Located at the foot of the Andes, Mendoza is the home of Malbec. Yet, with endless wineries and diverse landscapes, planning a trip here can feel overwhelming. Don’t worry – I’ve been there. In this article, I’m sharing my curated recommendations for the city and wider region, helping you design the perfect trip without the stress.
Why I Recommend Visiting Mendoza
Mendoza was the first place I ever visited in Argentina. Landing on a short flight from Santiago, I didn’t imagine then that Argentina would one day become my home. Of course, Mendoza is world-famous because of Malbec. Even as prices have increased in Argentina over the last couple of years, excellent wine remains surprisingly affordable. But there’s more to Mendoza than just wine.
The city of Mendoza itself is beautiful – think charming plazas, interesting architecture and a laid-back vibe. The difference in pace compared to Buenos Aires is instantly noticeable. Meanwhile, travel further afield into the province of Mendoza, and you’ll find stunning vistas of endless vineyards lying peacefully at the foot of the Andes.
Even though I now live in Buenos Aires, I make a point of regularly visiting Mendoza. Sometimes I go just to enjoy a couple of days in the city – taking the time to enjoy some excellent restaurants (and wine of course), while on other occasions, I head to Valle de Uco and embrace the quietness of my surroundings anf the opportunity to visit some of the best wineries in the world.
The truth is, there are numerous ways to experience and enjoy Mendoza, and it’s easy to adapt your stay to maximise the things that matter most to you.
Getting There: Flights & Arrival
Getting to Mendoza is relatively easy. Mendoza airport serves both international and domestic flights. In fact, it’s even home to its own small vineyard! Getting to Mendoza from Buenos Aires takes around two hours, while it’s just one hour from Santiago. If you’re curious to know more about domestic flights in Argentina, I’ve written an article with more details, which I recommend taking a look at.
Mendoza airport is small and it can feel a bit congested during peak periods. There is a lounge available which I’ve previously reviewed. I’d recommend arriving at the airport at least 2 hours before departure.
Getting to and from the airport to the city is easy. I usually use either Uber or Cabify. As of April 2026, expect to pay around 15,000 Argentine pesos from the airport to the city centre (approx $11 / ยฃ8 / โฌ9) It takes around 25 minutes to reach the city from the airport depending on traffic.
Mendoza City: Worth Visiting?
The city of Mendoza is definitely worth a visit. Mendoza is famous for its grid of beautiful plazas. The main ones are Plaza Independencia (the largest), Plaza Italia, Plaza Espaรฑa, Plaza Chile, and Plaza San Martรญn. They’re all within easy walking distance of each other so I recommend visiting them all and deciding which is your favourite (mine is Plaza Espaรฑa).
To fully appreciate Mendoza, it’s worth adjusting your schedule a little. Although it’s a provincial capital, the pace is very chilled – and I really like this. Take the time to grab a relaxed coffee in the morning. I like finding somewhere with a spot to sit outdoors so I can enjoy the ambience of the city.
It’s also worth noting that Mendoza observes siesta. This means many businesses close between 1pm and 5pm. Of course, restaurants and bars remain open for lunch, but many shops won’t operate during these times.
As you might expect, Mendoza is home to many different wine shops and I highly recommend taking some time to browse if you’re into wine. You’ll find a variety of interesting options, and will no doubt discover a new favourite, or a couple of bottles to take home with you!
In the evening, it’s worth exploring Avenida Aristides Villanueva, heading towards Parque San Martรญn. Here, you’ll find many fun places to eat and drink. I recommend taking the time to try a few different options – it’s an energetic location to enjoy your evening.
Do You Need a Car in Mendoza?
Whether or not you need a car in Mendoza depends very much on the sort of trip you’re wanting, and exactly what you want to do during your visit. If you’re happy largely being based in the city and just visiting the nearby wineries, you can have a great experience in Mendoza and not need to rent a car. This is what I did on my first visit and I had a great time. If you don’t drive, or don’t want to drive for whatever reason, not renting a car shouldn’t put you off visiting Mendoza.
This said, if you really want to explore the Mendoza wine region to the fullest, I do recommend renting a car. This is because it’ll allow you to easily and flexibly explore wineries located further afield than the city – including Valle de Uco, which is approximately 100km away and home to some of Argentina’s most prestigious vineyards. In my opinion, the scenery and vibe of the area is more than worth it, if you’re able to make the trip.
Since the city of Mendoza itself is definitely worth spending a couple of nights exploring, you don’t necessarily need to rent a car for the entirety of your trip. You can use the money saved to enjoy some excellent dining experiences in the city!
Visiting Mendoza Without a Car: Lujรกn de Cuyo & Mendoza City
If you’re visiting Mendoza without a car, I’d recommend focussing on Lujรกn de Cuyo as well as the city of Mendoza itself. Lujรกn de Cuyo is an area just outside of the city, and is home to a number of different wineries. While the scenery is a little less dramatic than Valle de Uco, you can still visit some excellent vineyards and enjoy some very good tastings.
Personally, because Lujรกn de Cuyo is so close, I’d recommend basing yourself in the city of Mendoza itself. This way, you can enjoy a winery visit during the day, and then experience Mendoza’s vibrant restaurant and bar scene in the evening.
I strongly recommend booking your vineyard tour or wine tasting in advance. You can then either catch a local bus (it can be a bit of an adventure the first time, but a fun one!) or take a taxi or rideshare. If doing the latter, it can sometimes be difficult to find a trip back – so it’s worth being ready to take the bus back if you don’t manage.
Alternatively, you can also book a tour with transportation. This can be advantageous if you’re shorter on time, but a more expensive option.
Exploring Mendoza With a Car: Valle de Uco
With a car, you have the option to flexibly visit wineries beyond the city itself. In this case, I’d recommend basing yourself in Valle de Uco (Uco Valley). The scenery, authentic vibe, and world-class wineries make it well worth the journey. The main city in Valle de Uco is Tunuyรกn. It’s a small city with a population of 50,000. While there isn’t a huge amount to do there, it’s worth remembering if you need access to a supermarket, local shops, pharmacies or ATMs.
I’m usually a hotel person but Valle de Uco is an exception. With some research, you can find some amazing rentals – and they can be surprisingly affordable too. I enjoy being able to spend a lazy morning enjoying a coffee and light breakfast. I’ll then typically head out for a long and leisurely lunch at a winery. I’ll usually pair this with a tour or tasting. I really enjoy being able to wander through the vines, learn about the process and history of the place, then settle in for an afternoon of good food and wine. It’s a complete change of pace – and I love it!
In the evenings, I enjoy returning to my accommodation for some chill time. On the way, I’ll usually pop into a local pastelerรญa (bakery) to pick up fresh bread and perhaps something sweet. Then I’ll stop at a fiambrerรญa (Argentine delicatessen) for some cheeses, olives, and prosciutto.
Once I’ve arrived back at my accommodation, I’ll watch the sunset while putting together an easy, homemade charcuterie board – paired with a glass (or two) of wine from the winery I visited earlier. The quietness and tranquility are the perfect antidote to my normal city life in Buenos Aires (as much as I love it!).
Where to Stay in Mendoza
Mendoza City
In the city of Mendoza itself, there are a range of different accommodation options. In terms of location, consider Plaza Independencia as the heart of the city. Generally speaking, the closer your accommodation is to here, the better located you are. It means you’ll always be close enough to be able to easily visit all of the best places.
Options from major international hotel chains like Hilton and Ibis aren’t located well for the centre, so I’d typically prefer to choose somewhere else. Mendoza’s most prestigious hotel is the Park Hyatt. Grandly located next to Plaza Independencia, the Park Hyatt Mendoza boasts a beautiful exterior, while combining classic architecture with a modern extension. Unfortunately, this comes at a high price – rates for the cheapest room are usually above $200 per night. The Sheraton and NH hotels also offer a good location, and although typically cheaper than the Park Hyatt, they’re still on the pricier side.
Fortunately, many more affordable options also exist! While hotels can sometimes be a little dated or basic (so I recommend researching beforehand), you should usually be able to find good options in a great location for well under $100 per night. Of course, you’ll also find lots of self-catering and rental options in the city too – and again, I’d recommend choosing somewhere easily accessible to Plaza Independencia.
Outside the City
While the city has plenty of hotel options, once you venture out into the wine regions – particularly Valle de Uco – self-catering becomes the smarter choice. I think it allows you to get more from your stay and really feel the unique vibe of the area. Although it takes some time and research, you can find something for all budgets. I have a couple of favourites in particular – both with stunning views – and I love finding somewhere to stay that feels like a destination in itself.
Food & Wine: Experience the Best of Mendoza
By now, you have a good idea of the pace to expect in Mendoza. This philosophy feeds right through to wining and dining. The pace is always relaxed. The best way to fully enjoy this is to embrace it completely. If you’re in a hurry, this isn’t the place to be. That’s why I don’t advise over-filling your schedule. Rushing from winery to winery won’t allow you to fully absorb the experience – and less is definitely more.
Cuisine in Mendoza
The cuisine is quintessentially Argentine, with a huge focus on steak and the traditional asado, but also on fresh, local ingredients. Expect to find fresh breads, artisan olive oils, cured meats, sundried tomatoes, and roasted vegetables. It’s a true celebration of local produce. If you don’t eat meat, restaurants almost always have interesting vegetarian options. In general, there’s also good recognition of dietary conditions like Coeliac disease – but always make sure to mention any allergies when booking.
Mendoza is home to 5 Michelin-starred restaurants. One of these (Azafrรกn) is located in the city, while the others are just outside, including three in Lujรกn de Cuyo. Beyond these high-end venues, there are many creative dining experiences to enjoy. In the city, consider checking out the ‘menรบ ejecutivo’. Many restaurants offer this: a three-course fixed-menu lunch at a much more affordable price than dinner.
If you’re heading out to Valle de Uco or Lujรกn de Cuyo, I recommend planning lunch as the main meal of the day. This is because many wineries have their own restaurants, and lunch is often the primary focus. Menus usually feature multiple courses, or ‘pasos’. Expect a tasting experience, often with individual wine pairings for each plate. Prices can vary from around $30 to well over $100 depending on the venue. I’ve tried menus at all budgets and have enjoyed fantastic meals at both the cheaper and more expensive ends.
