Mendoza
Argentina's wine capital sits in the Andean foothills at 750m — Malbec country. Three regions deliver: Maipú's classic vineyards close to the city, Luján de Cuyo's premium Malbecs, and Uco Valley's high-altitude trendy bodegas. Tree-lined streets after the 1861 earthquake rebuild, the huge Parque San Martín, and Aconcagua (the Americas' highest peak at 6,961m) within striking distance. Vendimia harvest festival in early March is the year's headline event.
Tours & Experiences
Browse bookable tours, activities, and day trips in Mendoza
📍 Points of Interest
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At a Glance
- Pop.
- 115K (city), 1.2M (metro)
- Timezone
- Mendoza
- Dial
- +54
- Emergency
- 911
Mendoza is Argentina's undisputed wine capital, producing over 70% of the country's wine output, with Malbec — originally from France — reaching its world-renowned peak in the high-altitude Andean terroir
The city was almost entirely rebuilt after a catastrophic earthquake and fire in 1861 that killed an estimated 6,000 people; the new grid was designed with wide boulevards, irrigation canals called acequias, and dense tree planting to provide shade and earthquake resilience
Mendoza sits at roughly 750 metres above sea level at the foot of the Andes, giving it a semi-arid continental climate — intense sunshine, dry air, and dramatic snowcapped peaks visible on clear days from the city centre
Aconcagua, the highest peak in both the Western and Southern Hemispheres at 6,961 metres, lies just 180 km from Mendoza city and is accessed via the provincial park that bears its name
The Vendimia harvest festival held each March is one of Argentina's biggest annual celebrations, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors with parades, gaucho displays, folk music, and the crowning of the Harvest Queen at the Frank Romero Day amphitheatre in Parque San Martín
Mendoza's three main wine zones — Maipú (close and classic), Luján de Cuyo (premium Malbec), and Uco Valley (high-altitude, up to 1,500 m) — each produce distinctly different styles and are all within day-trip distance of the city
Top Sights
Maipú Wine Route by Bike
📌The classic Mendoza wine experience. Rent a bicycle in the town of Maipú and pedal between boutique bodegas, an olive oil estate, and a craft beer brewery. Wineries like Trapiche, Familia Di Tomaso, and Clos de Chacras are all on the route. A full day of tasting, cheese plates, and vine-lined roads.
Luján de Cuyo Bodegas
🗼The heartland of premium Argentine Malbec. Wineries like Achaval Ferrer, Vistalba, Cheval des Andes, and Catena Zapata's landmark Maya pyramid cellar sit among old-vine vineyards at 900-1,100 metres. Most require advance reservations for tastings and food pairings.
Uco Valley High-Altitude Wineries
🗼Argentina's most exciting wine frontier. Vineyards planted between 1,000 and 1,500 metres in the shadow of the Andes produce intensely concentrated, elegant wines. Zuccardi Valle de Uco — named the world's best winery in 2019 — anchors this 100 km valley alongside Clos des Andes, O. Fournier, and Salentein.
Plaza Independencia
🗼The elegant main square at the heart of Mendoza, ringed by jacaranda trees, outdoor cafes, and the underground Museo Municipal de Arte Moderno beneath its fountain. Weekend artisan markets fill the square with craft stalls, street performers, and families. The cultural pulse of the city.
Parque General San Martín
🌿One of the largest and most beautiful urban parks in South America, covering 420 hectares on the western edge of the city. Features a rose garden, a lake with rowing boats, the Frank Romero Day amphitheatre, the Cuyo University campus, and trails leading up to Cerro de la Gloria.
Cerro de la Gloria
📌A hill inside Parque San Martín topped by a bronze monument commemorating General José de San Martín's Army of the Andes, which crossed the Cordillera in 1817 to liberate Chile. The hilltop offers sweeping views over Mendoza city, the surrounding desert, and the Andean peaks to the west.
Aconcagua Provincial Park
🌿The gateway to the highest peak in the Americas. Even without climbing ambitions, the Horcones Valley trail offers a 4 km return walk through spectacular high-desert scenery to a lagoon with direct views of Aconcagua's south face. Day-trippers need a free visitor permit; climbers require expensive seasonal permits booked months in advance.
Off the Beaten Path
Chacras de Coria Village
A charming wine-country village 14 km south of Mendoza with boutique bodegas, upscale restaurants, a leafy central plaza, and a distinctly local atmosphere. Far quieter than the tourist circuit of Maipú, with several excellent small producers operating informal tastings.
Locals from Mendoza come here on weekends for long lunches — it has the best of the wine country without the tour-bus crowds.
Mercado Central Artisanal Produce
The city's main covered market on Avenida Las Heras is stacked with local producers selling cured meats, regional cheeses, fresh pasta, pickled vegetables, and the olive oil and dried fruits the region is famous for. Go in the morning when it is at its most lively.
A far better introduction to Mendoza's food culture than any restaurant — and an ideal place to assemble a picnic for a vineyard visit.
Rafting on the Río Mendoza
The glacial Mendoza River offers excellent whitewater rafting, with Grade III-IV rapids through a dramatic Andean gorge accessible on a half-day trip from the city. Operators run trips year-round, with best conditions in spring (October-November) when snowmelt raises the water level.
Most visitors only go to wineries — the river canyon experience provides an adrenaline counterpoint that genuinely surprises first-time visitors.
Arístides Villanueva Bar Strip
Mendoza's main nightlife corridor, a tree-lined avenue packed with craft beer bars, wine bars pouring local bottles by the glass, and lively restaurants. The scene starts around 10 pm and runs until 4 am or later — Argentine dinner times apply here.
Drinking Malbec in a local wine bar on Arístides with the regular crowd costs a fraction of a winery tasting and gives a much truer picture of how mendocinos actually drink.
Potrerillos Reservoir & Valley
A turquoise reservoir set in a dramatic narrow valley carved by the Río Mendoza, 60 km west of the city along Ruta 7. A popular weekend escape for locals offering kayaking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and some of the most spectacular Andean scenery accessible without a 4WD.
Most visitors head to wine country or Aconcagua, leaving Potrerillos entirely to local families — you will have a Andean lake largely to yourself on weekdays.
Insider Tips
Climate & Best Time to Go
Monthly climate & crowd levels
Mendoza has a semi-arid continental climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters. The city enjoys over 300 days of sunshine per year. Rainfall is low — averaging just 200 mm annually — with most precipitation falling in summer as brief thunderstorms. Snow falls on the surrounding Andes throughout winter but rarely reaches the city itself. The zonda wind — a hot, dry föhn wind descending from the Andes — can push temperatures above 40°C in summer and autumn, sometimes with only hours of warning.
Summer
December - February68-100°F
20-38°C
Hot and intensely sunny with very low humidity. The zonda wind can push temperatures to 40°C or above. Irrigation keeps the city's trees and vineyards green. High-altitude Uco Valley is notably cooler. Afternoon thunderstorms occasionally bring welcome relief.
Autumn
March - May50-82°F
10-28°C
The best season to visit. March brings the Vendimia harvest festival with vineyards in full golden colour. April and May are warm by day, cool by evening, with clear skies and extraordinary light in the wine country.
Winter
June - August36-57°F
2-14°C
Mild and dry in the city, with heavy snow on the Andes creating ideal ski conditions at Las Leñas and Los Penitentes. Clear winter days bring the sharpest views of Aconcagua. Frost is possible at night but temperatures rarely drop far below zero in the city.
Spring
September - November46-79°F
8-26°C
Warming temperatures, blossom on the trees lining the acequias, and rising river levels from snowmelt — ideal for rafting and hiking. The zonda can still blow in September. Accommodation is easier to find and prices are lower than in peak autumn.
Best Time to Visit
March and April (harvest season) are the peak of Mendoza's appeal — vineyards are golden, the Vendimia festival draws huge crowds in early March, and the weather is perfect. September and October (spring) are excellent alternatives with blossom, rising rivers for rafting, and far fewer tourists.
Autumn / Harvest (March - May)
Crowds: Very high in early March (Vendimia); moderate through April-MayThe prime season. Vineyards turn gold and red, the Vendimia harvest festival fills the first weekend of March, and temperatures are ideal for outdoor exploration. Book accommodation months in advance for the festival weekend.
Pros
- + Vendimia festival and harvest atmosphere
- + Perfect temperatures
- + Stunning vineyard colours
- + Food and wine at their freshest
Cons
- − Vendimia weekend is extremely crowded and expensive
- − Accommodation must be booked far in advance for March
- − Some passes to Chile may close late May
Winter (June - August)
Crowds: Low in the city; high at ski resortsCold nights but clear, sunny days. Snow on the Andes is at its maximum — ideal for skiing at Las Leñas (5 hr south) or Los Penitentes. Wine tourism continues at a quieter pace. The Cristo Redentor pass to Chile closes with heavy snow.
Pros
- + Crisp Andean views
- + Excellent skiing
- + Low accommodation prices
- + Uncrowded wineries with attentive service
Cons
- − Cold nights; outdoor dining is limited
- − Road to Chile may close
- − Shorter days
- − Some smaller bodegas reduce hours
Spring (September - November)
Crowds: Low to moderateTrees blossom along the acequias, the Mendoza River runs high with snowmelt — ideal for rafting — and temperatures are warm without the summer extremes. Visitor numbers are much lower than autumn.
Pros
- + Blossom and green vineyards
- + Best rafting conditions
- + Lower prices
- + Comfortable temperatures for hiking
Cons
- − Zonda wind still possible in September
- − Wine not yet at harvest peak
- − Some high Andean routes still snow-affected early in season
Summer (December - February)
Crowds: High — Argentine school holidays bring domestic touristsHot and dry with intense sun and occasional zonda wind spikes above 40°C. Vineyards are green and full of grapes ripening toward harvest. Winery tourism is at full capacity and Uco Valley (higher and cooler) is particularly appealing.
Pros
- + Long days with late-evening light
- + Uco Valley is at its most striking
- + Full calendar of winery events
- + Aconcagua climbing season peak
Cons
- − Extreme heat in the city
- − Zonda wind risk
- − Highest accommodation prices outside Vendimia
- − Crowded popular bodegas
🎉 Festivals & Events
Vendimia — National Grape Harvest Festival
First weekend of MarchArgentina's most famous wine festival. Five days of events culminate in the Acto Central at the Frank Romero Day amphitheatre in Parque San Martín — an outdoor spectacular with music, fireworks, gauchos, and the crowning of the Harvest Queen before an audience of tens of thousands.
Semana de la Bodega (Winery Week)
NovemberA more low-key harvest celebration in reverse — bodegas across Mendoza open for extended tastings, food pairings, and live music to mark the new vintage, with special access to areas usually closed to the public.
Fiesta Nacional del Sol (Sunshine Festival)
FebruarySan Juan province's answer to Vendimia is held just north of Mendoza and celebrates the region's sun-soaked agricultural heritage with folkloric music, dance, and the crowning of a solar queen.
Safety Breakdown
Moderate
out of 100
Mendoza is one of Argentina's safer major cities for tourists, with a relatively low violent crime rate compared to Buenos Aires or Rosario. The main tourist areas — the city centre, Chacras, Maipú, and the wine routes — are safe for independent travel. Petty theft and opportunistic crime occur in busy markets and bus terminal areas. Exercise standard urban caution, particularly at night in unfamiliar neighbourhoods.
Things to Know
- •Never drink and drive on the wine routes — cycling between wineries is legal and encouraged, but several operators offer a paid driver service for those who prefer to arrive by car and still taste freely
- •Watch for pickpockets and bag-snatching at the Mercado Central and around the bus terminal — keep valuables in a front pocket or money belt in these areas
- •Agree on a fare before getting into an unlicensed taxi (remis); use radio taxis called by your hotel or the Cabify app for security and metered pricing
- •Altitude becomes significant quickly west of the city — carry water and snacks on any Andean day trip; symptoms of altitude sickness can appear above 2,500 m in the mountains
- •Obtain Aconcagua Provincial Park permits well in advance of the climbing season (November to February) — both free visitor permits for the Horcones trail and paid climbing permits sell out
- •The zonda hot wind can cause rapid dehydration and sunstroke — if a zonda warning is issued, limit outdoor activity and drink extra water
Natural Hazards
Emergency Numbers
General Emergency
911
Police
101
Ambulance / SAME
107
Fire Department
100
Tourism Police (Mendoza)
0800-333-2014
Costs & Currency
Where the money goes
USD per dayQuick cost estimate
Customize per category →Estimates based on regional averages. Flight prices vary by season and airline.
budget
$25-45
Hostel dorm bed, self-catering or local parrilla meals, bike wine route, free park and plaza activities
mid-range
$70-130
Comfortable 3-star hotel, restaurant dinners with wine, guided bodega tour, day trip to Uco Valley
luxury
$200+
Boutique wine lodge or premium hotel, fine-dining asado with wine pairing, private bodega tour with sommelier, Aconcagua day excursion
Typical Costs
| Item | Local | USD |
|---|---|---|
| AccommodationHostel dorm bed | ARS 5,000-10,000 | $5-10 |
| AccommodationMid-range hotel (double) | ARS 40,000-80,000 | $40-80 |
| AccommodationBoutique wine lodge | ARS 120,000-250,000 | $120-250 |
| FoodEmpanadas mendocinas (4 pieces) | ARS 2,000-4,000 | $2-4 |
| FoodAsado at local parrilla (full meal) | ARS 8,000-20,000 | $8-20 |
| FoodFine-dining restaurant with wine | ARS 25,000-60,000 | $25-60 |
| FoodMedialunas and coffee at a café | ARS 2,000-4,000 | $2-4 |
| TransportCabify / Uber city ride | ARS 800-2,000 | $0.80-2 |
| TransportBus to Maipú (city bus) | ARS 100-150 | $0.10-0.15 |
| TransportBike rental in Maipú (full day) | ARS 3,000-6,000 | $3-6 |
| AttractionsWinery tasting (entry-level) | ARS 8,000-20,000 | $8-20 |
| AttractionsPremium winery tasting with food pairing | ARS 25,000-80,000 | $25-80 |
| AttractionsAconcagua Park visitor permit (day trip) | Free | Free |
| AttractionsRiver rafting (half day) | ARS 15,000-35,000 | $15-35 |
💡 Money-Saving Tips
- •The Maipú bike wine route is one of the best-value experiences in South America — a full day of tasting for the cost of bike rental plus a few bodega entry fees
- •Many wineries offer free or low-cost tastings if you buy a bottle — the Maipú route is especially generous with small producers
- •Eat your main meal at lunch (almuerzo) — most restaurants offer a set menu (menú ejecutivo) with two courses and a glass of wine for half the dinner price
- •Parque San Martín and Cerro de la Gloria are free and absorb hours of walking
- •Buy wine and olive oil directly at the Mercado Central — retail prices are a fraction of tourist shop prices
- •The Metrotranvía and Mendotran buses require a SUBE card but cost almost nothing — get one at a kiosk on day one
- •Aconcagua day-visitor permits (Horcones trail) are free — no need to pay for a guided day trip
- •Visit in spring (September-October) or early summer for lower accommodation rates and smaller crowds at the bodegas
Argentine Peso
Code: ARS
Argentina's peso has been highly volatile in recent years. As of early 2026, the official rate and the MEP/blue-dollar parallel rates have converged significantly following the Milei government's deregulation, but it is still worth checking the current spread. Most large wineries, hotels, and restaurants accept USD or credit cards. The best rates for cash are typically via the MEP rate (legal electronic transfer) or Western Union transfers. ATMs dispense pesos and may have withdrawal limits and fees — check with your bank. Having some USD cash as backup is always wise in Argentina.
Payment Methods
Credit and debit cards (Visa and Mastercard) are widely accepted in restaurants, hotels, and larger wineries. Cash is essential for markets, small bodegas, taxis, and buses (which require a SUBE card). Small local eateries and artisan market stalls are cash-only. Having a mix of ARS cash and USD is the most flexible approach.
Tipping Guide
A 10% tip is standard. Higher-end restaurants expect 10-15%. Some add a cubierto (cover charge) which is not a tip — add gratuity on top.
Tipping the sommelier or guide is not obligatory but ARS 1,000-2,000 (~$1-2) per person for a guided tasting is warmly received.
Rounding up to the nearest convenient amount is typical. No obligation to tip metered taxis, though small amounts are appreciated.
ARS 2,000-5,000 (~$2-5) per person for a half-day wine tour guide. For private guides, USD 10-20 per day is appreciated.
ARS 500-1,500 per bag for porters. ARS 1,000-2,000 per day for housekeeping in upscale hotels.
How to Get There
✈️ Airports
Governor Francisco Gabrielli International Airport(MDZ)
8 km northeast of city centreTaxis and remises from the official rank outside arrivals cost ARS 3,000-6,000 (~$3-6) to the city centre. Uber and Cabify are cheaper. City bus line 68 connects the airport to the centre for a few pesos with a SUBE card. No airport rail link.
✈️ Search flights to MDZ🚌 Bus Terminals
Terminal del Sol — Mendoza Bus Terminal
Mendoza's large, modern bus terminal on the eastern edge of the city centre is one of Argentina's best-equipped. Overnight sleeper services ("cama" class) run to Buenos Aires (14 hr, ARS 20,000-50,000), Córdoba (9 hr), Salta (18 hr), and Bariloche (24 hr). International services cross the Andes to Santiago, Chile (7 hr, USD 30-50) via the Cristo Redentor tunnel — book ahead in summer. The terminal has a food court, luggage storage, and exchange offices.
Getting Around
Mendoza city is served by a light rail tram, a comprehensive bus network, and taxis and rideshare apps. The city centre is walkable and flat. Getting into wine country requires a dedicated plan — most visitors combine bike rental in Maipú with guided tours or rental cars for Luján de Cuyo and the Uco Valley.
Metrotranvía (Light Rail)
ARS 50-100 (~$0.05-0.10) per trip with SUBE cardA single east-west tram line connects the city's eastern residential zones through the city centre to the western neighbourhoods. Clean, affordable, and air-conditioned. Requires a SUBE card (rechargeable transit card available at kiosks).
Best for: Cross-city trips along the main east-west corridor
Mendotran City Buses
ARS 50-120 (~$0.05-0.12) per trip with SUBE cardAn extensive network of bus lines covers the whole city and reaches Maipú, Luján de Cuyo, and Chacras de Coria. Requires a SUBE card — cash is not accepted. Routes and real-time tracking available via the Mendotran app.
Best for: Getting to Maipú town for the bike wine route; budget transport within Greater Mendoza
Taxis, Remises & Rideshare
ARS 500-2,000 ($0.50-2) within city; ARS 5,000-15,000 ($5-15) to Maipú or Luján de CuyoRadio taxis (booked by phone or app) are metered and reliable. Remises are private car services with negotiated fares — useful for wine country trips. Uber and Cabify operate in Mendoza and are the easiest option for visitors with a smartphone. Avoid hailing random street taxis at night.
Best for: Airport transfers, late-night travel, point-to-point wine country trips
Bike Rental (Maipú Wine Route)
ARS 2,000-5,000 (~$2-5) for a full dayMultiple rental shops in Maipú town centre offer bicycles for the classic wine route, typically including a map and locked basket. The flat, mostly paved route between bodegas is ideal for cycling. Some operators include helmets and basic roadside assistance.
Best for: The Maipú wine route — the quintessential Mendoza experience
Rental Car
ARS 10,000-25,000 (~$10-25) per day for a small carEssential for independent exploration of the Uco Valley, Potrerillos, and the road to Aconcagua. Major companies (Hertz, Avis, Budget) operate at the airport and city centre. An international licence is technically required but rarely checked. Roads to wineries are generally paved and well-signed.
Best for: Uco Valley, Aconcagua Provincial Park, Potrerillos, multi-winery days in Luján de Cuyo
🚶 Walkability
Mendoza city centre is flat, well-shaded by its famous tree canopy, and very walkable between Plaza Independencia, Avenida San Martín, and the Quinta Sección bar district. Parque San Martín is a 15-minute walk from the centre. Wine country requires wheels — distances between bodegas and the city make walking impractical except on the Maipú bike route.
Travel Connections
Buenos Aires
Argentina's vast, European-flavoured capital with world-class steak, tango, architecture, and nightlife. The overnight bus is a comfortable and scenic option beloved by Argentine travellers.
Santiago
Chile's modern capital is a stunning bus ride over the Andes via the Cristo Redentor tunnel at 3,200 metres, with views of Aconcagua on the Argentine side. The road can close in winter due to snow — check conditions before travelling.
Salta
The "beautiful city" of northwest Argentina, with colonial architecture, indigenous culture, the world's highest railway (Tren a las Nubes), and spectacular Andean landscapes in a very different register to Mendoza.
Bariloche
Argentina's alpine playground in Patagonia, with Swiss-style chocolate shops, world-class skiing at Cerro Catedral, Nahuel Huapi lake, and dramatic Andean scenery. A completely different landscape from Mendoza but equally spectacular.
Entry Requirements
Argentina offers visa-free entry for citizens of most Western countries for stays of up to 90 days. Entry is typically through Mendoza's MDZ airport or overland via the Cristo Redentor pass from Chile. A passport valid for at least 6 months is required. A reciprocity fee that was previously charged to US, Canadian, and Australian citizens was abolished in 2016 and has not been reinstated.
Entry Requirements by Nationality
| Nationality | Visa Required | Max Stay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| US Citizens | Visa-free | 90 days | Visa-free entry. No reciprocity fee. Passport must be valid for the duration of stay. Return ticket and proof of funds may be requested. |
| UK Citizens | Visa-free | 90 days | Visa-free entry. Standard tourist stay of 90 days. |
| EU Citizens | Visa-free | 90 days | All EU nationals receive visa-free entry for 90 days. |
| Australian Citizens | Visa-free | 90 days | Visa-free. No fees required since 2016. Passport valid for 6 months recommended. |
| Canadian Citizens | Visa-free | 90 days | Visa-free entry for 90 days. |
| Indian Citizens | Yes | 90 days | Visa required. Apply at the Argentine embassy or consulate in your home country before travel. Processing can take 1-3 weeks. |
Visa-Free Entry
Tips
- •The 90-day tourist stay can be extended once at the local immigration office (Migraciones) for an additional 90 days without leaving the country
- •Crossing to Chile and returning resets the 90-day clock — many long-term visitors do a weekend trip to Santiago for this purpose
- •Always carry a photocopy of your passport when exploring wine country — keep the original in hotel safe storage
- •If entering overland from Chile via Cristo Redentor, the crossing can take 1-3 hours due to customs checks — allow extra time and have all documents ready
- •Argentine immigration officers may ask for proof of onward travel and sufficient funds — having a return ticket booked makes entry smoother
Shopping
Mendoza's shopping is dominated by wine, gourmet regional products, and quality leather goods. The city has a lively artisan and produce market culture alongside conventional retail. Prices for wine, olive oil, and preserved foods are dramatically lower here than anywhere else in the world — this is the place to stock up. Souvenir shops are concentrated around Plaza Independencia and Avenida Las Heras.
Mercado Central (Avenida Las Heras)
covered marketThe city's historic covered market on Avenida Las Heras is packed with producers selling dried fruits, nuts, cured meats, regional cheeses, pickles, and the famous Mendoza olive oil. A chaotic, authentic, and excellent place to shop for edible souvenirs.
Known for: Olive oil, dried fruits and nuts, cured meats, regional cheese, local wine, empanadas mendocinas
Avenida Las Heras Shopping Corridor
pedestrian shopping streetThe main commercial street running north from the city centre, lined with souvenir shops, leather goods stores, wine merchants, chocolatiers, and outdoor clothing stores. Busiest in the afternoon and evening.
Known for: Leather goods, wine shops, souvenir empanada moulds, mate paraphernalia, local crafts
Arístides Villanueva
bar and boutique stripThe nightlife and boutique corridor of the Quinta Sección neighbourhood, with wine bars, concept stores, independent fashion boutiques, and design shops alongside restaurants and bars. The most interesting shopping in terms of local design and artisan goods.
Known for: Independent fashion, artisan leather, local wine by the bottle, design objects, live music venues
🎁 Unique Souvenirs to Look For
- •Malbec and Torrontés wine — buy direct from a bodega or at a specialist wine shop for the best selection and prices
- •Mendoza extra-virgin olive oil — the region produces some of Argentina's finest, sold in beautiful bottles at the Mercado Central
- •Alfajores mendocinos — a regional variation of Argentina's favourite biscuit-and-dulce-de-leche sandwich, often rolled in coconut
- •Leather goods — wallets, belts, and gaucho accessories made from Argentine leather; quality is high and prices are low
- •Mate gourd and bombilla set — the traditional Argentine tea vessel; Mendoza has excellent artisan versions in carved wood and leather
- •Almonds and walnuts — dried in the Andean sun; the Mercado Central sells these far fresher and cheaper than anywhere else in Argentina
- •Chacarera and cuarteto music CDs — traditional Argentine folk music from the Cuyo region, hard to find outside specialist music shops
Language & Phrases
Argentine Spanish uses "vos" instead of "tú" for the second-person singular, with different verb conjugations (e.g., "vos tenés" not "tú tienes"). The double-L and Y are pronounced like "sh" in the Rioplatense dialect — "calle" sounds like "cá-she". Mendocinos are known for being warm and patient with Spanish learners. French and Italian are occasionally understood by older residents with European heritage.
| English | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello / Hi | Hola / Buenas | OH-lah / BWEH-nahs |
| How are you? (informal, vos) | ¿Cómo estás? | KOH-moh es-TAHS? |
| Thank you very much | Muchas gracias | MOO-chahs GRAH-syahs |
| Please | Por favor | por fah-VOR |
| Do you have...? (vos) | ¿Tenés...? | teh-NEHS...? |
| How much does it cost? | ¿Cuánto sale? / ¿Cuánto cuesta? | KWAHN-toh SAH-leh? |
| A glass of Malbec, please | Una copa de Malbec, por favor | OO-nah KOH-pah deh mahl-BEK, por fah-VOR |
| The bill, please | La cuenta, por favor | lah KWEHN-tah, por fah-VOR |
| Cheers! (toast) | ¡Salud! | sah-LOOD! |
| Very tasty / delicious | Muy rico / Riquísimo | mwee REE-koh / ree-KEE-see-moh |
| Where is the bus terminal? | ¿Dónde está la terminal? | DOHN-deh es-TAH lah tehr-mee-NAHL? |
| Cool / Great (Argentine slang) | ¡Qué copado! / ¡Buenísimo! | keh koh-PAH-doh! / bweh-NEE-see-moh! |