Mendoza


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For other places with the same name, see Mendoza (disambiguation).

Mendoza is a city in western Argentina, in the desert Cuyo region. Mendoza is the center of the Argentinian wine industry, for which it is world renowned. It is also near the Aconcagua, the highest mountain outside of the Himalayas. Mendoza is the capital of the province of Mendoza.

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[edit] Get In

The bus terminal is about two kilometers from the city center. Taxis and remis (private taxis) are readily available (US$ 1-2 to the center).

There are daily bus connections to all major destinations including Bariloche and Santiago de Chile, a beautiful 8 hour bus ride crossing the Andes. Santiago de Chile is not always reachable by bus as the andes pass closes after the first heavy snow fall in the winter months, normally around late April.

Mendoza has a small airport, El Plumerillo (airport code MDZ), with flights to Buenos Aires and Santiago de Chile, but tickets are very expensive compared to bus fares.

Mendoza is a travel hub of sorts for Argentina, with connections to nearly every major city in the country.

Bus travel times to/from Mendoza:

In the winter, the mountain passes to Chile can be closed if weather is bad.

[edit] Climate

Summers are extremely hot and dry in the city. January is particularly hot; temperatures of 45C (113 F) are not uncommon. The nearby mountains are cool, though, even in the summer.

Winters are moderately cold in the city and very cold in the mountains. Many ski centers are located near Mendoza.

[edit] Information

Though it is situated in an extremely dry desert region, Mendoza has an extensive artificial irrigation system which allows greenery throughout the city, and the growth of the grapes used to make its famous wines. Most streets have irrigation channels on either side, with bridges for pedestrian and vehicular traffic. These are periodically flooded with water diverted from the river.

A useful tourist kiosk is located at Garibaldi y San Martín. Open from nine till nine, and English is spoken. They can provide information on many specific

Siesta (afternoon nap) is still taken in Mendoza. Most businesses close from approximately 1 PM until 4 PM, then re-open until about 9 PM.

[edit] See

  • Parque San Martín. This huge park is nice for walking or biking around. From Cerro de la Gloria there is a nice view over the city. There is also a zoo with animals in small cages.
  • Many bodegas (wineries) offer tours. Wine-tasting events are common; check the culture section of local newspapers or ask around. A good period to visit is during harvesting in March and April.
  • Festivals occur often and are usually free. Each has a different theme, and they usually have a stage with singing and dancing and booths that sell food around a plaza. The harvest festival at the end of February is a major event.

[edit] Buy

The wine is excellent and extremely inexpensive. Clothing tends to be fashionable and cheap for those paying in US dollars or Euros. Electronics are imported and thus expensive. Many unique home decor items are available at good prices. Leather goods are also readily available and inexpensive.

[edit] Eat

Good restaurants abound. Try world-famous Argentinian beef asado (roasted) from a parrilla (grill) restaurant, with a bottle of Mendoza's excellent wine. Mendoza's most famous varieties are the Malbecs from Maipú and Luján de Cuyo. Other good options are Cabernet Sauvignons and Merlots.

  • The Green Apple, Avenida Colón 458. A good vegetarian all-you-can-eat buffet.
  • La Casa de Ofelia, +54-0261-4990159, lacasadeofelia@gmail.com, [1]. Located in the peaceful valley of Lunlunta, this house is a perfect stop while you're visiting wineries and vineyards. Meals are prepared with traditional recipes and served personally by the house's owners. You can get the best specialties calling some days earlier to make a reservation.

[edit] Sleep

  • Damajuana, Av Arítides Villanueva 282, 0261-425858 (reservas@damajuanahostel.com.ar) [2]. Bit of a party hostel. With swimming pool and breakfast.
  • Campo Base, Av. Mitre 946, (54-261) 429-0707 (email: info@campo-base.com.ar) [3]. A hostel. Price for a dormbed Ar$15, HI-members Ar$ 10.
  • Hostel Lagares, Corrientes 213, (0054)261 423-4727 (lagareshostel@speedy.com.ar) [4]. A cozy hostel with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
  • Sol de Vistalba, +54-0261-4524757, soldevistalba@yahoo.com.ar, [5]. An amazing lodge with grate park, BBQ, swimming pool and wine tours.
  • Hostel Internacional Mendoza, Av. Espana 343, 0261-4240018, info@hostelmendoza.net, [6]. A very friendly and comfortable hostel, with excellent facilities. Also with great options for tours, including wine tours, horseback riding, rafting and excursions into the mountains.
  • Hostel Chimbas, Acc. Este y Cobos 92, (info@chimbashostel.com.ar), Beautiful hostel, charming owners. Approx. Ar$18. There is access to a pool, BBQ, brick oven, bike rental, and extensive excursion information.
  • <sleep name="Park Hyatt Mendoza, Hotel Casino & Spa"

address="Chile 1124" directions="in the centre of Mendoza" phone="+54 261 441 1234" email="phm-reservas@hyattintl.com" url="http://mendoza.park.hyatt.com" >The only 5 star hotel in the province. Host to Kaua Club & Spa and Regency Casino Mendoza.</sleep>

[edit] Get Out

  • Aconcagua - South America's highest peak Aconcagua provides trekking and climbing possibilities.
  • Wine tour - The nearby vineyards will let you taste wine if you show genuine interest. It's possible to do a tour by bike, but there are also fully organised tours going from Mendoza. [7]
  • Paragliding can be done in Mendoza every day of the year. Tours include a tandem flight of about 20 minutes with an experienced pilot. Costs are about 35 US$.
  • Many companies organize trekking expeditions, horseback riding, and whitewater rafting in the desert and mountains.
  • Mountain cabins in areas with spectacular scenery are easily rentable in the city. Check the classified ads in the newspaper.
  • Skiing is popular in the winter.
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