Mendoza is a captivating destination at the foot of the Andes. The city is renowned for its stunning vineyards and exquisite wines. But Mendoza offers more than just wine. In the surrounding area, you can enjoy breathtaking lakes and vast landscapes.

There are plenty of fun things to do in and around Mendoza. Here are our top tips!

Mendoza has a lively square: Plaza Independencia. You'll often find market stalls here, and from Tuesday to Sunday, there’s a fountain show from 8:30 PM to 10:00 PM. The schedule for the fountain show occasionally changes, so we recommend checking with your accommodation for the exact time. Arístides Villanueva is a cozy street where you can enjoy delicious Argentine meat and drinks in the evening.

Mendoza is famous for its beautiful vineyards and delicious wines. For wine lovers, Mendoza is a paradise. There are various ways to visit the bodegas, depending on which ones you want to explore. In the city, you can rent a bike and visit the bodegas within cycling distance. We had a rental car and stayed in a lovely Airbnb in Luján de Cuyo, just outside Mendoza. At this accommodation, we could rent bikes and cycled to three different bodegas in the area.

For visiting the bodegas, it’s handy to have a WinePass in advance. This pass allows you to select different bodegas you want to visit, where you can enjoy a glass of wine. You pay in advance, and the bodegas know you're coming, so they can reserve a spot for you. If you’re at one of the bodegas and want to try more wines, you can do so but will need to pay extra.

We’ve written a nice bike route for you, passing four bodegas in Luján de Cuyo, just south of Mendoza.

The breathtaking Cañon del Atuel is a 3.5-hour drive from Mendoza. The journey to this canyon is an adventure in itself, as you drive through vast stretches of wilderness. Cañon del Atuel is known for its impressive rock formations, cliffs, and ravines, with crystal-clear turquoise water flowing through it. The area offers plenty of outdoor activities. The river that flows through the canyon is a great spot for rafting, and you can also enjoy kayaking, hiking, and mountain biking in the surrounding area. Various tourist offices near the canyon offer these activities.

Tip: Make sure your car has enough fuel and bring enough food and drinks. You’ll be driving long stretches through wilderness on the way to the canyon, so you won’t come across any shops or gas stations. If you experience car trouble, you may have to wait a while for help to arrive.

Termas de Cacheuta is located an hour’s drive from Mendoza and is a popular tourist attraction. It’s a natural hot spring set in the heart of nature. Argentine tourists also flock here to relax by the water. During the Argentine summer holidays, it can get quite busy. Near the hot spring, you'll find several local restaurants where you can enjoy great cuts of Argentine meat.

Lago Potrerillos is just over an hour's drive from Mendoza. There are several viewpoints around the lake where you can stop and take in the breathtaking landscape. You can also enjoy kayaking on the lake.

Tip: Lago Potrerillos is located close to Termas de Cacheuta, so these attractions can be easily combined in a day trip.

Mendoza is located at the foot of the Andes, so you’re quickly in the mountains from the city. The surrounding area of Mendoza offers stunning landscapes and viewpoints. The Uspallata Valley is a must-see, as well as the Aconcagua viewpoint. You can explore with your own rental car or join an organized tour to discover the beautiful surroundings.

Another great way to explore the landscape of Mendoza is on horseback. Even if you’ve never ridden a horse before, you can join a tour. It’s a peaceful way to discover the surroundings and enjoy the tranquility of nature.