Description

Day 1:
Transfer from airport to the hotel in Mendoza in the morning. Accommodation. Later, we’ll pick you up for the Mendoza City Tour: The tour begins in Mendoza’s foundation district, where history and urban greenery converge. Along San Martín Avenue, the tree-lined Paseo de las Alamedas offers shaded paths, fountains, and broad sidewalks. Just a few blocks away lies Plaza Pedro del Castillo, once the civic and religious heart of colonial Cuyo until a devastating earthquake in 1861 reshaped the city’s layout.

At the center of the square stands a museum built over the original foundations of the colonial Cabildo. Nearby, the San Francisco Ruins—remnants of a Jesuit church declared a historical monument—recall the moment when the first vows were sworn to the flag of the Army of the Andes under General San Martín.

The tour continues through Plaza Independencia and the neighboring squares of España, Chile, Italia, and San Martín. From there, the route leads along Mitre Avenue to the Civic District, home to the Government House, the City Hall, the Judicial Branch, and the Governor Emilio Civit Congress and Exhibition Center. Within the Government House is the Flag Room, where the banner carried by San Martín’s troops during the liberation of Chile is kept.

The visit ends at General San Martín Park, a vast 420-hectare (1037-acre) green space. After exploring its key landmarks, the ascent to Cerro de la Gloria reveals a monument to the Army of the Andes—an impressive sculpture by Uruguayan artist Juan Ferrari. From the summit, a sweeping panoramic view of Mendoza unfolds.

Day 2:
High mountain: A full-day excursion that traverses a remarkable range of landscapes—from the flatlands surrounding Mendoza city to the soaring peaks of the Andes, through winding valleys, river gorges, and remote mountain villages.

The journey begins in the city of Mendoza, following National Route 7 through a patchwork of vineyards and small farms. The road runs alongside the twisting Mendoza River, with the Cordón del Plata rising ahead, and gradually enters the foothills. The first stop is Potrerillos, a mountain village with weekend homes and striking views of the artificial lake created by the Potrerillos Dam.

The next stretch climbs toward Uspallata, a valley of shifting colors, varied rock formations, and numerous mountain tunnels. The well-known film Seven Years in Tibet was shot here.

The route continues through highland hamlets—Polvaredas, Punta de Vacas, Penitentes—before reaching Puente del Inca, a site of curious geological formations and natural hot springs. Nearby lie the remains of a historic thermal hotel built in 1917 and destroyed by an avalanche in 1965.

From this point, the Aconcagua comes into view—a distant sentinel over the landscape—as the road approaches Las Cuevas, near the Chilean border. Weather and road conditions permitting, a side track leads to the Christ the Redeemer monument, a striking symbol of peace perched high in the mountains.

The return follows the same paved route back to Mendoza. Departure is at 7:30 a.m., with return around 7:00 p.m. The excursion is suitable for all ages and does not require special gear—just warm clothing, as mountain temperatures remain low even in summer.

Day 3:
In the morning, free time to walk around the beautiful squares of Mendoza, the Sarmiento pedestrian street and the impressive Aristides Villanueva Avenue, with the gates of the Park as a background. In the afternoon, it is time to discover the Wine roads: This half-day tour offers a delightful introduction to the intricate world of fine wine production. Leaving the city behind, the route enters the heart of Argentina’s premier wine region—Maipú and Luján de Cuyo—where vineyards stretch across the landscape. Two top wineries open their doors to visitors: guided tours walk through the facilities, explaining each step of the winemaking process, followed by a tasting to appreciate the final product. The experience is rounded out with a visit to a nearby olive oil producer.

The final stop is the Church of La Carrodilla, declared a National Historic Monument and home to the beloved Patron Saint of the Vineyards. Her image, surrounded by stories, traditions, and local devotion, offers a glimpse into Mendoza’s spiritual and cultural roots. This excursion is suitable for all ages. The wineries visited vary depending on the day.