Major city · Argentina
Mendoza
Give Mendoza 3 nights: one for the city, one full day of wineries in Maipú or Luján, one for the Andes. Skip it as a day trip — the bodegas are 10 km (6.2 mi)+ out.Give Mendoza 3 nights: one for the city, one full day of wineries in Maipú or Luján, one for the Andes. Skip it as a day trip — the bodegas are 6.2 mi (10 km)+ out.
Mendoza is a dry desert city that grows wine on diverted river water, with the Andes rising straight behind it. The city itself is compact and walkable; the reason you come is the bodegas to the south and the mountain road west toward Aconcagua. Three nights covers both without rushing, and the harvest months of March and April are the best time to see it working.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- ARS
- Best months
- Mar–Apr (harvest), Oct–Nov
- avoid Jan (40°C (104°F) days), late Jun–Aug in the mountainsavoid Jan (104°F (40°C) days), late Jun–Aug in the mountains
- Airport
- MDZ
- Nights
- 3
Rules in force · 7Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the fir…
- South America ↗Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the first day light; sleep lower where you can (Sacred Valley before Cusco) and descend if headache comes with vomiting or confusion.
- South America ↗A yellow fever certificate is required on arrival in French Guiana, and asked for on some routes into Bolivia, Paraguay, Suriname and Guyana, or when arriving from Amazon areas — vaccinate at least 10 days before travel and carry the card.
- South America ↗Overnight buses are the norm in Argentina, Chile and Peru, but pick top-tier companies and keep valuables on your body; on-board thefts from overhead racks are the common loss.
- Argentina ↗Check entry rules for your passport with Argentina's National Migration Directorate (Migraciones) or an Argentine consulate before booking.
- Argentina ↗Since April 2025 the official, MEP and street ('blue') dollar rates sit within a few percent of each other; a foreign card is usually the best-value way to pay, while ATM withdrawals carry high fixed fees. Rules have changed often — check before you fly.
- Argentina ↗Patagonia (El Calafate, El Chaltén, Ushuaia) is a November–March trip; in winter many services close and hiking is limited.
- Argentina ↗Since August 2026 non-resident foreigners must show insurance or pay for non-urgent care at nationally run public hospitals, and Buenos Aires City, Mendoza, Salta, Jujuy and Santa Cruz charge visitors for scheduled care; emergencies are still treated. Travel with medical insurance — check the current rules.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Mendoza911 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Mendoza, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Argentine peso (ARS, $).Argentina-wide
- SIM or eSIMClaro, Movistar and Personal cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their shops with a passport, or an eSIM before you fly.Argentina-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable in Buenos Aires and most cities; in the Northwest and rural areas ask or use bottled.Argentina-wide
- TippingRestaurant: About 10% in cash; the cubierto (cover charge) is not a tip.Argentina-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/I. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): fits. 220 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Argentina-wide
- SafetyMendoza is a calm, walkable city by Argentine standards.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsUse cafés, shopping centres and bus terminals (small fee sometimes); carry tissues.Argentina-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police · 107 ambulance · 100 fire
- Sundays & holidaysSiesta hours (13:00–17:00) in the provinces close many shops; Buenos Aires works straight through.Siesta hours (1:00 PM–5:00 PM) in the provinces close many shops; Buenos Aires works straight through.Argentina-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportMDZ El Plumerillo (Governor Francisco Gabrielli International) (About 8 km (5 mi) northeast of the centre; remis at posted fixed prices…MDZ El Plumerillo (Governor Francisco Gabrielli International) (About 5 mi (8 km) northeast of the centre; remis at posted fixed prices…
- Getting aroundThe centre is walkable — Plaza Independencia to Parque San Martín is 20–30 minutes on foot.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee2026 estimate; check
- Sit-down mealLunch, set menu2026 estimate; check
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi, centre to Parque San Martín2026 estimate; check
- Metro or bus rideBus ride (Mendotran)2026 estimate; check current fare
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week2026 estimate; check
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per personARS 15,000
- Mid-range bedDouble room, mid hotel, a night, per roomARS 110,000
- High-end bedDouble room, mid hotel, a night, per roomARS 250,000
A day, not counting the bed: Budget ARS 45,000 · Mid ARS 100,000 · High ARS 200,000
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- MDZ El Plumerillo (Governor Francisco Gabrielli International) (About 8 km (5 mi) northeast of the centre; remis at posted fixed prices, or a city bus that takes about an hour)MDZ El Plumerillo (Governor Francisco Gabrielli International) (About 5 mi (8 km) northeast of the centre; remis at posted fixed prices, or a city bus that takes about an hour)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Feb
not flagged
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Mar
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Apr
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
May
not flagged
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Jun
Avoid*
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Jul
Avoid
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Aug
Avoid
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Sep
not flagged
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Oct
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Nov
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Dec
not flagged
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Best: Mar–Apr, Oct–Nov. Avoid: Jan, Jun–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jan (33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)), coolest Jul (2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C) low), wettest Jan (4 rain days), driest May (1). Averages, not a forecast.
* only part of the month (early, mid or late).
Weather and climate
Mendoza: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
4 rd
Feb
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
4 rd
Mar
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
3 rd
Apr
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
2 rd
May
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
1 rd
Jun
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
1 rd
Jul
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
1 rd
Aug
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
1 rd
Sep
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
1 rd
Oct
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
1 rd
Nov
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
2 rd
Dec
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
2 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The centre is walkable — Plaza Independencia to Parque San Martín is 20–30 minutes on foot. Buses run on the Mendotran network: no cash on board, pay with a SUBE card or a contactless bank card, and a second bus within 90 minutes is free. The Metrotranvía tram-train links the centre with Maipú/Gutiérrez. Taxis are metered and cheap; Uber also operates here. Bicycles are the standard way to do the Maipú wineries — inspect the bike before you pay.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Maipú wine route
goDoor to door: About 1 h to the first bodega
Metrotranvía green line to Gutiérrez, then bike or taxi between bodegas
Book tastings ahead; many bodegas close at weekends. Budget for 4–6 stops.
Luján de Cuyo and Chacras de Coria
goDoor to door: About 40 min
Remis or taxi, about 25–35 min south
Higher-end wineries with multi-course lunches; reserve weeks ahead in harvest season.
Aconcagua Provincial Park
cautionDoor to door: 3–4 h each way
Uspallata-bound bus from the terminal to the park entrance
A long day; the short interpretive trail needs only the park entry. Longer treks need permits bought in town at the Parque San Martín office.
Santiago, Chile
overnightDoor to door: 8–9 h
Bus over the Andes, about 7 h plus border control
Not a same-day return: sleep in Santiago. The pass closes after heavy snow, usually from late May.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Centro / Plaza Independencia
Walkable core: squares, restaurants, tour pickups. Best for a first visit without a car.
Chacras de Coria
Leafy village 13 km (8.1 mi) south, close to Luján wineries; quieter, needs taxis or a car.Leafy village 8.1 mi (13 km) south, close to Luján wineries; quieter, needs taxis or a car.
Maipú / Gutiérrez
Cheapest base for bike-and-wine days; the Metrotranvía green line links it to the centre.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- 2026 estimate; check
- Mid
- 2026 estimate; check
- High
- 2026 estimate; check
Trip budget
| Double room, mid hotel1 × 3 nights × ARS 110,000 | ARS 330,000 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 3 days × ARS 100,000 | ARS 600,000 |
| Remis, airport to centre1 × ARS 25,000 · 2026 estimate; confirm the posted fare at the desk. | ARS 25,000 |
| SUBE card, one-off purchase2 × ARS 500 · 2026 estimate; check availability and current price. | ARS 1,000 |
| Bicycle hire, one day2 × ARS 18,000 · 2026 estimate; inspect the bike before paying. | ARS 36,000 |
| Winery tasting, per stop2 × ARS 15,000 · 2026 estimate; prices vary by winery and tasting. | ARS 30,000 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × ARS 12,000 · 2026 estimate. | ARS 24,000 |
| Buffer 15%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | ARS 156,900 |
| Trip total≈ ARS 200,500 per person per day, bed included | ARS 1,202,900 |
2026 estimate in pesos; flights excluded. Argentine prices move with inflation — treat these as bands, not quotes.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | 2026 estimate; check |
| Lunch, set menu | 2026 estimate; check |
| Parrilla dinner with wine | 2026 estimate; check |
| Bus ride (Mendotran) | 2026 estimate; check current fare |
| SUBE card (one-off, then top up) | 2026 estimate; check current price |
| Taxi, centre to Parque San Martín | 2026 estimate; check |
| Winery tasting | 2026 estimate; check; guided tours and meals cost more |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | 2026 estimate; check |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Siesta is real: most shops close about 13:00–17:00 and reopen until 20:30–21:30. Banks are morning-only, Monday to Friday.Siesta is real: most shops close about 1:00 PM–5:00 PM and reopen until 8:30 PM–9:30 PM. Banks are morning-only, Monday to Friday.
- The Zonda wind can push winter temperatures up by 20°C (68°F) in hours; dress in layers.The Zonda wind can push winter temperatures up by 68°F (20°C) in hours; dress in layers.
- The Andes pass to Chile closes after heavy snow, usually from late May; border queues can run to 8 hours in high season.
- Bags get snatched from bike baskets on the wine routes — keep valuables on you.
- The walk between the bus terminal and the centre passes a rough stretch; take a taxi or remis at night.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 911
- Ambulance
- 107
- Fire
- 100
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
MendozaMendoza
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A esta dirección, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police911
- Ambulance107
- Fire100
Embassy
No US or UK embassy in Mendoza; consulates and embassies are in Buenos Aires. Check your country's list before you travel.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Remis, MDZ airport → centre: Fixed posted fare; check current price at the desk.
- Bus, centre → Maipú/Gutiérrez: Pay with SUBE or a contactless bank card; check current fare.
- Bus, Mendoza → Santiago: About 7 h plus border control; check current schedules and pass conditions.
Say or show
- Perdón — Excuse me / Sorry (per-DON)
- Gracias — Thank you (GRA-syas)
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? — How much is it? (KWAN-to KWES-ta)
- ¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta? — Can I pay by card? (PWE-do pa-GAR kon tar-HE-ta)
- La cuenta, por favor — The bill, please (la KWEN-ta por fa-VOR)
- ¿Dónde está el baño? — Where is the toilet? (DON-de es-TA el BA-nyo)
Tipping: about 10% in restaurants, preferably cash; not expected in taxis.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Mendoza. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Mar–Apr (harvest), Oct–Nov · avoid Jan (40°C days), late Jun–Aug in the mountains · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for MDZ: remis fixed fares, last bus times, taxi fallback.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: Plaza Independencia, Parque San Martín, the wine routes, the mountain road.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (bodegas, Aconcagua park, Cerro de la Gloria) and eat pages with last orders.
- Harvest and Zonda-wind fixtures so gates A–D can go green.