Mendoza Travel Guide: Attractions

MENDOZA ATTRACTIONS

Mendoza is a tranquil city that is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace. The multiple verdant parks and plazas are perfect for walking, relaxing and soaking up this atmosphere. There are a variety of cultural events happening here meaning there will always be something going on to interest travelers.

In the city’s heart is the giant Plaza Independencia which is shaded by a large variety of trees (hardwood trees, cypress trees, palm trees, eucalyptuses, magnolias, and acacias) and features an elegant semicircular fountain display. The square was designed by a French architect just 2 years after the earthquake in 1861 and has since been renovated on two occasions. It is flanked by leafy streets lined with cafeterias - a popular and traditional meeting place for Mendocinos. It is also open to a variety of public activities and culturally there is always a lot going on: an arts and crafts market takes place over the weekend and there are a variety of other happenings such as concerts, fairs, markets and theater.

Another attractive location, Parque General San Martin can be found to the west of the city. It is an extensive park featuring beautiful gardens, elegant sculptures and a tasteful rose garden amongst other details. There are several beautiful grassy areas that are perfect for sports or for picnicking in the pleasant weather. Worth a visit here is the Zoological Gardens, which hosts over 1000 native and exotic species and is considered one of the most important in South America. There is also a large lake which often hosts regattas – the banks make the perfect spot to view the entire surroundings of the park. Buildings onsite include the Malvinas Argentinas football stadium, an amphitheater and The Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. A spectacular view of the city can be found at the peak of the Cerro de la Gloria, or “glory hill” where there is a monument to the famous general San Martin and his victorious army.

The ruins of the Jesuit church San Francisco are a good place to explore the colonial culture of the city. This church and school was built in the eighteenth century and maintained by the Jesuits until 1767 after which it was handed over to the Franciscan order. The ruins are the last remains of the colonial era in Mendoza; the foundations were amongst the only structures left standing after the city was levelled by the 1861 earthquake. The Flag of the Andes - the standard for San Martin's army - was first blessed here.

An absolutely stunning and gorgeous park, Plaza España is perfect for a peaceful walk or a rest on a tiled bench to admire the gardens and the elegant fountains. Charm abounds in the details of this plaza, with ceramic tiling, shining wax floors, an Andalusian patio, wrought iron street lamps and an abundance of trees all adding to the tranquil ambience. There is an Artisan fair on the weekends to stock up on some local handicrafts.

MENDOZA MUSEUMS

Mendoza hosts a range of different museums displaying historical and cultural works of interest to any traveler in the city.

Museo Municipal de Arte Moderno: located in the very centre of the Plaza Independencia, this is a charming little art gallery that has a permanent exhibition of Mendoza Art ranging from the 1930’s to the present. Paintings, ceramics, drawings and sculptures are on display amongst other pieces.

Museo de Ciencias Naturales: This museum has a great collection of stuffed animals and fossils which include an ancient female mummy.

Museo del Pasado Cuyano: This is located in a beautiful 19th century mansion and is a great place to explore the history of the city. In particular it displays various memorabilia of the General San Martin.

Museo del Area Funcional: Another good history museum which includes an investigation into pre and post-earthquake Mendoza. This includes photographs, dioramas and models that recreate the history and development of the city, and also several historical preservations such as city sculptures and archeological finds.

MENDOZA OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

Proximity to the Andean Cordilleras makes Mendoza an ideal base for many outdoor activities and adventure tourism. Options in close proximity such as mountain climbing, trekking, river rafting, wind sailing, and several world class ski destinations.

The most popular skiing destination is Las Leñas, around a 1 hour drive from Malargue airport in the province of Mendoza. Built in 1983, this is a relatively new ski resort, yet it has become very popular with locals and travelers alike. The outstanding frozen and mountainous landscape combined with the warm and snug atmosphere of the resort probably go a long way to explaining this.

Another good skiing center is Los Penitentes which is 167 km (104 miles) from the city of Mendoza along the highway to Santiago. The complex stands at 2580 meters above sea level against the backdrop of the impressive Mt. Aconcagua. There are 26 runs with crisp powder snow and of differing drops and lengths. Novices and experts alike will find routes amongst these.

MENDOZA SHOPPING

For those travellers looking for some authentic souvenirs, there are several handicrafts around the plazas and parks of Mendoza. There is an outdoor market on Plaza Independencia on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays along with those on Plaza España and Calle Mitre. Plaza Pellegrini has an excellent antiques market from Thursday to Saturday.

There are shops selling various regional goods on Avenida Las Heras. Las Viñas and Los Andes are both good options selling a range of handicrafts, goods made from Argentinean leather and other gaucho (Argentinean Cowboy) gear.

San Martin Pedestrian Street is the place to go for more conventional window shopping. It is conveniently located in the block between the Avenida San Martin, Peatonal Sarmiento and the 9 de Julio Street and has all of the more mainstream stores and brand. Also good in this regard is Palmares Open Mall, the best shopping centre in town. There are more upmarket fashion boutiques on Calle Arístides.