Mendoza Travel Guide

General San Martín Park is Mendoza's largest urban green space, named for the liberator San Martín and laid out by landscape architect Carlos Thays, where French-style gardens meet Andean views. Its landmark is the Cerro de la Gloria monument atop the hill, whose summit overlooks the entire vineyard city; a rose garden, zoo and artificial lake round it out. As Mendoza's green heart, it is perfect for cycling, picnics and slow strolls, and a relaxing prelude before heading into wine country. Its Andean botanical garden gathers highland species, a natural classroom for Mendoza's ecology.

Rising about 6,961 meters, Aconcagua is the highest peak in the Americas and the tallest mountain outside the Himalayas, towering over the Andes west of Mendoza. For most visitors, driving from Mendoza along the international highway to Chile leads to the viewing trail in Aconcagua Provincial Park, where you can gaze at the snow-capped "Roof of the Americas"; the route also passes picturesque outposts and valleys. For professional climbers, it is a world-famous peak that can be attempted near 7,000 meters without highly technical skills—permits required and gradual acclimatization.

The Parque Provincial Aconcagua surrounds Aconcagua, the 6,961-metre highest peak in the Americas. Beyond the mountaineering route, casual hikers can trek to the Confluencia base camp for views of the western face's glaciers and valleys — a dreamland for climbers and walkers alike.

The Museo Fundacional stands on the site of the original city of Mendoza, destroyed by the earthquake of 1861. Through glass floors you can see the ruined colonial streets and walls below; the museum recounts the city's foundation and rebuilding — the right place to start understanding Mendoza.