Ten Reasons to Visit Mendoza, a Destination Selected by the MICHELIN Guide

Find out the ten reasons why you should visit Mendoza, one of the two destinations selected by the MICHELIN Guide:

1) Wine Route 

Three main regions (Maipú, Luján de Cuyo and Valle de Uco). More than 800 wineries. Plenty of wine for those who are willing to dive into one of the most fascinating routes in the country. This is an obvious first reason: Mendoza is synonymous with wine. So much so that it is known as one of the capitals of this drink. We recommend at least four or five days to make the tour; while not all the wineries can be visited, this amount of time allows you to visit at least the most iconic and well-known ones. The Andes Mountains as a witness and the deep green vineyards decorating the picture provide an amazing backdrop. 

Did you know that the world’s best winery is in Argentina? Zuccardi Valle de Uco has been on the podium of the World’s Best Vineyards for three years in a row: 2019, 2020 and 2021. However, a new star appeared on the scene in 2023: Catena Zapata. Five other local brands also appear in the same year’s ranking of this prestigious list: Bodega Salentein (#1), El Enemigo Wines (#10), Finca Victoria – Durigutti Family Winemakers (#13), Bodega Colomé (#24) and Bodega Diamandes (#48). This global selection of the most outstanding vineyards is based on the proposals presented by an Academy formed by approximately 600 professionals specialised in oenology, sommeliers and renowned travel experts from different parts of the world. 

The real must-try is tasting the flagship grape of the country: Malbec. This distinctive grape variety has a smooth and velvety taste in the mouth and an intense, fruity aroma. Besides this flagship grape, other varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay, Sauvignon and more can also be enjoyed. 

2) Adventure Tourism

Mendoza has it all and is an ideal destination for adrenaline lovers.  Diving into the waters for rafting between zigzagging river bends, climbing, cycling circuits, hiking, horseback riding and much more. These lands of Mendoza are not only ideal for wine tasting and eating; the adventurous side also enters the scene with different proposals.

The Atuel Canyon is a geological wonder and one of the most outstanding rafting destinations in the country. Millions of years ago, the erosive influence of the rivers and the wind began to shape the rocks, giving shape to amazing formations. From catamaran sailing to car rides, the possibilities are endless. 

And then there is Potrerillos, a tourist spot located 70 kilometres away from the provincial capital, a valley surrounded by mountains and nature. Its signature is precisely adventure tourism. Its artificial lake, formed by the construction of a dam on the Mendoza River, appears as the perfect scenery for activities such as kayaking, windsurfing, sailing and hiking along the waterside. For rafting enthusiasts, the best rapids on the Mendoza River await. 

3) Food and Wine Pairings 

A feast of culinary pleasures that is deeply rooted in the wine-growing tradition. The charming winery restaurants, with their authentic flavours, are the main characters of this story of delight. Tourists who come to the region know that here the art of pairing food and wine is taken to another level. The perfect harmony between the local flavours and the harvests of the vines unfolds in a taste symphony and results in a unique multisensory experience. The traditional multi-course meals are commonplace in the main wineries, and is one of the main attractions, with flavours ranging from the famous Argentine meat, lamb, vegetables in different cooking methods, fish, and other top-class dishes. 

It is no surprise, then, that Mendoza has caught the attention of the prestigious Michelin Guide, which arrived in the country and found a unique place in the heart of the province. The talented local chefs have been gaining international recognition, influenced by the abundance of fresh ingredients and rich gastronomic culture. The Michelin Guide, famous for awarding its coveted stars, pays tribute to the quality and commitment of Mendoza’s gastronomy for an extraordinary culinary experience. 

4) Andean Landscapes: Aconcagua 

Mendoza is surrounded by the Andes Mountains to the west, which provides an unprecedented backdrop. This land is all about panoramic views and enjoyment, and the mountains have a fair share of responsibility for this work of art. The greatest exponent is the Aconcagua Provincial Park, located 185 kilometres from the city. It is home to Mount Aconcagua, which at 6960 metres above sea level is the highest peak in the world after the Himalayas. The park protects the fauna and flora, archaeological sites, water basins, glaciers, and routes that allow the ascent to Aconcagua. These types of excursions are recommended for those who are experts in the field, although there are different degrees of difficulty: from short trails to treks of up to 7 days with professional guides. The reward is one of the most impressive Andean landscapes on the planet. 

5) Cacheuta Hot Springs and its properties 

On the banks of the Mendoza River, less than an hour’s drive from the capital of the province, lies a magnificent thermal spa that has become one of the most outstanding tourist destinations in the province. This is no surprise, since the charm of its thermal waters is complemented by the fact that it is located right next to the majestic Andes Mountains.  

This place has more than ten pools, embedded in rocks and surrounded by vegetation that invite you to immerse yourself in 100% natural warm waters that spring from the thaw, each one offering different types of hydrotherapy with temperatures ranging between 68 and 109 °F (20 and 43 °C). It’s a fairytale setting, where nature, foothills, foliage, stone, water, and mist merge into one.  

Two activities complement the relaxing getaway: mud therapy and two steam baths, where you can inhale the vapours emanating from the springs and detoxify your body and skin, helping your breathing process. 

6) National Wine Harvest Festival 

This is the ultimate celebration for wine enthusiasts. Music blaring, fireworks explosions painting the sky with colour and a huge stage offering one dazzling performance after another. The National Wine Harvest Festival stands as one of the world’s most prominent wine festivals and finds its place in Mendoza. Its purpose is to honour the land and the farmers for their efforts. The importance of farming, grape harvesting and the wonderful job done is reflected in this celebration and in the wines awarded for their exceptional flavour.   

Dances, songs, parades, floats, and a queen, who receives a standing ovation as she is crowned, are all part of the celebrations. The festival takes place during the first months of the year in various places across the province, culminating with a unique show at the Frank Romero Day amphitheatre. There, the story of the harvest and its people is narrated, as the audience enjoys a glass of Malbec. 

7) Snow in Winter in Las Leñas 

Winter in Mendoza lasts from June to September and finds its climax among the snow-capped peaks of the Andes. That is why snow takes the leading role and shows its most beautiful face. The area dresses in white, and snow sports activities become the main attraction, especially in the Las Leñas winter resort, the most popular in Mendoza and the rest of the country. Located in Malargüe Department, 450 kilometres away from the provincial capital, this site offers a variety of outstanding slopes for different skill levels, as well as top quality lodging and gastronomic services. Thanks to its geographical position, Las Leñas offers a long snow season, from June to September inclusive. And if there is no natural snow, there is a sophisticated artificial snow production system comprising 30 snow guns all along the mountains. 

8) The All-time Classics 

Mendoza is full of must-see stops for any traveller. The Puente del Inca (Bridge of the Inca), a true emblem of this province, is a natural arch carved in stone at the foot of ancestral hot springs. Its cultural significance makes it a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Incas used it to cross the Cuevas River, and that is how it got its name. It was formed by the influx of mineral-rich waters and layers of sediment that gradually gave it its striking palette of colours, with shades of orange, yellow and ochre.  

Besides, the Atuel Canyon and Potrerillos, with all their adventure activities, are also must-see places. In Mendoza city you will also enjoy the Cerro de la Gloria and its incredible panoramic views, the San Martín Park, the Sarmiento pedestrian street where you can pig out on food, and the Civic Park. 

9) Hidden Treasures 

Like any great earthly paradise, Mendoza has some well-kept secrets: other-worldly landscapes, deserts, colourful hills and much more. If you want to discover a volcanic park with more than 800 volcanoes, one of the most volcanically active in the world, the place to go is Payunia, almost 300 kilometres from the capital. The scenery is a deep black colour combined with glimpses of yellow.   

If you visit Las Leñas, you cannot miss the Pozo de las Ánimas, 57 kilometres from the city of Malargüe. Two geological formations eroded by underground rivers gave birth to green water mirrors of almost 300 metres in diameter each: the so-called sinkholes. A photo-worthy stunning spectacle.   

The Huayquerías Formation, a sedimentary formation that was carved out over time by the strong winds and storms in the area, lies east of San Carlos. This historic site is perfect for adventure sports. A 50-metre-high canyon imposes itself in an alien-like landscape, inviting visitors to walk around the place and discover the different formations, lagoons, and labyrinths formed randomly.   

A hill of seven colours in Mendoza? Well, of course! Although the most famous in the country is in Jujuy, this province also has its own rock formation with magical colour schemes. Located 110 kilometres from the city of Mendoza, a multicoloured phenomenon that deserves a quick stop. Light blue, ochre, orange, yellow, and white are organised to show the genuine nature that the province has to offer.   

Finally, less than an hour away from San Rafael, a provincial nature reserve appears with a scenery tinged with white. The trace of a past marine lagoon left a singular terrain after its evaporation, and this is how the Salinas del Diamante salt flats were formed. 

10) Watching One of the Most Beautiful Starry Skies

This southern country is home to astronomical tourism. And Mendoza is one of the best places for it. The dance of stars and cosmic rays takes place in Malargüe, in the south of the province. The Pierre Auger Observatory has its research centre in the heart of the department’s capital and is one of the most important in the world for cosmic ray detection. These tiny subatomic particles emerge from the cosmos and travel at speeds close to that of light and are charged with energy, bombarding our planet ceaselessly and causing what is known as cosmic rain. This mystery, kept in Mendoza’s territory, gathers 500 researchers from 90 different institutions from 16 countries, among which the National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET) has a strong presence. The origins of these particles and their propagation remain an unsolved mystery.