Mendoza, Argentina
Mendoza is perhaps one of Argentina’s most popularly visited regions. Located to the west and nestled near the Andes, it serves as a popular tourist location for its wines and is also known as a popular interchange from Argentina to Chile.
Mendoza’s population is just under 850,000 in the province, but the city itself is much more modest in size with 100,000 inhabitants. Besides the neighboring Andes, Mendoza is famous for Aconcagua, the highest mountain in the western hemisphere with a summit that reaches 6960m in height. Information on climbing the famous peak is available and while day hikes are what most visitors choose to experience, it is possible to climb the entire mountain. This takes around two weeks because of terrain and the time it takes to acclimate to Aconcagua’s height. Many more outdoor activities are available in Mendoza and rafting, horse riding, biking and camping are just to name a few.
Certainly not to be outdone by Mendoza’s outdoor adventures is the wine country for which it is most famous. Mendoza, Argentina produces 70% of the country’s wine and it is this attraction that draws most tourists to Mendoza’s vineyards. Mendoza wine tours are exceedingly popular among tourists to the area.
The streets of Mendoza are wide and its architectural beauty is just another one of its charming traits.
There are forested parks for afternoons outside of the city and museums, restaurants and a common weekend street fair for stays inside the city.
The Mendoza airport is about 10km near the city and there are direct flights from Buenos Aires, Santiago and many other major cities within Argentina and Chile. Mendoza also has a bus terminal for trips into and out of this fabulous city. Reservations are a good idea, but not necessary if your schedule is flexible.
