Day 1 Mendoza: Arrival in Mendoza. Transfer to accommodation (OPTIONAL). Check in
Day 2 Mendoza: Breakfast. At 14.00 hs. Half Day Winery Tour:
This tour runs among vineyards in the areas of Lujan de Cuyo and Maipu. You will experience the work culture brought by of immigrants, using irrigation techniques (canals and ditches) inherited from the former Huarpes Indians. They managed to change a vast desert into a productive river oasis. This is the scene of the settlement of prestigious wineries, which represent Argentine wines in the world with high quality wines.
You will visit two wineries, one with traditional organic methods and the other that uses the latest available technology. Guided by professionals in winemaking, you will learn about the vinification methods and processes, bottling and labelling of wines, in the end of the tour you will taste the different grapes that the wineries offer.
Day 3 Mendoza: Breakfast. Between 7.00 hs and 8.00 hs pick up for Aconcagua Valley Day Trip (Alta Montaña):
The Tour offers a variety of colors and sceneries. Early in the morning along the river Mendoza, get a view of the majestic mountain range called Cordon del Plata and the Potrerillos dam, colossal work for hydraulic power generation and water distribution for irrigation.
Your next visit will be Uspallata, pre-Hispanic settlement of Huarpes indians and the southern last point of the Inca Empire.
Here you will see the Vaults of Uspallata, historic "adobe" (mud) buildings that were used by the chaplain Fray Luis Beltran for casting cannons and guns.
Afterwards you will visit the villages of Picheuta, Polvareda, Punta de Vacas and Los Penitentes ski resort. Free time for the use of chair lift to enjoy beautiful panoramic views.
Later, you will find Puente de Inca along your route, a huge natural bridge with strands of hot springs.
Continuing the road and 2750 meters above sea level you will reach the viewpoint of Cerro Aconcagua, the colossus of America (6959 meters high), from where you are going to the Laguna Horcones and the Aconcagua Provincial Park.
Following the international route to reach your last destination, Las Cuevas, a European-style village located 3200 meters above sea level. Back to town at 7 - 8 pm
Day 4 Mendoza: Breakfast. Check out. Transfer to airport (OPTIONAL). End of services
Included
- 3 nights Accommodation at selected basis with breakfast, at hostel.
- Mendoza Airport and Bus Station pickup and drop off (if chosen)
- Half Day Wineries Tour
- Full Day Aconcagua Valley Excursion (Alta Montaña)
Not Included
- Meals not specified in itinerary
- Towels, in case of Hostel Dorm Room
Situated at the foot of The Andes, Mendoza is the capital city of the homonimous province and the most important city of the West of Argentina. It is one of the most chosen tourist destinations because of the various interesting activities available in the region. It is an incredible oasis to grow fruits and vegetables due to the presence of the Mendoza and Tunuyán Rivers.
The climate of the region is mild though the mountains provide a certain degree of aridity. The temperature in Summer ranges from 18º C to 33º C and days are hot and nights are fresh. In Winter, the minimum temperature is 3º C and the maximum registered temperature is 16º C.
One can get to Mendoza City by plane arriving at Francisco Gabrielli-El Plumerillo International Airport, or by car or bus through Nº 8, 7 and 40 National Routes.
In the city, there is a beautiful sight of streets flanked by trees, squares and parks linked by a web of irrigation ditches which is 500 km long and waters the whole area allowing city planning even in arid zones.
Land with historic tradition, Mendoza keeps many memories of San Martín's epic in the cerro de la Gloria (Hill of the Glory), El Plumerillo, San Martín Park and the museums that show documents testifying the presence in the region of this Argentinian eminent person.
Starting point to enjoy adventure travel and high mountain sports like andinism, ski or rafting, Mendoza offers various circuits to go on these excursions. Walks in the five squares, the civic centre and the foundation area make the tourist admire the culture, the history and the idiosyncrasy of native people. In the surroundings of Mendoza City, interesting places and towns can be visited: Ruins of San Francisco Church, Maipú, El Challao, Villavicencio Thermal Resort, Cacheuta, Potrerillos and Vallecitos.
The very well known "Ruta de los Vinos" (Route of the Wines) deserves a special mention because tourists can visit ancient cellars and taste excellent yields which are product of carefully chosen grapes.
When visiting Mendoza, one is going along the land of the good sun and the good wine
HIGHLIGHTS
