In many ways, the vineyards of Mendoza are very similar to those of the Napa Valley, only with outstanding scenery and without the hoards of tourists. Keep in mind when you are planning your trip that unlike the vineyards of the Napa Valley, most of Mendoza’s wineries are closed on Saturdays and Sundays. The hours of the wineries and the timing of their English tours vary depending on the season and the demand for English tours. The best thing to do is contact the wineries via email a week or so before you arrive to find out when they can accommodate you. Many of the wineries take visitors by appointment only, so don’t expect to just drop in the way you can in Napa. Click here for more information on visiting the wineries.
Mendoza River is the place to go, with some of the best rafting in Argentina. Portrerillos is the main base where many of the companies are located, and typically they will organize your transfer as well. Later on in the season when the Mendoza River’s conditions deteriorate you can head to Diamante and Atuel. Try Argentina Rafting (Ruta N7, Portrerillos); (54 - 2624) 482037; info@argentinarafting.com; www.argentinarafting.com
At over 6900 meters, Aconcagua is the highest summit in America. It is surrounded by 75,000 hectares of national park. This is a popular but challenging climb undertaken between the months of November and March. If you prefer to do some sightseeing along the way, it’s best to take a bus there so you have some leeway to do things on your own. See www.turismouspallata.com for a complete schedule. The bus stops at Uspallata, Los Penitentes and Puente del Inca, so you can hop on and off to see things at your leisure and wait for the next bus to come along.
Legend has it that an Inca Chief, in search of curing waters for his son's paralysis, came to these lands. When he reached an impassable river his Inca warriors embraced one another to form a human bridge so that he could pass. When he turned to thank them, they had been turned into stone.
In 1925 the Hotel Puente del Inca was built as a true luxury hotel with personal thermal baths accessible from each room. The hotel was completely wiped away in a 1965 avalanche, but the small colonial church nearby stands untouched. This has increased the mystique of the area and, along with the colours provided by the sulfur in the waters, has led this to become a tourist attraction worth seeing. From here you can walk through the National Park to Lago Horcones, which is breathtakingly beautiful. You then have the option to go as far as Plaza de Las Mulas which has a major base camp. This area can be visited through a tour or by bus if you prefer to do it on your own. For an updated schedule go to www.turismouspallata.com
Villavicencio is famous for its hot springs that are known for their mineral and healing properties. The Hotel Termas de Villavicencio was built here and is surrounded by beautiful parks and gardens that provide idyllic paths for walking. The drive from Villavicencio to Uspallata is breathtaking. Named Los Caracoles (the snails), this road winds through formations that have come to be known as 'Darwin's Petrified Forest' as well as passing by some interesting Inca rock paintings. This can be done through a tour or on your own with a rental car but you risk not knowing exactly what you are seeing if you do it by yourself.
If this is your thing you could not pick a more ideal place to do it with the beauty of the snow-capped mountains surrounding you and Aconcagua in the background. Cerro Arco is one of the best places for this due to the climate conditions. Contact www.indianaventuras.com.ar for details.
This park, designed by Carlos Thays in 1897, is the focal point of Mendoza. Beyond the stunning French gates lies a beautiful green park with plenty to keep you busy on a sunny afternoon. Islas Malvinas Stadium, host of the 1978 World Cup, lies within the park. The greek theatre is also within the gates where the annual Vendimia festival culminates. There is a zoo, a rose garden and a sizable lake with a regatta club as well.
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