Mendoza
Argentina
General San Martín ParkPhoto: MacAllenBrothers · CC BY-SA 2.0
Cerro de la GloriaPhoto: Bernard Gagnon · CC BY-SA 4.0
Teatro IndependenciaPhoto: Mike D · CC BY-SA 2.0
AconcaguaPhoto: Bjørn Christian Tørrissen · CC BY-SA 4.0
Puente del IncaPhoto: Murgatroyd49 · CC BY-SA 4.0
About Mendoza
Mendoza is an Argentine city at the foot of the Andes, founded in 1561. After an earthquake largely destroyed it in 1861, it was rebuilt with large squares and wide streets and sidewalks.
Greater Mendoza is the largest wine-producing region in South America, with Luján de Cuyo and the Uco Valley known for high-altitude Malbec. Irrigation channels (acequias), first developed by the Indigenous Huarpe people, still water the trees lining its streets.
How many days do you need?
Allow a day for the city and one or two for the wine country. Add another day for an Andes day trip toward Aconcagua and Puente del Inca.
Where to stay
- Downtown — Around Plaza Independencia and its four smaller satellite squares, within walking distance of restaurants.
- Wine country — Stays near the wineries of Luján de Cuyo and Maipú.
From the airport to the city
Governor Francisco Gabrielli International Airport (MDZ), commonly called El Plumerillo, is about 5 miles northeast of downtown. Taxis and ride-hailing apps take you into the city.
Getting around
Downtown is walkable. The 11-mile Metrotranvía light rail links the center with Las Heras, Godoy Cruz and Maipú, and buses and trolleybuses also run. Tours, a rental car or a taxi are the practical ways to reach the wineries.
Good to know
- Winery visits are usually by appointment; book ahead.
- Andes roads can close in winter because of snow; check road conditions before a mountain trip.
- The currency is the Argentine peso.
Useful links
- Argentina Travel (official Argentina tourism site) argentina.travel
When to go?
Best time to visit for the weather: April–May and August–October. The warmest month is January (average high 93 °F); the wettest is February (2.0 in).
Monthly climate
| Month | Avg. high °F | Rain in | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 93.0 | 1.87 | Very hot |
| February | 90.1 | 2.04 | Very hot |
| March | 85.6 | 1.33 | Good |
| April | 78.1 | 0.93 | Ideal |
| May | 68.9 | 0.50 | Ideal |
| June | 63.5 | 0.25 | Good |
| July | 63.0 | 0.30 | Good |
| August | 68.4 | 0.33 | Ideal |
| September | 73.9 | 0.28 | Ideal |
| October | 80.8 | 0.63 | Ideal |
| November | 87.6 | 1.20 | Good |
| December | 91.6 | 1.26 | Very hot |
Source: NASA POWER (MERRA-2 reanalysis), 2005–2024 monthly averages of daily high temperature and total rainfall. Values are estimates for an area of about 50 km and may differ from the city-centre weather station.
Public holidays 2027
- New Year's DayJanuary 1
- Shrove MondayFebruary 8
- Shrove TuesdayFebruary 9
- Day of Remembrance for Truth and JusticeMarch 24
- Good FridayMarch 26
- Day of the Veterans and the Fallen in the Malvinas WarApril 2
- Labour DayMay 1
- Day of the May RevolutionMay 25
- Anniversary of the Passing to Immortality of General Manuel BelgranoJune 20
- Anniversary of the Passing to Immortality of General Martín Miguel de GüemesJune 21
- Independence DayJuly 9
- Anniversary of the Passing to Immortality of General José de San MartínAugust 16
- Day of Respect for Cultural DiversityOctober 11
- Day of National SovereigntyNovember 20
- Immaculate Conception of MaryDecember 8
- Christmas DayDecember 25
Sources: date-holidays and python-holidays open data projects; for Northern Cyprus, its public holidays law.
Practical info
- CurrencyArgentine Peso ($)
- Dialling code+54
- Plugs & voltageType C, I · 220 V · 50 Hz
- EmergencyPolice 911 · Ambulance 107 · Fire 100
- DrivingOn the right
Sources: IEC plug types, Wikidata, Wikipedia; unverified details are left blank.