30 Unmissable experiences in Mendoza

La Central is located on a corner where the sidewalks seem much wider and are occupied with small tables and school cafeteria chairs. It's an ideal place to try small dishes and share. You'll find innovative combinations and pairings that you might not have known could work, like eggplants with chimichurri or tomato ceviche. The vermouth menu takes up a whole page and is served with soda siphon at the table.

Pro Tip: Try asking the server to recommend a drink from the menu; they surely won't disappoint.

Where: Av. Bartolomé Mitre 794.

A day without visiting a winery in Mendoza is a day wasted. If you're looking to enjoy nature and fresh air, Estancia San Ignacio could be a good option. It's located in the pre-Andes, about 40 minutes from the city. You can go horseback riding, trekking, and mountain biking. The visit culminates with a countryside barbecue under the shade of trees.

Where: Los Álamos, Colonia Papagayos s/n.

Mendoza not only has some of the world's best wines but also the best olive oils. Laur was founded in 1889 and has been chosen three times as number one by EVOO World Ranking. Did you know there are different types of olive oil? The guided tour of Laur includes tasting, a tour of the factory, and a journey into the past to learn how this indispensable companion to salads and other preparations was made.

Fun Fact: Laur also has an acetaia where the only southern hemisphere vinegar certified by the Modena Consortium is made.

Where: Videla Aranda 2850, Cruz de Piedra.

In recent years, Mendoza has become the chosen destination for bachelor and bachelorette parties, or just for a night out. A winery/garage that turns into a party? That's La Finquita 1920. Especially in summer or spring, it hosts sunsets where the protagonist is music and groups of friends. It's the perfect combination for the 30+: good music, drinks, and an outdoor dance floor (imagine going dancing without suffering from heat or overcrowding?).

Where: RP 89 s/n. Km 14, Los Árboles, Tunuyán.

A good way to choose which winery to visit in Mendoza is by considering the hidden gems they hold. The barrel room at Salentein Winery is undoubtedly a reason to spend a few hours there. It's a round room surrounded by stands with a piano in the center. "Does anyone know how to play?" the guide often asks during each visit and then improvises a concert. According to legend, the waves of the instrument activate and move the wine resting in the wooden barrels.

Where: RP 89 s/n. Km 14, Los Árboles, Tunuyán.

Driving on RN 7, crossing the stone arch that connects Cacheuta with the lake perimeter, and seeing the dam in the background is one of the most beautiful sights you can take away from Mendoza. Although it's not an area with many tourist services, it can be a nice walk to enjoy nature and some mate with panoramic views.

Fun Fact: A must-stop on the way is Cacheuta Hot Springs.

Where: accessed via RP 82, about 100 km from the city of Mendoza.

Scenery, good wines, a relaxed atmosphere, and different gastronomy seem like enough reasons to visit a winery. A gravel road leads to a kind of kiosk where there is music, disruptive decor, and a library where books give way to wines. The menu comes directly from the vegetable garden that precedes the vineyard. There's plenty of green space awaiting those who want to take a nap after lunch.

Where: Callejón de La Reta 750, Luján de Cuyo.

When it comes to awards and recognition, this restaurant has been on several lists among the "best in the world". Recommended by the Michelin Guide and by Great Wine Capitals, its star dish is dry-aged meat, although its menu is extensive. Its floor-to-ceiling curtains and high-back chairs give it an elegant atmosphere.

Pro Tip: Tour the winery dating back to 1922, which is a Cultural Heritage of Mendoza.

Where: Av. de Acceso Este 1360, Guaymallén.

Mendoza is not only synonymous with wines but also with gastronomy. This place is like stepping into an old-fashioned grocery store, but outdoors and in a place surrounded by mountains. There are tables resting under vines and twinkling lights that give it a special touch. The menu changes color according to the season because it is based on the vegetables available at different times of the year. There's a three-course menu and an à la carte option.

Where: Germania 2004, Vistalba.

It's a place you must visit at least once in your lifetime. Zuccardi Winery, in Valle de Uco, is simply stunning: from the views from the parking lot of its metal dome to its tasting room and the landscape of Valle de Uco where you can have lunch at its restaurant. Chosen three times as the "Best winery in the world", each of its spaces makes visitors feel like they're in the Hollywood of wines.

Where: Cosca Canal Uco s/n, Paraje Altamira, San Carlos.

When discussing the destination for the "best of the world" in terms of wines, we cannot exclude the largest aroma room on the planet. It's the crown jewel of this place and what perhaps makes another winery visit worthwhile. It's a room surrounded by 46 acrylic boxes where aromas commonly associated with different wines are "stored." Guessing which descriptor each aroma corresponds to is something that naturally occurs with every group.

Where: Cobos 8260, Agrelo, Luján de Cuyo.

Every city has an avenue worth visiting for its history. Walking along its wide sidewalks, stopping at the facades peeking out behind charming railings, and reaching the entrance of General San Martín Park is a lovely way to enjoy Mendoza. Chalet Graffigna, with its dome; the Stoppel Mansion (now Carlos Alonso Museum); and the Casa Arenas, facing the park, are some of the must-see stops.

Where: Emilio Civit Avenue.

Buenos Aires has its Thames, Córdoba its Achával Rodríguez, and Mendoza its Arístides, likely among the streets with the most restaurants and bars per capita in the country. It's the ideal choice for craft beer lovers, fine dining in a relaxed atmosphere, or those who simply want to stroll at night and see the city come to life.

Where: Arístides Villanueva, Downtown.

It's a hidden gem in the heart of the city, housing a market of local artists, a café, and a colonial patio within its walls. The mansion is over 100 years old and was built by a Spanish architect. There are Mendoza design items to take home as souvenirs, and delicious brunches to enjoy in the shade of the trees.

A highlight: the Spanish tiles decorating the patio.

Where: San Lorenzo 351, Downtown.

Of the more than 80 squares in Mendoza, this is undoubtedly the most beautiful. Located in the heart of the city, it's famous for its tiles and even made headlines in the media for the "brightness" of its tiles. In the center of the square, there's a monument representing both the European country and Argentina.

A must-visit: make a stop at Ethiopia barista-bike, a specialty coffee spot on one side of the square.

Where: San Lorenzo 127, Downtown.

It's a restaurant that, as its name suggests, is "glorious." The recipes are like traveling back in time to any grandmother's house: potato omelet, gratinated Milanese, spinach gnocchi. The place, its decor, and its walls with photogenic phrases give it a modern and cool touch. It has a market with wines, preserves, and even kitchen items.

A gem: their Swiss chard fritters (not always on the menu).

Where: Mitre 1541, Chacras de Coria.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, a Natural Monument, and a former abandoned hotel. It's striking for its yellow and ocher colors, which are said to be from the water minerals surrounding it, which is about 34 degrees. At some point, it could be crossed, but today it can only be seen from a few meters away. Around it, some families offer handicrafts.

A highlight: RN 7 is a must-see drive from the Capital city to Aconcagua Provincial Park.

Where: on RN7, 193 km from Mendoza, Las Heras.

You can practically find this Mendoza postcard in any kiosk across the country. In the heart of the Andean foothills and with over 60 thousand hectares, this landscape becomes a reality. The reserve has several trails for hiking, guided tours of the old hotel (which currently doesn't function as such), and even an adventure park.

A recommendation: you can download the reserve's app and do the entire tour on a self-guided basis.

Where: RP 52, KM 51, Las Heras.

It's a different and fun way to explore vineyards in Mendoza. It's a kind of bus with facing seats where each passenger has their own pedals. In the center, there's a sort of plank where a snack is served to taste while you ride. The route stops at several wineries where some wines are tasted. It's ideal for meeting people. Lunch can be arranged at the end of the circuit.

Where: For more information on Wine Beetle circuits, call +54 261 716-4839.

In the heart of the city, a few meters from Plaza Independencia, a red star has been shining for a few months. Like the Three Wise Men following the star to Bethlehem, thousands of gastronomy lovers follow it to verify if the rigor of the Michelin Guide remains intact. The experience at Azafrán is just one more confirmation. Sebastián Weigandt shines in a menu where local flavors predominate. It's a menu that enters through the eyes, passes through the nose, and conquers the palate.

Where: Sarmiento 765, Downtown.

Biking and train rides at the same time? The passion for railways led a group of friends to want to use the disused tracks. Thus, they created this form of transportation which consists of bikes adapted with a chassis that move along the paths where the wheels of the wagons used to turn. It's a 5-kilometer journey through warehouse yards and estates in Chacras de Coria.

Where: Hipólito Yrigoyen 512, Maipú.

What do wine and the Divine Comedy have in common? Perhaps nothing, or perhaps everything when you step through the stained glass door that welcomes visitors to this winery in Maipú. As a tribute to an Italian grandfather who used to recite verses from Dante Alighieri's work, this place will take you on a journey where everything you see won't be what it seems.

A must-see: their underground cellar, or "Hell".

Where: Videla Aranda 7008, Maipú.

We could say it's Mendoza's equivalent to Retiro due to its size and the number of attractions it houses. It's the oldest park in the province and the largest on the continent. One of its highlights is the enormous gates at the entrance, purchased in Glasgow and transported to Mendoza by train. The Rose Garden, the Cerro de la Gloria, the Fountain of the Continents, and the Frank Romero Day Amphitheater are some of its attractions.

Where: Av. Emilio Civit 731, Centro.

Waking up, opening your room's window, and having thousands of hectares of vineyards at your feet must be one of Mendoza's most exclusive experiences. This boutique hotel has rooms with private terraces "suspended" in the air and an authentic "hamam", a type of Turkish spa with steam rooms, exfoliation rooms, and a "gobek tasi", a hot stone for lying down and releasing toxins. It was recognized with a "Tourism Oscar".

Where: Guardia Vieja 1998, Vistalba, Luján de Cuyo.

It's a complex of thermal pools with the Andes Mountains in the background. It has two sections: the thermal park and the hotel with a spa. We recommend the latter if the idea is to relax and avoid overcrowded places.

Fun fact: Thermal water also comes out of the room faucets. It offers all-inclusive service.

Where: RP 82, KM 38, Luján de Cuyo.

Starting on the road and heading south of Mendoza is the ideal plan for adventure lovers. Impressive landscapes and water activities, such as rafting or kayaking in the Atuel rapids, can be a good idea to avoid vineyards and wineries for a day. The route is a destination in itself: it takes you through Valle Grande and El Nihuil, two unique postcards.

Where: It's 319 kilometers south of Mendoza on RP 173.

It's an old mansion hidden in the Uco Valley belonging to a traditional family of Mendoza. It is preserved in perfect condition with its original materials brought from Europe. It functions as lodging and offers activities during the day such as horseback riding, wine tastings, 4x4 trips, and countryside lunches with products from the estate itself. A detail: all spaces in the castle are like art rooms with tapestries, works, and books worth paying attention to. They only receive visitors by prior reservation.

Where: RP 89, KM 1-6, Tupungato.

Since the release of "Alive" on Netflix, many tourists want to visit the place where the Uruguayan plane crashed. From Mendoza, you can take a three-day horseback ride, which involves spending two nights in a mountain refuge. It's about 3 hours on horseback daily with specialized guides. The memorial site is at about 3,600 meters above sea level and has a very particular energy.

Where: There are several companies that do this, usually departing from El Sosneado.

While the brands in this shopping center don't vary much from others in the country, the novelty is that it's an open-air mall. Among palm trees and green spaces, there are stores and over 30 gastronomic spaces ranging from fast food to top-notch restaurants like Chachingo by Casa Vigil.

Where: Av. San Martín Sur, 2875, Godoy Cruz.

On the tenth floor of one of the most well-known buildings in Mendoza, there is a space where good cocktails and panoramic views of the city come together. With brutalist and Art Deco architecture, its ambiance is complemented with a central bar, velvet curtains, crystal chandeliers, and dim lighting. A detail: it has no sign on the door, so visitors will have to show their reservation in the building's lobby and take an elevator to the terrace.

Where: Garibaldi 7, floor 10, Centro.