Mendoza, founded in 1561, is the centre of wine tourism in Argentina and the gateway to the Andes. With its parks, you are guaranteed the peace and quiet essential to a restful and enjoyable holiday.

Mendoza is both the name of the province and its capital. This just goes to show that you can’t visit the town without also exploring the region! This large city, more than 1000 km to the west of Buenos Aires, is only separated from Chile and Valparaiso by the narrow yet imposing barrier of the Andes. Many tourists stop off at Mendoza to explore its exceptional natural environment. First they go to the provincial park of Aconcagua, under the majestic summit of the same name at 6962 metres, the highest peak of the entire American continent. Then they take off on the route of the Andes, in the direction of Chile and the amazing Inca bridge, a semi-artificial salt arch. In winter, skiing has pride of place, with modern resorts like Las Leñas, Penitentes and Vallecitos and adventure and discovery tourism is the order of the day, with rafting, kayaking, trips in four wheel drives and observing animals in the wild. The other major attraction in the region is the vineyard. There are more than 1 000 wineries which account for 70% of Argentina’s wine production. Wine route, visits to wine cellars, wine tastings and wine festivals are all on the tour operators’ programmes.

While the town of Mendoza itself is very attractive, little of the past remains. Destroyed by an earthquake in 1861, it enjoys a very sunny climate and is particularly well known for its major parks, such as the renowned park of San Martin and its shopping opportunities, in the gigantic shopping complex of Mendoza Plaza Shopping.