Heading to Mendoza and not sure how to spend your time? You’re in good hands!
Mendoza sits at the foot of the Andes Mountains and is home to some of the best views on the planet. We’ve been lucky enough to visit multiple times, and honestly, it’s pretty hard to beat. There’s just something about the people, the food, and that relaxed Argentinian atmosphere that makes it one of our absolute favorite cities to visit in South America.
To help you make the most of your stay, we’ve put together this 3-day itinerary covering the highlights based on what we loved most during our trips. Ready to fall in love with Mendoza? Let’s get to it!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did in Mendoza was this luxury wine tour! We visited three stunning Uco Valley wineries, tasted incredible Malbecs, and enjoyed a delicious gourmet lunch with wine pairings—all without worrying about driving.
Itinerary Overview
Mendoza’s city center is super walkable, but you’ll still need some form of transportation if you want to head up to the mountains or wineries. Renting a car from the airport is definitely an option, since finding parking is surprisingly easy in Mendoza. But if you’re planning on doing a bit of wine tasting (like we did), it’s best to rely on Uber, tours, and public transit to get around the city and surrounding areas.
With that in mind, here’s a transportation-savvy itinerary that lets you see the sights and have a sip or two of Argentina’s finest Malbec:
- Day 1: Join a full-day wine tour in the Uco Valley with tastings and a gourmet winery lunch, then spend the evening eating and drinking your way along Avenida Arístides Villanueva.
- Day 2: Take a stroll through the city’s plazas and parks in the morning or opt for a guided bike ride to explore more ground, grab lunch at Mercado Central, visit a local museum, then head into the Andes foothills for a sunset horseback ride and traditional asado (BBQ) with gauchos.
- Day 3: Take a day trip to Aconcagua Provincial Park in the Andes, followed by rooftop drinks at sunset and a final Michelin-approved dinner.
Day 1
Full Day – Go Wine Tasting
We recommend kicking things off with this luxury wine tour. It runs from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm and includes hotel pickup, which we loved because we didn’t have to figure out directions or worry about driving.
On the tour itself, you’ll visit three premium wineries in the Uco Valley, where you’ll get to sample some seriously good Malbecs and see the vineyards up close. The tour also includes a five-course gourmet lunch at one of the wineries, with wine pairings. We tried dishes like grilled lamb with chimichurri and fresh burrata with tomatoes, and each course somehow outdid the last.
I always recommend doing this tour on your first day because it’s such an easy, immersive introduction to the region. You’ll be able to get your bearings and learn a bit about Mendoza’s culture, all without stressing about transportation or planning. Plus, you’ll likely meet other travelers in your small group (we had just 8 in ours!), and there’s a good chance you’ll make a few friends that you can meet up with later in your trip.
If you’re looking for something a bit more personalized, there’s also a private option that starts at 9 am and runs for six hours and includes the same convenient hotel pickup. We loved the social vibe of the small-group tour, but either way, you really can’t go wrong—just take a look at the HUNDREDS of five-star reviews backing it up!
This one fills up fast—book your spot early so you don’t miss out!
Dinner/Evening – Avenida Arístides Villanueva
After your tour, head back to your hotel to rest and freshen up before the evening begins. Around sunset, make your way to Avenida Arístides Villanueva, Mendoza’s lively main street lined with shops, restaurants, cafés, boutiques, and live music venues. As the sun goes down, the whole area starts to buzz, making it the perfect spot to unwind with great food and a relaxed atmosphere.
If you want a drink before or after dinner, hit up Chachingo Arístides, a craft brewery with a solid beer selection. For dinner, we loved Che Picadas for classic Argentinian food, especially their generous platters of picadas (cured meats, cheese, and olives served with fresh bread). We ordered a large platter to share, and it was more than enough for two people.
If you can’t get Che Picades, don’t worry! There are sooooo many good options around Avenida Arístides Villanueva that you really can just walk around and see what you find. You won’t be disappointed!
Related Read: Want to compare more top-rated wine tours? Check out our guide to the best Mendoza wine tours here to find your perfect match.
Day 2
Morning – Explore Mendoza
On day 2, we’d love for you to spend the full morning exploring the city at your own pace by foot or local transport. Mendoza is full of beautiful plazas and parks, so take some time to wander around, grab a coffee, and don’t forget to bring your camera!
Here are a few of the top spots worth stopping by:
Plaza Independencia
Start your morning in Plaza Independencia, the heart of Mendoza’s city center. It’s the largest and liveliest of the city’s five connected plazas, and we loved it because there’s always something going on, like a market or street performance.
From there, take a stroll to the four smaller plazas that surround it: Plaza Chile, Plaza Italia, Plaza España, and Plaza San Martín. Each has its own personality.
Plaza España is beautifully tiled with Spanish-style charm, while Plaza Italia celebrates Mendoza’s Italian roots with statues and sculptures. We spent about an hour just wandering from one to the other, and it was the perfect way to start the day.
At some point, you’ll want to settle in at a café. We loved Chiamo for the coffee (they make a killer cortado), but El Patio Café totally won us over with its cozy vibe and genuinely amazing food! We tried their avocado toast and medialunas (Argentinian croissants), and both were delicious. Just keep in mind they’re both closed on Sundays, so make sure to plan ahead.
Parque General San Martín
Next, walk over to Parque General San Martín, one of the biggest and most famous parks in all of Argentina. It’s huge, so you probably won’t have time to see all of it, but the Rose Garden is a must-see, especially when it’s in full bloom. We once visited in November (spring in Argentina), and the roses were absolutely stunning.
If you’ve got any energy left after exploring the gardens, head up to Cerro de la Gloria to see the massive monument and a fantastic viewpoint overlooking Mendoza. The climb is a bit steep, but the views are worth it!
Lunch at Mercado Central
Plan to get to Mercado Central by 11-11:30 am. This is Mendoza’s main market, and it’s the real deal. You’ll find fresh produce, local cheeses, and all kinds of street food. This is the perfect spot to grab a casual, delicious lunch and really experience Mendoza like a local.
We tried choripan from one of the vendors near the entrance, and it was some of the best we’ve had in Argentina. Don’t skip the fresh fruit stands either; the grapes here are incredible (no surprise, given you’re in wine country!).
Afternoon – Visit a Museum
After lunch, you’ve got a few hours to kill before your evening tour, which is the perfect amount of time to check out one of Mendoza’s museums. They’re small but interesting, and you’re guaranteed to learn something new about the city and the Cuyo region.
Here are three spots we recommend:
- Museo Nacional del Vino y la Vendimia: All about the history of winemaking in Mendoza. We loved this museum because it really explains how Mendoza became the wine capital of Argentina, with old winemaking equipment and historical photos. An absolute must if you’re into wine.
- Museo del Área Fundacional: Learn about the massive earthquake that destroyed the city in 1861 and the incredible story of how it was rebuilt. We found the ruins of the old city foundation fascinating, and it gives you a real appreciation for Mendoza’s resilience.
- Museum of Modern Art of Mendoza Municipality (MMAMM): Located under Plaza Independencia, and a must if art is your thing! We only spent about 30 minutes here (it’s pretty small), but we really loved the rotating exhibitions.
Evening: Enjoy a Sunset Horseback Ride
In the evening, we recommend heading into the foothills of the Andes for this sunset horseback ride. This was hands-down one of the coolest things we did in Mendoza, and we couldn’t stop talking about it afterwards!
The tour conveniently picks you up from your hotel around 5 pm and takes you out to a local ranch about 20 minutes outside the city. Once there, you’ll saddle up for roughly two hours of horseback riding with gauchos (Argentinian cowboys) through the hills while the sun sets over the mountains. As you can probably imagine, the views on this tour are absolutely stunning!
If you’re a new horse rider, don’t worry. The horses are super calm, and the gauchos are incredibly patient.
After the ride, you’ll gather around for a traditional Argentinian asado; think grilled meats, hearty sides, and of course, plenty of local wine. You’ll return to your hotel with a full belly and a camera roll full of memories. We got back around 9 pm, completely wiped out (in a good way!) and still buzzing from one of the most memorable nights of our trip. Trust us, the five-star reviews are there for a reason!
Book this sunset horseback ride in advance here to secure your spot!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
Day 2 Alternate Option
If you’d rather experience more of Mendoza’s wine region on the second day, we recommend swapping the morning city tour for a bike ride through the nearby town of Maipú (just a 20-minute drive from Mendoza). It’s a lot flatter and quieter than the city, which makes it perfect for cycling.
Once you arrive in Maipú, you’ll need to rent a bike. There are plenty of options around the main wine route, but we absolutely loved the team at Maipu Bikes Rental Bikes. They not only give you a bike and a helmet, but they also provide a map with suggested routes with wineries along the way. We really enjoyed being able to explore at our own pace and spend as much time as we wanted at each winery.
If you do opt for this alternative option on day 2, make sure to give yourself at least four hours so you can really take your time at each stop. Bike rentals cost $10 USD, with pickup available anytime between 10 am and 2:30 pm, but we recommend heading out as early as possible so you have plenty of time to return your bike and head back to your hotel before your evening horseback tour.
Day 3
Full day – Visit Aconcagua Provincial Park
On your final day, you’re heading for the mountains, and we can’t recommend this small-group day trip to the Andes enough. It takes you hiking into Aconcagua National Park, where you’re rewarded with dramatic mountain views and a classic Argentine asado to cap it off.
The tour runs from around 8:30 am to 4:30 pm and includes hotel pickup and morning tea or coffee to get things started. Once you get moving, you’ll travel along a scenic highway in a minibus, following the historic route that connects Argentina and Chile. We loved this tour because our guide shared so much insight about the region, including stories about how the Andes were formed and the famous crossing by the Argentine liberator José de San Martín.
The main destination is Aconcagua Provincial Park, home to the highest peak in the Americas. This tour is actually one of the only tours allowed to enter the park, which made the whole experience feel so special. Once you’re inside, you’ll take an easy hike (about 30 minutes each way) to a viewpoint where you can see the snow-capped peak of Aconcagua. We snapped a few photos here, but we mostly just stood in awe for a good ten minutes.
On the way back, you’ll stop at Puente del Inca and Uspallata for a well-earned lunch before heading back toward Mendoza. We arrived back at our hotel around 5:30 pm, tired, happy, and already scrolling through our photos. Definitely save this for your last day in Mendoza. It’s the perfect grand finale!
Reserve your spot here and make your final day in the Andes one to remember!
Evening – El Faro Bistro
After your full-day tour, take some time to rest at your hotel before heading out for your final evening in Mendoza. Trust us, you’ll want to freshen up and recharge before this one!
Then, start your evening at El Faro Bistro, a fantastic rooftop bar that we absolutely loved. Head there around sunset (usually between 7:30 and 8 pm, depending on the season) to snag a good table with views over the city. The bartenders are super friendly and knowledgeable about the area, and they’ll happily recommend something good off the menu if you’re not sure what to order.
Watching the sun set over the Andes with a glass of Malbec from a nearby vineyard is the perfect way to wind down after a long day in the mountains.
Dinner – Anna Bistró
For dinner, make your way to Anna Bistró, which is just a 15 to 20-minute walk or a 5-minute Uber ride from El Faro.
This beautiful restaurant is recommended by the Michelin guide and offers incredible French-Argentinian cuisine in a charming, intimate setting. We tried the duck confit and the beef tenderloin, and both were cooked to absolute perfection. The wine list is extensive, and the staff really knows their stuff, so don’t hesitate to ask for pairing recommendations.
The restaurant itself is located on Avenida Arístides, so you’ll recognize the area from your first night in Mendoza. It’s a popular spot with locals and tourists, so making a reservation is definitely a good idea, especially on weekends. We booked ours a day in advance, and it made for a simple and delicious way to cap off our trip.
Related Read: Want even more great ideas for your trip? Check out our full guide to the best things to do in Mendoza for additional tours, hidden gems, and can’t-miss experiences.
Where to Stay in Mendoza
With endless things to do (and glasses of wine to drink!), you’ll need a place to stay in Mendoza to experience it all. And with so many accommodation options, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. Let me help you narrow it down to my top three pics for budget, mid-range, and luxury travelers to make things easier!
Park Hyatt Mendoza Hotel – $$$
The Park Hyatt Mendoza Hotel is a 5-star hotel right in front of Independencia Square in a really impressive building. It’s just as nice inside with stylish, elegant décor in all the bright and spacious rooms. There are also 3 restaurants, a casino, and a spa.
The “standard” room has a king-size bed, walk-in shower, large bathtub, and flat-screen TV. You can opt for city or mountain views – both are great options! There’s also a nice pool and gym facility to enjoy. You can book a stay for around $300 – $500 USD . Book a room here today!
Diplomatic Hotel – $$
The Diplomatic Hotel offers a touch of luxury without the Hyatt price tag. We loved the rooftop pool and bar, which has some of the best views in the city. The rooms are spacious and modern, and it’s located in a great, central area that’s a bit quieter than right on the main plaza. It’s a fantastic choice for couples or anyone wanting a comfortable stay that’s close to all the action.
Rooms go for around $180 to $380 USD per night, and you can check out the current prices and lock in your stay on Booking.com.
Hotel Nutibara – $
Mid-range travelers will love the convenience of the downtown location of Hotel Nutibara. Simply walk out the doors and start exploring or find a great restaurant. The rooms are simple, but have everything you need. A huge plus is the private outdoor swimming pool!
Rooms average around $100 USD per night. Check availability and book a room here.
Want more options? Check out all the hotels listed for Mendoza here, so you can find a stay that’s right for you!
Planning your Trip to Argentina
Accommodation in Argentina
Booking accommodation is one of the biggest aspects of your trip, and we should know as we stay in a new hotel up to 40 times per year! Funny enough, we make 99% of these bookings on one website and that’s Booking.com – and there are a few reasons why we use this site!
Number one is the website is easy to use and sorts accommodation options. That takes the stress out of planning which honestly still affects us and we do it more than not.
Second, is the price guarantee. We have literally booked a hotel months before and then 1 week out found it cheaper (we always do a quick search), and they’ll match that price from anyone’s website including the hotels!
And third, is the Genius loyalty program. If you make a certain amount of bookings per year you get a Genius discount. We are level-two geniuses because we make more than 5 a year. At participating hotels, we get things like free breakfast included, early check-in, and up to 15% off.
You can check out all their accommodation options throughout Argentina!
Renting a car in Argentina
We enjoyed a rental car for our second trip to Argentina when we traveled in Patagonia – and wow, what a way to travel! But the best part was that we only paid $40 USD per day for a 5-person sedan!
But how? Well, if you’re renting a car in Argentina, the cheapest company is Discover Cars. We often get questions from readers asking us if the website is fake because it seems too cheap! It’s a great website and the one we used for our rental.
If you do want to compare prices (and you should), do a quick search on Airport Car Rentals too. They’re another big competitor and each company often has its own deals to offer!
Tours in Argentina
We love booking online because we can check reviews of the tour and know exactly what to expect on the tour, such as the itinerary and inclusions. Sometimes the tours are pricier online than booking directly in person, but this is why we always book with Viator. If we happen to find the exact same tour for a lower price once we’re at the destination, Viator will actually refund the price difference!
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Thanks for Reading!
Mendoza has a way of sneaking up on you. You might come for the scenery, but you’ll leave talking about the mountain sunsets, long lingering dinners, and those quiet moments surrounded by the Andes. We built this itinerary around the exact experiences that made us fall in love with the region, and it truly delivers the perfect mix of adventure, culture, and time to simply enjoy where you are.
If you’re continuing your travels, be sure to explore our other Argentina guides here. We’ve shared detailed itineraries, hotel recommendations, and favorite experiences all across the country to help you plan what’s next. Or check out some of our favorite blogs below to inspire your next adventure—cheers!
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