'''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.
Get In
The bus terminal is about two kilometers from the city center. Taxis and ''remis'' (private taxis) are readily available (US$ 2-3 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 snowfall in the winter months, normally around late April. (Check the following website for pass conditions [http://www.gendarmeria.gov.ar/pasos.html] (Spanish).
Mendoza has a small airport, El Plumerillo (airport code MDZ), with flights to Buenos Aires and Santiago de Chile, but tickets are very expensive as 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:
13-17 hours: Buenos Aires
10 hours: Cordoba
14 hours: Tucuman
36 hours: Puerto Iguazu
42 hours: Rio Gallegos
7 hours: Santiago de Chile
8 hours: Valparaiso, Chile
60-74 hours: Lima, Peru (via Santiago)
22 hours: Montevideo, Uruguay
Buses from Buenos Aires: Micros de Retiro [http://www.omnilineas.com.ar].
In the winter, the mountain passes to Chile can be closed if weather is bad.
Climate
Summers are extremely hot and dry in the city. January is particularly hot; temperatures of 40C (104 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.
Information
Although it is situated in an extremely dry desert region, Mendoza has an extensive '''artificial irrigation system''', which allows for greenery throughout the city as well as 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. It is open from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m., and English is spoken. They can provide information on many specific aspects of the city.
'''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.
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. Visiting wineries often requires reservations booked in advance, (Many are closed during weekends). Some major wineries (Norton, Rutini etc.) have regular "walk in tours".
'''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.
Plaza Independencia. The central main square of the city is the best starting point to explore downtown Mendoza. It boasts some nice buildings around, restaurants and even some street shows. It is best visited at night, where you can see some nicely illuminated buildings and mostly, a beautiful big coat of arms of the city that is made of lights.
Plaza Espana. Possibly the most beautiful square in the city, this square is an artistic expression of the special relationship that this city (and all others in Hispanic America) has with Spain. It is decorated in a splendid way with typical Andalusian and Spanish motifs all around the place. The central wall depicts some images and texts of the Spanish colonization and it is crowned by a gorgeous statue.
Do
Campo Base Travel and Adventure. eatonal Sarmiento 229, Mendoza City. 54 261 425 5511. nfo@campobase.com.ar. ttp://www.campobase.com.ar.
Trekking-Rafting-Horseriding-Paragliding-Mountainbike-Aconcagua Trekking and Expeditions-High Andes tour-Wine tasting tours.</do>
Kaua Spa. ark Hyatt Mendoza Hotel, Chile 1124. 54 261 441 1234. hm-reservas@hyattintl.com. ttp://www.mendoza.park.hyatt.com/hyatt/pure/spas/.
Termas de Cacheuta (Spas of Cacheuta). uta Pcial 82 Km 40 - Lujan de Cuyo - Mendoza. 624 490 139. ttp://termascacheuta.com/ http://salexander.org/gallery_archive/termas-de-cacheuta.
Cacheuta, located about an hour outside of Mendoza, has a very large network of natural hot-tubs [http://salexander.org/gallery_archive/termas-de-cacheuta]. During high season and weekends, you will pay AR$20 for entrance, and during low season the price is closer to AR$15. For easy transportation, inquire regarding Cacheuta at the Bus Terminal; busses depart mendoza in the morning (before noon) and return in the evening (last bus departs Cacheuta at 6:50pm). You will pay AR$4 for each way, and it is recommended that you purchase both directions before departing. If you're in for the full day adventure, consider bringing some food to cook on their plentiful and free grills.</do>
Karamelo Santo (Mestizo rock band)" url="http://www.karamelosanto.com/ http://www.myspace.com/karamelosanto.
Karamelo Santo is the most famous band in Mendoza.They play a mix music with cunbia, rock, salsa & originalfolk music. You can see them play in the mail festivals of Europe like Roskilde, Hurricane, Gurtenfestical, Southside Festival, Vinas Rock, Rock For People,ect.</do>
'''Aconcagua''' - America's highest peak Aconcagua (highest in the world outside the Himalayas) provides trekking and climbing possibilities.
'''Wine tour''' - The nearby vineyards will let you taste wine if you show genuine interest. It's possible to do a tour by bike, but there are also fully organised tours going from Mendoza.
'''Paragliding''' can be done in Mendoza every day of the year. Tours include a tandem flight of about 20 minutes with an experienced pilot. Costs are about 35 US$.
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.
Buy
The '''wine''' is excellent and extremely inexpensive. There are several wine boutiques which offer wine tasting. In general, you can buy the same bottles of wine at local supermarkets at lower prices.
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. There are many shops on Las Heras Av.
Andes and More. ttp://www.andesandmore.com. For expeditions up Aconcagua with a local guide who has been working on the mountain for 16 years.
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 Maipu and Lujan 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, [http://lacasadeofelia.com.ar]. 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.
Sleep
Cavas Wine Lodge. 4 261 410 6927 / 28. ttp://www.cavaswinelodge.com/. One of the nicest, if not the nicest lodge in the area. Outside of town, quiet. 5 star.
'''Campo Base''', Av. Mitre 946, (54-261) 429-0707 (''email: info@campo-base.com.ar'') [http://www.hostelcampobase.com.ar/]. A hostel with discounts for HI-members. Its definitely a party hostel. Well located, near Plaza Independencia. Excellent atmosphere for backpackers. Olso tourist information available.
'''Hostel Internacional Mendoza''', Av. Espana 343, 0261-4240018, info@hostelmendoza.net, [http://www.hostelmendoza.net]. A comfortable hostel, with excellent facilities, four beds rooms with private bathroom, excellent price. Also with great options for tours, including wine tours, horseback riding, rafting and excursions into the mountains. Expect to pay between AR$35 and AR$45 per night.
'''Mendoza-Inn Hostel''', Av Aristides Villanueva 470, for reservations: 0054 261 425 5511, www.mendozahostel.com. This is a lovely hostel located at the pubs and bars street, it has 4 beds room, a beautiful garden with swimming pool and a very nice bar too!. Expect to pay around AR$37 per night.
'''Break Point Hostel''', Av Aristides Villanueva 241, 0261-4239514 (breakpoint@arlinkbbt.com.ar) [http://www.breakpointhostel.com.ar/]. Excellent Resto Bar, comfortable rooms, swimming pool, breakfast & friendly atmosphere.
'''Damajuana''', Av Arítides Villanueva 282, 0261-425858 (reservas@damajuanahostel.com.ar) [http://damajuanahostel.com.ar/]. Bit of a party hostel. With swimming pool and breakfast. Guests are put into small 6-bed dorms, while the cheaper 12-bed dorm remains mysteriously half-empty. Some staff a little interfering at times. Ar$50 to stay in a six bed dorm during the high season, and AR$0 during the low season.
'''Hostel Lao''', Rioja 771, 0261 438-0454 (info@laohostel.com) [http://www.laohostel.com/]. Rated very highly on hostel booking sites. Friendly, sociable and relaxed hostel. Attractive garden and pool. Runs weekly wine tasting events. AR$40 per night dorm, private accomodation also available.
'''Alamo Hostel''', Necochea 740, 0261 429-5565 (info@hostelalamo.com)[http://www.hostelalamo.com/]. Less of a party hostel than the hostels located on Av Aristides. Located just off Plaza Chile, and _very_ close to a large supermarket, you can expect to pay around AR$45 or AR$50 pesos per night.
'''Hostel Lagares''', Corrientes 213, (0054)261 423-4727 (lagareshostel@speedy.com.ar) [http://hostellagares.com.ar/]. A cozy hostel with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
'''Microtel Inn & Suites''', Corrientes 213, 011(54261) 432-0503 (reservas@microtelinn.com.ar) [http://www.microtelinn.com/reservations/locationdetail.asp?facid=3010]. Enjoy consistency, quality, reasonable prices and great service each time you stay with Microtel Inns & Suites.
'''Sol de Vistalba''', +54-0261-4524757, soldevistalba@yahoo.com.ar, [http://ar.geocities.com/soldevistalba]. An amazing lodge with great park, BBQ, swimming pool and wine tours.
'''Hostel Chimbas''', Acc. Este y Cobos 92, (info@chimbashostel.com.ar), Beautiful hostel, charming owners. Approx. Ar$18. There is access to a pool, BBQ, brick oven, bike rental, and extensive excursion information.
Hostel Parque Central. 5 de Mayo 1889. 54-261-4251535. ttp://www.hostelparquecentral.com/. 2. 1. 0 to 36 U$D. Located around 8 blocks from Plaza Independencia, is a decent point for exploring downtown Mendoza. Its staff is very friendly and helpful. They offer excursions and complete information what to do in the city. Breakfast and lockers are included.
Splurge
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"
>5 star hotel. Host to Kaua Club & Spa and Regency Casino Mendoza.</sleep>
'''Sheraton Mendoza Hotel''', Primitivo de la Reta 989, +54 261 4415500, 5 star hotel.
Get out