15 Tourist spots to discover Mendoza in depth

Discover the City of Mendoza in a day filled with flavors, history, and nature! Start your day with breakfast at places like Brod or Monono, or at one of the cafes on Colón Street, perfect for fueling up for a day of walking. Sarmiento Pedestrian Street, inaugurated in 1989 and home to historic buildings like the San Martín Passage, famous for its French stained glass windows, is a popular spot for shops, workers, and locals.

Continue your journey through Plaza Independencia, the city’s main square, and the perfect place to relax and watch the daily flow of people. From there, head to Central Park, a modern green space with playgrounds, an artificial lake, and a collective mural showcasing local artists' creativity.

For lunch, there are various options to suit all tastes on streets like Juan B. Justo, Arístides, or the Central Market, which host numerous spots to recharge. In the afternoon, explore the Paseo Alameda, a historic path lined with rose gardens and the San Martín House, where you can learn more about Argentina’s liberator.

End your day with dinner in Mendoza’s gastronomic areas. On Av. Belgrano, enjoy gourmet dishes; on Sarmiento, don’t miss the classic grill houses or some of the city’s top restaurants.

Tip: On Sarmiento Avenue, you’ll find Azafrán, one of Mendoza's Michelin-starred restaurants. Make sure to reserve ahead for a unique dining experience.

General San Martín Park is the green lung of Mendoza. Designed by French landscaper Carlos Thays, it is considered the largest artificial park in South America. It's the perfect place for sports activities and leisurely walks.

Within the park, you’ll find numerous cultural and artistic points of interest. The entrance gates are iconic, along with the Fountain of the Continents and the lake. Also noteworthy is the Cornelio Moyano Museum, an example of modern architecture in the rationalist style and a great spot for kids to learn more about local fauna and flora. The park also offers various dining options, such as cafes, craft breweries, juice bars, and ice cream trucks. Exploring the park can take several hours, so comfortable shoes and a map or GPS app are recommended.

Tip: You can find free walking tours throughout the year on the City of Mendoza's website.

Cerro de la Gloria is located within General San Martín Park. Its name was officially changed in 1913 to honor the Army of the Andes.

Reaching the summit is easy, with pedestrian paths (get ready to walk!) and paved roads for vehicles, with several viewpoints along the way. Parking is available for cars and buses, along with restrooms and a police station in the area.

At the top stands the Army of the Andes Monument, inaugurated in 1914 to commemorate General José de San Martín's crossing of the Andes. This work by sculptor Juan Manuel Ferrari features an equestrian statue of San Martín, surrounded by figures representing key moments of the independence campaign. The monument, standing 16 meters high, symbolizes the fight for freedom and is adorned with the crests of Argentina, Chile, and Peru.

Tip: There's a small food stall where you can enjoy a coffee and take panoramic photos of the surrounding mountains.

Chacras de Coria is a charming town located in the Luján de Cuyo department, named after the Coria family who arrived many years ago. Plaza Gerónimo Espejo, founded in 1902, is the heart of the town and honors a leader of the independence campaign alongside General San Martín.

The Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, inaugurated in 1935, is the town’s religious center, notable for its colonial style, and located around Espejo Square. The Paso de los Andes Station, opened in 1890 and closed in 1984, once connected Mendoza with Los Andes in Chile. Although a fire in 1950 destroyed much of its structure, its English-style architecture still stands and is being restored to become a cultural space.

Chacras de Coria’s historic center is filled with old mansions and murals by local artists. The Luján de Cuyo region is also home to many wineries, some offering boutique accommodation. Notable wineries include Clos de Chacras, Cruzat, Altavista, and Nieto Senetiner.

You might also like: 8 Boutique hotels to relax in Chacras de Coria

Tip: Sundays are great for visiting the artisan market around the square, where you’ll also find food stalls to make your weekend special. The area has many restaurants catering to all palates.

Cacheuta Hot Springs is an ideal destination for relaxation, located just 39 km from the City of Mendoza. Open year-round, the thermal water park offers access to over 10 pools filled with 100% thermal water. Highlights include stone pools, a 270-meter lazy river, and a wave pool with a 10-meter-high spray. The park also offers picnic areas with barbecue facilities.

For those seeking wellness, the Hotel & Spa Termas Cacheuta—also open year-round—offers hydrotherapy and treatments like mud therapy and dry saunas, available for guests 14 years and older. Visitors can opt for the Full Day TermaSpa experience, which includes a buffet lunch with traditional Argentine dishes. There is also an afternoon spa option, available from 3 to 6 p.m., for a relaxing getaway.

Tip: Mendoza can be hot towards the end of spring and throughout summer, so we recommend visiting the hot springs on cooler days. There’s a small village nearby with restaurants, shops, and cafes, perfect for a day trip to enjoy with a full belly, a happy heart, and a calm body.

Potrerillos is located west of Mendoza and is home to the Potrerillos Dam, a place of great beauty. The surrounding area features several mountain villages, such as Las Chacritas, El Carmelo, and Vallecitos, which offer weekend homes and camping, as well as options for hiking and rock climbing. Vallecitos is home to the oldest ski slope in the province and several mountain refuges. From there, you can access major peaks in the Cordón del Plata range, such as El Plata and Rincón.

Just 14 km along Route 89, you'll find Las Vegas, a small village nestled in a tree-lined valley, dominated by poplars. Additionally, 10 km from Potrerillos, the attractions of El Salto include its waterfall and the Calvary leading to the Christ of the Hill.

Potrerillos is ideal for adventure sports enthusiasts, offering activities like kitesurfing, paddle surfing, and kayaking. You can also enjoy rafting on the Mendoza River and have picnics in its scenic spots. The trip from Mendoza City takes approximately 1.5 hours by bus.

Local gastronomy includes options like El Origen de I, Las Palapas, El Sultan Café, Hansel y Gretel, Cervecería Jerome, Los Negritos Bodegón de Montaña, Tomillo, Castillo de las Brujas, La Charamusca, and La Sandía Parador, among others, perfect for enjoying after a day of activities.

Fun fact: Vallecitos is home to the oldest ski slope in the province. And for coffee lovers, El Sultán Café offers specialty coffee, where you can try various coffee beans prepared using different methods. Additionally, the owner prepares traditional Middle Eastern pastries, and we highly recommend the baklava cheesecake.

Uspallata is a town steeped in history. It is a must-stop when heading to Chile, located in the Las Heras department. It has also been a stop on the route to Aconcagua Park and Puente del Inca. Its surroundings offer a unique experience with colorful and stunning landscapes.

You might also be interested in: Marañón Art Park, a sculpture garden in the Uspallata Valley

In Uspallata, you can visit the Sanmartinian Vaults, where you can explore the history connected to San Martín’s expedition and the region’s strategic importance. Then, the Cerro de los Siete Colores amazes visitors with a spectacle of different hues that seem hand-painted. Art lovers can visit the Marañón Park with its magnificent sculptures. The Picheuta Bridge, of colonial origin, contrasts human engineering with the surrounding nature, making it an ideal photo spot. Continuing on, Cerro Tunduqueral reveals ancient cave paintings that attest to the presence of ancestral cultures. Finally, San Alberto offers a glimpse into the area’s rural life, where tranquility reigns.

Fun fact: Uspallata was a filming location for the movie Seven Years in Tibet, which has increased its popularity. It’s perfect for walking with a camera in hand to capture its natural beauty.

Puente del Inca is an impressive natural monument in the province and a protected area near the town of the same name. This geological phenomenon is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

There are several legends about its creation, the most captivating being the one that tells the story of an heir to the Inca Empire. Suffering from paralysis, his father brought him from Cusco in search of a cure. To cross the river, the warriors formed a human bridge, and upon looking back, they turned to stone, giving birth to the bridge. This stunning place attracts tourists seeking to enjoy its beauty.

Fun fact: The thermal waters were once considered healing, making it an important destination in pre-Columbian America. Today, it remains one of the most popular tourist destinations in the province.

If you're looking for a destination that combines breathtaking landscapes with a touch of history, Aconcagua Provincial Park is the place to be. Just 185 kilometers from Mendoza, this park spans 65,690 hectares and is home to the giant of the Andes: Mount Aconcagua, towering at an impressive 6,962 meters. It’s the highest peak in the Western Hemisphere!

But it's not just about climbing. This place is a feast for the senses, with peaks that surpass 5,000 meters and views that will take your breath away. There are trails like Plaza de Mulas (4,370 m) and Confluencia (3,410 m), where you can enjoy incredible panoramas without facing extreme cold.

Besides being a paradise for climbers, Aconcagua holds great cultural value. It was a ceremonial site for the Incas and is part of the famous “Qhapaq Ñan,” an Inca road declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The name "Aconcagua" is believed to come from Quechua, meaning "Stone Sentinel," or from Aymara, where it might translate to "Snowy Mountain."

The biodiversity here is impressive, with guanacos, pumas, foxes, and the majestic Andean condor soaring through the skies. The park's glaciers feed rivers and create unique ecosystems.

Tip: You can find complete information on the park’s circuits online. The grandeur of the Andes awaits you!

Located 50 km from the city of Mendoza, Villavicencio Nature Reserve spans 62,000 hectares in the Las Heras department. This protected area is home to species like guanacos, pumas, and condors. Fourteen percent of the land is allocated for controlled use, while 8% is under maximum protection, safeguarding flora such as chañar and various cacti.

The thermal hotel at Villavicencio is known for its façade, surrounded by mountains and forest. A tourist circuit with numbered stations allows visitors to access information about each location and complete a comprehensive tour.

Within the reserve is Villavicencio Park, an outdoor space offering activities like treetop climbing, 4x4 rides leading to panoramic viewpoints, including the highest point, the Paramillo Cross. There's a mini-park for kids, as well as bike paths and zip lines. The park also boasts an extreme zipline, promoted as the longest on the continent.

Tip: Tickets for the reserve can be purchased on their official website, and for Villavicencio Park as well.

The wine tour in Mendoza is a fun experience that lets visitors dive into the culture of Argentine wine, highlighting the importance of this region as one of the most renowned worldwide. Starting in Luján de Cuyo, Maipú, and the Uco Valley, tourists have the chance to explore various wineries that combine tradition and modernity in wine production. Throughout the tour, you can learn about the winemaking process, from grape harvest to bottling, while enjoying tastings of signature varietals like Malbec, Argentina’s emblematic grape.

You might also be interested in: The 10 Best Winery Restaurants in Maipú

The mountainous surroundings, with the imposing Andes as a backdrop, offer spectacular views. Many tours also include pairings with local cuisine, making each visit a celebration of flavors.

Fun fact: There's a Wine Bus, a shared tourist transport service that operates on a Hop-On, Hop-Off basis, starting from Mendoza City with 25 fixed stops, including Guaymallén, Maipú, and Luján de Cuyo. It offers eight weekly departures to tour the Wine Roads and enjoy gastronomic experiences. A bilingual coordinator on board helps passengers plan their visits to wineries.

Tip: Enjoy good wine while pedaling on a collective bike cart. It’s called WineBeetle, where fun and fine wine combine. Find all the info on their website.

Uco Valley is one of the most visited landscapes in Mendoza, composed of the San Carlos, Tunuyán, and Tupungato departments, not just for its beauty but also because it’s the area with the most wineries. Here, Tupungato Mountain reigns supreme, offering a landscape that looks like a postcard.

In Tupungato, you can explore the picturesque Cerrillos route and enjoy the views from the Cristo Rey lookout. In San Carlos, trekking trails like the Old Route 40, Casas Viejas, Calise, and Altamira await for an outdoor adventure. Tunuyán doesn’t lag behind, with natural attractions like Campanario Lagoon and the Historic Manzano, perfect for exploration.

And when it comes to flavors, the valley’s gastronomic route is a must: bars, cafes, ice cream shops, and restaurants offering local delicacies. Don’t miss visiting renowned wineries like Clos de los Siete and Salentein, where you can take tours and enjoy tastings.

Tourist tip: We’ve left you this PDF with a complete travel guide for Uco Valley, including maps and tourism circuit schemes—click here.

Northeast of the province of Mendoza lies Lavalle, a department rich in cultural diversity and historical memory. Lavalle stands out for its significant productive potential, encompassing everything from agriculture to craftsmanship, merging production with a rich cultural heritage. This department is not only an important agricultural hub but also a tourist destination that invites visitors to explore its traditions and customs. Lavalle presents itself as a space where the work of the land and creative hands unite, creating a special bond between local products and the surrounding culture.

Tip: We recommend visiting Finca Cosmos, which follows biodynamic agricultural principles. It features a craft winery, an area dedicated to making juices, jams, and preserves. Thanks to the diversity of medicinal and aromatic plants grown there, it also has a natural cosmetics laboratory.

A hidden gem in Mendoza, Malargüe offers a variety of natural and cultural wonders. The La Payunia Provincial Reserve stands out for its stunning volcanic landscapes, ideal for adventure lovers. The Caverna de Las Brujas, with its unusual rock formations, invites you to explore its mysterious interior.

Another magical spot is Laguna de la Niña Encantada, where turquoise waters and natural surroundings create a dreamlike atmosphere. Pozo de las Ánimas adds a touch of mysticism to the visit. For those seeking relaxation, Cajón Grande Hot Springs are set in a serene environment.

The Pehuenche Observatory allows for stargazing, while Las Leñas attracts ski and winter sports enthusiasts. Finally, the Pierre Auger Observatory is a reference point for astrophysics research, making Malargüe a diverse destination.

Tip: Malargüe hosts an annual event known as the "Night of the Stars," where amateur and professional astronomers gather to observe the sky. Another fun fact is that every February, the National Goat Festival is celebrated.

San Rafael is a destination that combines landscapes with outdoor activities. The journey begins at the Atuel Canyon, and nearby, the Los Reyunos Dam is perfect for water sports and enjoying the natural surroundings. Another highlight is the Valle Grande Dam, with picnic areas and recreational activities.

The Borges Labyrinth, inspired by Argentine writer Jorge Luis Borges, is a place where visitors can get lost among its paths. Continuing the exploration, Valle Hermoso presents itself as a paradise for hiking, surrounded by mountains and varied flora. To finish, El Sosneado Hot Springs is an oasis of relaxation with its therapeutic thermal waters.

Tip: San Rafael is a standout destination on Mendoza's Gastronomic Routes, offering a wide culinary selection with over 80 establishments ranging from popular restaurants to grills and teahouses. Enjoy tasty dishes like goat, grilled ribs, meat pies, or the popular fried cakes.