Mendoza: Malbec Under the Andes

What it costs

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low confidence · sampled fares Aug 23 to Oct 27, 2026

Showing Comfort picks below · 5 nights · confirmed when you adopt.

Comfort day plan

5 perfect days in Mendoza

1

Day 1

Arrival and Plaza Culture

Settle into the heart of Mendoza city, acclimating to the slow pace of local life with a stroll through the historic plazas.

afternoon

Plaza Independencia Stroll

Explore the city's central hub, visiting the artisan markets and enjoying the shade of the lush, tree-lined walkways.

evening

Dinner at Azafrán

Experience a curated wine-pairing dinner at this iconic downtown spot known for its extensive cellar and local ingredients.

2

Day 2

The Art of the Empanada

Dive into the culinary traditions of the region with a hands-on cooking class before exploring the city's vibrant wine bars.

morning

Empanada and Wine Pairing Class

Learn the secrets of the perfect dough and filling, followed by a guided tasting of regional Malbecs.

evening

Wine Bar Hopping on Arístides Villanueva

Spend the evening sampling boutique labels at the city's most famous street for nightlife and social dining.

3

Day 3

Uco Valley Grandeur

Head into the high-altitude vineyards of the Uco Valley for a day of world-class viticulture and breathtaking Andean views.

morning

Tasting at Zuccardi Valle de Uco

Visit the world's top-ranked winery for a tour of their architectural marvel and a tasting of their high-altitude wines.

afternoon

Winery Lunch at Piedra Infinita Cocina

Indulge in a multi-course, farm-to-table lunch that celebrates local produce and slow-dining culture.

4

Day 4

Foothills and Olive Groves

Connect with the rugged landscape of the Andes through a morning ride, followed by an exploration of Mendoza's liquid gold.

morning

Horseback in the Foothills

Ride through the dramatic scenery of the Precordillera, experiencing the landscape as the gauchos do.

afternoon

Olive Oil Tasting at Pasrai

Discover the nuances of regional olive oils with a guided tasting at a traditional family-run estate.

5

Day 5

Luján de Cuyo Exploration

Focus on the historic heart of Malbec production with visits to heritage wineries and intimate cellar tastings.

morning

Tasting at Bodega Catena Zapata

Visit the iconic pyramid-shaped winery to learn about the history of Malbec in the Luján de Cuyo region.

afternoon

Relaxed Lunch at Lagarde

Enjoy a long, unhurried lunch under the vines at one of the oldest wineries in the region.

6

Day 6

Final Flavors and Farewell

Spend your final day gathering local delicacies and enjoying a quiet morning in the city's parks before departure.

morning

Mercado Central Visit

Browse the local market for artisanal cheeses, dried fruits, and spices to take a piece of Mendoza home.

afternoon

Parque General San Martín Walk

Take a final, peaceful walk through the city's massive urban park to reflect on the week's indulgences.

Sources (5)

Experiences

Things you can do

Getting there

Flights from Amsterdam

Example fares below are economy. Adopt the trip and we search premium economy for your exact dates.

Example fares for travel between Aug 23 to Oct 27, 2026. Adopt the trip to price your exact dates.

IB

Iberia +2 more

20h 41m flight time

PROVIDER DATA 1 DAY AGO

Indicative fare

$ 64

Skyscanner confirms the final total

DEPARTS19:25CET · Mon, Sep 7AMSAmsterdam Airport SchipholAmsterdam, Netherlands

2 stops · MAD(Madrid) - Spain, SCL(Santiago) - Chile12,374 kmvia MAD, SCL

ARRIVES11:06+1ART · Tue, Sep 8MDZGovernor Francisco Gabrielli International AirportMendoza, Argentina

20h 41m · 2 stops

Indicative fare

$ 64

Skyscanner confirms the final total

23kg checked + 7kg cabinEconomy

View flight details

BA

British Airways

BA BA439

Boeing 777-300ER · 21h 35m flight time

AI · WEB-SOURCED

Indicative fare

$ 85

Skyscanner confirms the final total

DEPARTS19:25CET · Mon, Sep 7AMSAmsterdam Airport SchipholAmsterdam, Netherlands

2 stops · LHR(London) - United Kingdom, GRU(São Paulo) - Brazil12,249 kmvia LHR, GRU

ARRIVES12:00+1ART · Tue, Sep 8MDZGovernor Francisco Gabrielli International AirportMendoza, Argentina

21h 35m · 2 stops

Indicative fare

$ 85

Skyscanner confirms the final total

23kg checked + 7kg cabinEconomyWi-Fi availableUSB / AC powerSeat-back IFEHot meal

View flight details

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Stays

Where to stay

When to go

Best time to visit

Mendoza is a sanctuary for the senses, best experienced during the harvest rush of March or the golden, temperate days of November. Balance your trip between the sophisticated, sprawling estates of the Uco Valley and the charming, tree-lined plazas of the city center.

Jan★★★

Feb★★★★

Mar★★★★★

Apr★★★★★

May★★★★

Jun★★★

Jul★★★

Aug★★★

Sep★★★★

Oct★★★★

Nov★★★★★

Dec★★★★

Great Fair Quieter

Good to know

Before you go

Do

Book your Uco Valley winery tastings and long lunches well in advance.
Take an empanada-making class to understand the regional variations of the dough.
Spend your evenings strolling through Plaza Independencia to soak in the local social atmosphere.
Hire a private driver for your Uco Valley day trips to fully enjoy the wine pairings.

Don't

Don't rush your winery lunch; these multi-course experiences are designed to last three hours or more.
Don't skip the olive oil tastings, as Mendoza produces some of the world's finest extra virgin oils.
Don't order coffee 'to-go' if you want to blend in; enjoy your espresso seated at a cafe table.

Local laws

Public consumption of alcohol is generally discouraged outside of designated dining areas.
Strict laws prohibit driving with a blood alcohol content exceeding 0.05%.
Smoking is prohibited in all enclosed public spaces, including restaurants and wineries.

Etiquette

Dinner is a late-night affair; do not expect restaurants to be busy before 9:00 PM.
Tipping 10% in cash is standard practice for good service in restaurants.
Dress code for high-end winery lunches is 'smart casual'—polished but comfortable for the vineyard heat.

Did you know

Mendoza is the heart of Argentina's Malbec production, benefiting from high-altitude Andean terroir.
The city uses an intricate system of irrigation canals (acequias) originally designed by the Huarpe people.
The Uco Valley is considered one of the highest-altitude wine regions in the world.

Sources (3)

On the ground

Getting around and eating well

Getting around

Mendoza is best experienced by balancing the vibrant, walkable energy of the city center with private, unhurried excursions into the Uco Valley. Prioritize comfort and flexibility to ensure your winery lunches and sunset tastings remain the focus of your journey.

Private Driver or Remis. Hiring a dedicated driver for the day is the essential, stress-free way to navigate the Uco Valley wine circuit while indulging in tastings.

Walking. The city center is highly walkable, perfect for strolling between leafy plazas, artisanal markets, and evening empanada spots.

Ride-hailing Apps. Uber and Cabify are reliable and efficient for quick trips within the city or reaching nearby boutique wineries.

Bicycle. Renting a bike is a charming way to explore the flatter vineyard estates, allowing you to soak in the foothills scenery at a leisurely pace.

What to eat

Estate-Grown Malbec Tasting. Experience the high-altitude terroir of the Uco Valley by sipping deep, structured Malbecs directly at the source where the grapes are harvested.

Multi-Course Winery Lunch. Dedicate an entire afternoon to a slow-paced, wine-paired feast at a vineyard restaurant, where the focus is on seasonal ingredients and lingering conversation.

Artisanal Empanada Workshop. Master the art of the perfect fold and savory filling during a hands-on cooking class that celebrates the rustic soul of Argentine comfort food.

Foothill Asado. Combine a morning horseback ride through the rugged Andean foothills with a traditional open-fire barbecue that defines the region's culinary heritage.

Plaza Independencia Evening. Wind down your day in the city center by joining locals for a glass of Torrontés and small plates at a bustling sidewalk café under the canopy of trees.

Mendoza Olive Oil Tasting. Sample the region's vibrant, peppery extra virgin olive oils, which rival the quality of the local wines and serve as the foundation for every authentic meal.

Country

Facts and safety

Capital: Buenos Aires
Government: federal republic
Languages: Guaraní, Spanish
Currency: ARS
Population: 46,735,004
Power plugs: AS/NZS 3112, Europlug

Safety

Argentina remains generally safe for travelers, though visitors should exercise standard vigilance against petty crime, such as pickpocketing, particularly in crowded tourist areas of Buenos Aires.

Pickpocketing and bag snatching are common in crowded tourist areas like La Boca, San Telmo, and on public transport. Keep your belongings secure and avoid displaying expensive jewelry or electronics.
Use radio taxis or ride-sharing apps rather than hailing cabs on the street to ensure your journey is tracked. Verify the driver's credentials and avoid entering vehicles that look unofficial.
Protests and strikes occur frequently in Buenos Aires, particularly near the Plaza de Mayo and Congress. Avoid these gatherings as they can turn confrontational and disrupt local transport.
Avoid walking alone at night in deserted areas or parks. Stick to well-lit, populated streets and use reputable transport services to return to your accommodation.
While popular for tourists, La Boca is known for high crime rates outside the main tourist thoroughfare of Caminito. Stay within the designated tourist zones and do not wander into side streets.
A stranger spills a substance on your clothing and offers to help clean it, using the distraction to pickpocket your wallet or phone.

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