Top 10 Things to Do and See in Mendoza, Argentina

1. Parque San Martin

This forested park with a zoo and the amphitheater is the location for many of the events of the wine harvest festival, Vendimia. Here is the Cerro de la Gloria monument honoring General Jose de San Martín and his army which marched over the Andes to help liberate Chile and Peru. There is a large lake inside the park, and restaurants, camping spots, and extensive gardens. All of these attractions make the park a favored spot with residents and visitors.

2. Fiesta National de la Vendimia

The Fiesta National de la Vendimia is Mendoza's largest festival, a fitting celebration of the major industry of the area. Beginning in January and February with a number of regionalevents, each with music, dances, parades, and of course, wine tasting. Tthe main festival begins on the first Saturday of March and continues until the beginning of April with more music, dance, parades, the crowning of the Queen of the Vendimia, and of course, wine tasting and awards.

3. Historical Center

The historical center is grounded by the Plaza Pedro del Castillo, where the Museo Fundacional sits on the site of the old cabildo. The San Francisco Ruins (Ruinas de San Francisco) are what's left of the seventeenth century church and school built and maintained by the Jesuits until 1767 when it was given over to Franciscan order,

It was in this church where the Flag of the Andes, the standard for San Martin's army was first blessed.

4. Plaza Espana

Considered one of the most beautiful in Mendoza, Plaza España invites you for a quiet stroll or a rest on a tiled bench to enjoy the gardens and the fountains.

On the weekends an Artisan's Fair offers local handcrafts.

5. Ski at Los Penitentes

"300 hectares of natural beauty offer 26 runs with superb powder and of varying length and drops, which are suitable for both novices, and seasoned and expert skiers. This center boasts four competition runs certified by the I.S.F. and sectors for free skiing. There is a wide range of accommodation available, such as hotels, apart-hotels, hosterías (guesthouses) and apartments, and there's a plentiful supply of entertainment options, such as restaurants, bars, pubs and a disco."

6. Nightlife

Mendoza's many restaurants and bars offer a selection of regional and international cuisine. The bars, pubs, restaurants and discos are centrally located on Calle Aristides or Calle Sarmiento and in Chacras de Coria, the best place to enjoy dark to dawn clubbing. Gamers enjoy the Regency and Provincial casinos.

7. Visit Uspallata

Uspallata is a beautiful valley, with the remains of a pre-Colombian mining site and petroglyphs. It leads to the pass of the same name, 12,500 ft (3,810 m) high to Santiago, Chile. The Pan American highway traverses the pass, and this is where in 1817 José de San Martín sent part of his patriot army to fight the Spanish royalists in Chile.

8. Wine Route

Include a visit to the Wine Museum (Enoteca Museo del Vino), with your tours of some of Mendoza's wineries, including Santa Ana vineyards and cellars, Escorihuela and López cellars, Maipu and many others.

9. Sports

Mendoza's location in the Cuyo desert area at the base of the Andes where the very fast Río Mendoza tumbles down from the mountains provides white water rafting and kayaking. There is climbing, hiking and trekking on Cerro Aconcagua and other peaks and foothills, aragliding from 2997 ft (700m) Cerro Arco and horseback riding, fishing, and wildlife watching opportunities.

10. Puente del Inca

Puente del Inca is a natural stone bridge over the Río Mendoza and one of Argentina's natural wonders. The coppery-gold color of the rocks comes from minerals in the water. For many years this was the route to Chile, a week long mule trip.