From Vineyards to Mountains: 5 of Mendoza's Top Tourist Attractions
Mendoza is one of Argentina’s top travel destinations, receiving over 1 million tourists each year. Most of these visitors come to Mendoza to experience the famous wine culture, but there are many other worthwhile sites and destinations to see in Argentina’s premier wine region.
While wine will likely be the focus of your time in Mendoza, you’d be doing yourself a disservice if you didn’t get out and explore beyond the vineyards and wineries. Here are some of the best attractions to check out in Mendoza, Argentina.
1. Parque Provincial Aconcagua
Parque Provincial Aconcagua has something for all kinds of outdoors enthusiasts, including hiking, rock climbing, and skiing. This park is home to Mount Aconcagua, the highest peak in the Americas, attracting numerous expert hikers with its challenging routes. Though reaching the summit is best attempted by experts, there are trails available for hikers of different skill levels.
Mount Aconcagua and the rest of the mountain range also played a significant role in Latin American history. Don José de San Martín crossed the range when Argentina was at war with the Spanish Empire and eventually won independence for Chile during a raid through the mountains.
2. Cacheuta Thermal Baths
The Cachueta thermal baths offer a serene and soothing retreat for those in search of relaxation. Surrounded by mountains, these thermal baths offer a refreshing escape from the hot summer months (December to February in the Southern Hemisphere).
Beyond their idyllic location, the Cachueta thermal baths are part of a larger complex that includes a health spa and a water park, catering to various preferences and interests. Visitors can revel in the healing properties of the mineral-enriched waters or simply bask in the natural beauty that surrounds them.
3. Parque General San Martín
Parque General San Martín, situated in the heart of Mendoza, is the oldest and most visited park in the province. On its western side, the park is embraced by the majestic Mendoza foothills. Over time, the park's southern boundary has been extended, now reaching the Zanjón Frías, serving as a demarcation between the city of Mendoza and the neighboring Department of Godoy Cruz, both within the province of Mendoza.
After the devastating earthquake of 1861, the city faced formidable health challenges with major outbreaks of diphtheria, cholera, and measles. The urgent need for a solution led Emilio Civit, the Minister of Public Works and Services at that time, to champion the enactment of Law No. 3. This law aimed to populate the Mendoza province through afforestation, not only to serve as flood protection but also to establish a new penitentiary.
Ultimately, on November 6, 1896, Law No. 19 was enacted, becoming the foundation for the creation of Parque del Oeste, the original name of Parque General San Martín. During the same year, the city engaged the services of French architect and landscapist Carlos Thays, known for his work in other significant Argentine parks such as Parque 9 de Julio, Parque Sarmiento, and Parque Nahuel Huapi. Thays' expertise contributed to the development of this green oasis, which stands as a testament to visionary urban planning and landscape design.
4. Cerro de la Gloria
Located within Parque General San Martín, the Cerro de la Gloria (or Glory Hill) is a massive memorial monument to the Army of the Andes, a military troop that helped win independence for Chile in the early 19th century.
The monument was jointly crafted by Uruguayan sculptor Juan Manuel Ferrari and Argentine artists Juan Carlos Oliva Navarro, Víctor Garino, Víctor Calistri, Víctor Guarini, and Víctor Cerini. Constructed in 1911 as part of Argentina's Centennial celebrations in 1910, the monument was officially inaugurated on February 12, 1914, coinciding with the anniversary of the Battle of Chacabuco.
At its pinnacle is an allegorical representation of Freedom or the Republic, symbolized by broken chains. Adjacent to this powerful figure is an imposing equestrian statue of General San Martín, inscribed with the words "La Patria al Ejército de los Andes" ("The Fatherland to the Army of the Andes"). This iconic structure stands as a testament to the spirit of valor, liberty, and historical significance, commemorating those who fought for the region's independence and their enduring legacy.
5. Plaza Independencia
Plaza Independencia is the heart of Mendoza, as the entire city is built around it. After the catastrophic earthquake of 1861, city leaders prioritized new urban spaces that could provide shelter from future earthquakes. A new grid layout was adopted with five new squares, the central and largest one being Plaza Independencia. In these early years, the park featured an artificial lake and a horse-drawn carousel as its main attractions.
Renovations began in the early 1940s, and in 1968, the municipal mini-theater was inaugurated. The plaza was connected to the Paseo Peatonal Sarmiento, a pedestrian walkway, and the Municipal Museum of Modern Art was opened while the Julio Quintanilla Theater was remodeled. The plaza underwent further comprehensive remodeling in the 1990s, acquiring its present-day appearance.