Mendoza

Luján de Cuyo is one of Mendoza’s most celebrated wine regions, and it was recognised as Argentina’s first official recognised appellation in 1993. Malbec grapes naturally dominate, but Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Torrontés also flourish.

Wine tours are at the heart of Luján de Cuyo, with the popular option of cycling between the bodegas on a network of quiet bike paths. As well as learning about the local wine production, there's a strong emphasis on exploring the kitchen as well as cellar, with plenty of good food to match the wine. 

Tours frequently include a side trip to Chacras de Coria, a small town with traditional colonial architecture with a charming whitewashed church. 

The Uco Valley is around 100 km (64 miles) from Mendoza – about a two hour drive – and is often referred to as Argentina’s Napa Valley due to its reputation as one of the region’s most up and coming wine areas. Its slightly cooler climate makes it great for white wines, so along with Malbec you’ll find Chardonnay and Torrontés being grown here.

There's little more to do in the Uco Valley except fully embrace the area's viniculture, visiting a succession of different vineyards: a delightfully relaxing proposition. Some visitors choose to base themselves here rather than in Mendoza for a more resort feel, and to make the most of the wine and food, as well as the valley's beautiful setting in the shadow of the Andes. 

Mendoza is the gateway to Aconcagua, the highest mountain in both South America and the Western hemisphere (6,961 m/22,838 ft). The national park entrance is near Estación Uspallata, 110 km (68 miles) west of the city centre, close to the Chilean border.

While summiting Aconcagua requires a full mountaineering expedition, there are numerous day hikes to explore around the mountain. The most popular is probably the Confluencia Circuit, which takes you to the first Aconcagua base camp, via the small glacial lake of Laguna Horcones. It's a great walk that fit hikers should complete in 4–6 hours, but as the base camp is at 3400 m (11,150 ft), you'll need to acclimatise before setting out: don't attempt this immediately after arriving in Mendoza. 

If Patagonia’s estancias are all about getting completely off-grid in and connecting to the gaucho lifestyle in the wilderness, those around Mendoza offer a slightly more laid back version, riding out from vineyards. One experience remains the same however: the ever-present Andes, framing some sensational views.

At places like Estancia Carrera, the ranch is on the highest vineyard in the region and as soon as you ride out you quickly realise how much of the landscape is desert once you get away from the greenery of the city and its wineries.

Estancias are a relatively new development for tourists around Mendoza, so some degree of authenticity can be expected during a visit. 

Mendoza has a great selection of places to stay, from small boutique guesthouses to luxury hotels.

One advantage of the region is that you don't have to restrict yourself to the city – there are options to stay in a lodge in a vineyard tucked into one of the wine valleys, or stay on an estancia to experience a slice of Argentina's traditional gaucho culture. 

Swoop has access to the best selection of accommodation: ask us where we’d recommend for your Mendoza stay.

Mendoza El Plumerillo International Airport (MDZ) has direct daily flights to both Buenos Aires airports, Eziza International (EZE) and Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP). Flights take just under 90 minutes. Other destinations in Argentina with direct flights include Bariloche (BRC, 3¾ hours) in the Argentinian Lake District, Cordoba (COR) and Salta (SLA). 

Mendoza is excellently placed for Santiago in Chile, with daily flights (SCL, one hour). There are also direct international flights to Rio (GIG, 3½ hours) and São Paulo (GRU, 3½ hours). 

For overland travel, there are direct and comfortable international buses to Santiago (seven hours), and longer distance buses to Buenos Aires (16 hours) and Bariloche (19 hours).