Mendoza

Mendoza is a green city surrounded by vineyards and desert. Its historic centre is relatively compact, with the main sights scattered around five central squares, making it easy to walk between the major attractions along the leafy streets.

The city’s best architecture dates from the late 19th Century, after the old city was ruined in an earthquake. One of the best buildings is the Carlos Alonso Museum, which is both a local history museum and contemporary art gallery.

The two most beautiful squares in Mendoza are arguably Plaza Espana and Plaza Independencia, but make time to stroll in Parque San Martin, or take in the hilltop view from Cerro de la Gloria, with its grand monument to the Army of the Andes.

Luján de Cuyo is one of Mendoza’s most celebrated wine regions, and it was recognised as Argentina’s first official recognised appellation in 1993. Malbec grapes naturally dominate, but Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Torrontés also flourish.

Wine tours are at the heart of Luján de Cuyo, with the popular option of cycling between the bodegas on a network of quiet bike paths. As well as learning about the local wine production, there's a strong emphasis on exploring the kitchen as well as cellar, with plenty of good food to match the wine. 

Tours frequently include a side trip to Chacras de Coria, a small town with traditional colonial architecture with a charming whitewashed church. 

The Uco Valley is around 100 km (64 miles) from Mendoza – about a two hour drive – and is often referred to as Argentina’s Napa Valley due to its reputation as one of the region’s most up and coming wine areas. Its slightly cooler climate makes it great for white wines, so along with Malbec you’ll find Chardonnay and Torrontés being grown here.

There's little more to do in the Uco Valley except fully embrace the area's viniculture, visiting a succession of different vineyards: a delightfully relaxing proposition. Some visitors choose to base themselves here rather than in Mendoza for a more resort feel, and to make the most of the wine and food, as well as the valley's beautiful setting in the shadow of the Andes. 

Mendoza has a great food culture. After all, you need something for that delicious wine to wash down.

Visits to the vineyards come with gourmet menus highlighting the best of Argentinian cuisine, all matched with the local vintage.

In the city, there is a particularly strong barbecue culture with plenty of asados – especially kid goat, which is a speciality of the region. Other local dishes include carne a la masa from nearby San Rafael (a type of pastry pie cooked in a clay pot), humitas (a corn dish with cheese or vegetable cooked in a corn husk like a tamale), and tomaticán, a local tomato stew.

Mendoza has a great selection of places to stay, from small boutique guesthouses to luxury hotels.

One advantage of the region is that you don't have to restrict yourself to the city – there are options to stay in a lodge in a vineyard tucked into one of the wine valleys. 

Swoop has access to the best selection of accommodation: ask us where we’d recommend for your Mendoza stay.

Mendoza El Plumerillo International Airport (MDZ) has direct daily flights to both Buenos Aires airports, Eziza International (EZE) and Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP). The flight takes just under 90 minutes. Other destinations in Argentina with direct flights include Bariloche (BRC) in the Argentinian Lake District, Cordoba (COR) and Salta (SLA). 

All connections to Ushuaia (for Antarctica cruises) must travel via Buenos Aires. 

Mendoza is excellently placed for Santiago in Chile, with daily flights (SCL, one hour), allowing easy connections for Fly & Cruise Antarctica trips. There are also direct international flights to Rio (GIG, 3½ hours) and São Paulo (GRU, 3½ hours).