Mendoza

Summer activities

This tour amidst vineyards will show you how some human effort has transformed the desert into a modern-day oasis. You will learn all about how this was achieved through an irrigation system of canals inherited from the Huarpes, the native inhabitants of this region. You will visit two or three selected wineries in the Luján de Cuyo or Maipú regions. This is an area where your enologist guides will explain the process of wine making. Following this educational lesson, you will also have the chance to taste some of the best wines in the region in both wineries. In the regular opcion, you will then visit an olive oil factory, another specialty of the Mendoza region. At the conclusion of your tour, you will return to your accommodation in Mendoza City.

Get picked up from your hotel in Mendoza and get on the road for a full day of exploration in the Andes. On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, begin by taking the dirt roads through Villavicencio where you can catch amazing views of the highest peaks in the Andes. Reach Uspallata Valley and make your first stop at the town of Uspallata where the native Huarpes settled during the pre-Hispanic era. Take your time to soak in the Andean scenery and grab a snack. Then, continue on to Polvaredas and Punta de Vacas. Snap some photos before getting to Puente del Inca, a natural arch situated 8,924 feet above sea level. Admire the swirls of colored rock and the mountain views from the bridge. Journey towards the Chilean border, and stop at a natural viewpoint at Aconcagua, the largest mountain in both the Southern and Western Hemispheres. From November to April, it's possible to enter the Aconcagua Provincial Park and hike to the Horcones Lagoon. Then head to Las Cuevas village for free time and a bite to eat if you so choose. Journey back to Mendoza on the famous Ruta 7 and get dropped off at your hotel.

Head out of the city of Mendoza and into its mountains for a horseback ride from a ranch. Learn about Argentina's rich riding culture before tucking into a delicious, local barbecue with the ranch owners. End your excursion feeling at peace and as one with nature. Meet your driver in Mendoza and head straight for the mountains on a ride that takes approximately one hour. Meet the ranch's owners and their horses, the latter of which will carefully be picked out for you. Get to know your new companion before hopping on the saddle. Explore the local trails and mountain landscapes, with a 15-minute break so you can take snapshots of the panoramic mountain views from 2100 meters above sea level. Back at the ranch, tuck into a typical Argentine barbecue with cuts of pork and beef accompanied with salads, roasted vegetables and excellent quality wine. After dinner, head back to Mendoza full of food and peace from time spent in nature.

Ride for 1.5-hours in the Andes on horseback in the company of bilingual guides. Choose whether to just take the horse ride in the morning (BBQ lunch not included), to conclude your morning ride with a BBQ lunch, or to ride at sunset and end your tour with a BBQ dinner and traditional folk music. The tour begins with either morning or afternoon pickup from your hotel in Mendoza and travels to Los Amigos Post. Here, get kitted out with all the necessary equipment and get acquainted with your horse, which will be selected depending on your size and experience.  After a quick trip to the riding school for a safety lesson on how to ride on mountain roads, it’s time to set off for Mirador Eagles Nest. Upon arrival at Mirador Eagles Nest, admire the breathtaking views across the Andes. Jump down from your horse and stretch your legs as you explore the landscape and take some photos.  From here, look back and see how much of the road you have traveled, and feel like a true adventurer. Don't forget to keep an eye out for black eagles and condors that circle around, as well as other wildlife in the area. Continue the horse ride to Aguaribay Post, and enjoy a delicious Argentinian Asado BBQ (if one of the options with BBQ is selected).  The BBQ lunch or dinner option includes chorizo, morcillas, ribs, steak, grilled vegetables, homemade bread, seasonal salads, and local wines. There’s also a vegetarian option. If you selected the morning trip, the BBQ lunch is optional. For afternoon tours, a BBQ dinner is included, as well as a sunset ride and a traditional folk music session.

Mendoza is one of the greatest wine regions in the world. With more than 1,500 wineries spread out through Lujan de Cuyo, Valle de Uco, and Maipu regions, explore wide open spaces with nothing but vines, mountain grandeur, and blue skies. Mendoza is a successful example of an irrigation system of canals inherited from the Huarpes, the native inhabitants of this region, that turned the desert into a modern-day oasis. Visit 2 wineries, taste wine, walk amidst vineyards, and learn how wine is made. Then, enjoy a 3-course lunch accompanied by excellent wines at Bodega Zuccardi, Bodega Salentein, Bodega Lopez, Tempus Alba, Bodega Norton, or Bodega Nieto Senetiner, with vast vineyards spread over the main terroirs of the province of Mendoza. Visit 2 wineries in the Luján de Cuyo, Maipú or Valle de Uco regions. Your enologist guides will explain the process of winemaking. Following this educational lesson, you will also have the chance to taste some of the best wines in the region in both wineries. Have an incredible lunch in one of the wineries, depending on the option selected.

Meet your guide at 10 am at Carinae, Argentina’s oldest active winery. Embark on a guided tour and tasting. Hop aboard a multi-bike, and sample ham and cheese as you pedal through the countryside. Visit the La Melessca olive oil factory, where you’ll tour the facility. Savor a full tasting of regional products, such as olive oils, Aceto Balsámico, and of course, more wine. Journey to Tempus Alba and enjoy a guided tasting along the way. Tempus Alba is the biggest exporter of wine in South America and a must-see in Mendoza. Its wines are poured all over the world. Select the “Tour with Lunch” option and after your tour sit down for a 3-course meal with drinks at Finca el Pino. Marvel at the ancient trees that surround the restaurant, which was once owned by the landholder of all Coquimbito and the builder of the train to the Andes.

The tour offers a delightful mix of colors and landscapes. In the early morning, as we follow the course of the Mendoza River, we'll be treated to stunning views of the Cordon del Plata mountain range and the impressive Potrerillos Dam, which generates hydropower and supports irrigation. Our first stop will be the Uspallata settlement, where we'll explore the remains of the pre-Hispanic Huarpes community and discover the southernmost point of the Inca Empire along the Inca Trail from Peru. Continuing our journey, we'll visit the charming villages of Picheuta, Polvaredas, and Punta de Vacas. We'll then travel along the route of the Puente del Inca, marveling at the natural architectural formations and hot springs. Following that, we'll ascend to the viewpoint of Cerro Aconcagua, a towering presence at 6,959 meters above sea level, surrounded by the serene Laguna Horcones and the Aconcagua Provincial Park. Our final destination is the picturesque European-style village of Las Cuevas, located 3,200 meters above sea level. Here, we'll find the path that leads to the iconic "Cristo Redentor" monument, perched at an impressive 4,200 meters above sea level, symbolizing the unity between the people of Argentina and Chile (Only visited during the summer months). As our tour concludes, we'll return to Mendoza, bringing back cherished memories of this enchanting journey.

Meet the driver at your hotel and then drive to a winery in the Maipú area. Enjoy the view on the way and visit 2 wineries, such as Bodega Santa Julia de Familia Zuccardi, Bodega La Rural with its Wine Museum, Bodega Carinae, or Tempus Alba. Taste excellent wine at these famous wineries. After this, head to the renowned Antigal Winery to eat a 3-course lunch in the restaurant here. Take in a great view of the vineyard as you dine on food and sip wine that has been paired with it. Alternatively, you may go to Bodega Bonfanti Winery or Bodega Hacienda del Plata for lunch. Finish eating and soak up your surroundings for a while. Finally, get back into the car and return to Mendoza to finish the experience.

Start your itinerary in Mendoza on the right foot with a 1-way or round-trip transfer between MDZ International Airport (El Plumerillo) and various locations in the city center. Climb aboard an air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver and sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey.  Save yourself lugging heavy bags and navigating the public transportation system using this door-to-door transfer service. Enjoy comfort and security, benefiting from the knowledge that all vehicles are regularly maintained to high standards. Your driver will be waiting for you in case of a flight delay.

Your rafting adventure begins with pickup from your hotel, or at the local operator’s office, depending on the option chosen, followed by a safety information briefing. After your introduction, it's time to follow the road upriver where the rafts await you. Once you’re all kitted out with the necessary equipment, which includes wet suits, helmets, and life jackets, it’s time to head into the water where the real fun begins. In the water, ride your raft over level 3 and level 4 rapids and enjoy a fun and exciting ride through the Mendoza River. Feel the thrill of adrenaline and immerse yourself in the adventure as your raft is jerked around in the rapids. Work together in a team on the raft to paddle through the rapids and move through the river at speed. While you ride, admire the stunning views of the Andes that surround you and be at one with nature. Once your rafting rapid ride is over, you can have a shower to clean off the mud before heading home.