehand, and don’t end up with any unpleasant surprises.
Car-sharing Apps
Both Uber and Cabify work in Mendoza and are great alternatives to get from the airport to the city center or your winery accommodation.
Download the apps to your phone more you travel to Mendoza, and order the car when you have arrived at Mendoza Airport.
Check out Uber’s guide to pickups at Mendoza Airport for more details.
When In Mendoza
Exploring Mendoza
Once you arrive in Mendoza, it’s time to explore the best of Mendoza!
In this section, I’ll cover what you need to know about things to do in Mendoza, where to stay, and food to try in Mendoza.
What to Do in Mendoza?
Mendoza offers something for every taste!
Mendoza is a must-visit destination in Argentina, known for its world-class wineries. Explore the vineyards in Luján de Cuyo, Maipú, and the Uco Valley where you can tour wineries, taste Malbec wines, and enjoy gourmet meals.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Aconcagua Provincial Park offers stunning views and hiking opportunities, with Mount Aconcagua being the highlight.
The city of Mendoza is charming with tree-lined streets, parks like Parque General San Martín, and lively markets. You can also take a bike tour through the vineyards, relax in the Termas de Cacheuta hot springs, or enjoy rafting on the Mendoza River. Mendoza is also a food lover’s paradise, with delicious local dishes like empanadas and asado to pair with your wine.
many of these wineries are also open for visits and wine tastings! So, when visiting Mendoza you have plenty of options to explore and taste some of the best Argentine wines.
Book an Experience in Mendoza
Where to Stay in Mendoza?
When you travel to Mendoza, you can stay in an Airbnb or a hotel in Mendoza City or choose to stay in a vineyard in one of Mendoza’s three wine regions; Luján de Cuyo, Maipú Valley, or Uco Valley.
Staying in Mendoza City is the best option if you are planning on sightseeing in the city, visiting the Andes Mountains and the local wineries in Mendoza. Most of the day tours and activities surrounding Mendoza offer pick-up from accommodations in the city center.
Mendoza City offers a wide range of hotels, boutique stays, and budget-friendly hostels.
Mendoza’s wine regions offer charming vineyard lodges and boutique hotels surrounded by stunning vineyards. Luján de Cuyo and Maipú Valley are the most popular wine regions to stay in Mendoza.
But if you’re looking for luxury and breathtaking landscapes, Valle de Uco is home to high-end wine resorts with spectacular views of the Andes.
Find a Place to Stay in Mendoza
Use the map below to find a place to stay in Mendoza that suits your budget!
Getting Around Mendoza
How to Get Around Mendoza?
Mendoza has a well-connected public transport system with buses and trams that provide easy access around the city and some areas outside the city.
In this section, we will look at how to get around on your travel to Mendoza.
Walking in Mendoza
You can easily walk around Mendoza City to explore the city’s architecture and beautiful plazas and parks.
The highlights of Mendoza City can be covered in more or less one day.
To explore Mendoza’s wine regions and the Andes Mountains, you need to book a guided tour including transportation or rent a car to get around.
Public Transportation in Mendoza
Using public transportation is an easy way to get around in Mendoza if you don’t want to walk everywhere. Mendoza has good public transportation including city buses and trams.
SUBE Card
To use public transportation in Mendoza, you’ll need a blue SUBE card, the same contactless transit card used in Buenos Aires.
SUBE (Sistema Único de Boleto Electrónico) translates to Single Electronic Ticketing System and is the only accepted payment method for buses and other public transport — cash is not accepted anymore.
You can purchase and recharge your SUBE card at kiosks throughout Mendoza, making it easy to get around the city and surrounding areas.
City Buses
There are several city buses running in Mendoza City. Honestly, I didn’t use them when I visited Mendoza because everything in Mendoza City is within walking distance.
Google Maps works perfectly fine in most cities in Argentina to figure out which city buses to take – including in Mendoza.
Mendoza’s Tram
Metrotranvía Mendoza is Mendoza’s red light rail tram connecting the northern and southern parts of the city through the city center.
Mendoza’s tram allows you to easily reach the Maipú wine region by public transportation.
Jump on the Mendoza tram at the Estación Mendoza (by the intersection of Avenida las Heras & Avenida Belgrano) and get off at the station called Gutiérrez – that’s the center of Maipú.
The tram line also runs to other parts of Mendoza such as Las Heras and Godoy Cruz.
Taxis & Remis in Mendoza
To get fast and conveniently around Mendoza City or to get to the surrounding areas such as Maipú and Lújan de Cuyo, you can take a taxi or a local remis.
Taxis are best for shorter distances inside the city center. Local remis services such as Mendoza Remis are likely to offer better prices on longer distance trips.
Keep in mind that taxi drivers in Mendoza (and most parts of Argentina), generally speak Spanish and very only limited English.
Uber & Cabify in Mendoza
In Mendoza, you can use both Uber and Cabify to get around the city and its surrounding areas.
Download the apps to your phone before heading out to explore Mendoza to easily request a ride when you need it. Some foreign credit cards might experience issues with processing the payment, so it’s a good idea to carry some cash as a backup.
If you use either Uber or Cabify in the more remote locations of Mendoza, you might need to calculate some waiting time. If you are visiting a winery, you can also ask the winery staff to call a local taxi in case you can’t find an Uber or Cabify to pick you up.
Cabify Bodega
Cabify offers a special service in Mendoza for touring Mendoza’s wineries, called Cabify Bodega.
Cabify Bodega allows you to book a car and driver on the Cabify app for up to 8 hours to take you to the wineries in Luján de Cuyo and Maipú (one fixed price) or Valle de Uco (another fixed price, slightly more expensive).
I haven’t tried the Cabify Bodega service in Mendoza myself. But it seems super useful to have a fixed price. The good thing is also that you book the driver for a full day, so you can ask him to wait while you do the wine-tasting tours in Mendoza.
Rent a Car to Travel in Mendoza
Renting a car is another great and convienient option to get around Mendoza, especially if you are planning to explore the Andes Mountains and the vineyards on your own.
If you plan on renting a car to visit the vineyards in Mendoza, please remember to drive safely 🙂
Reserve your rental car here
Mendoza Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to commonly asked questions about Mendoza, Argentina.
Is Mendoza a Good Place to Visit in Argentina?
Yes, in my opinion, Mendoza is one of the best places to visit in Argentina! Travel to Mendoza to experience the local wineries, amazing mountain landscapes, and a beautiful tranquil city with a great food scene.
Do I Need a Visa to Visit Mendoza?
Most nationalities get a 90-day visa on arrival when entering Argentina. Check the list of countries that do NOT need a visa for Argentina.
Is Mendoza Safe to Visit?
Yes, Mendoza is a pretty safe place to visit. In busy areas in the city center, keep an eye out for pickpockets and never leave your phone on the table at restaurants and bars.
Do You Tip in Mendoza?
Yes, in Mendoza and Argentina, in general, you normally tip 10% on top of your restaurant bill. That also includes if you eat at the restaurants in the local wineries in Mendoza.
Explore More of Argentina
Are you looking to spend more time in Argentina?
Get inspiration to other places to visit in Argentina with my many Argentina travel guides! From popular destinations to the best hidden gems!
Let’s explore Argentina together!