Romantic weekend in Mendoza, Argentina
Mendoza is the wine capital of Argentina, which should be all the reason you need to visit this fabulous little town. We spent a cheeky weekend in this Malbec producing paradise and discovered all the things to do in Mendoza.
1.Experience the food scene in Mendoza
It’s Argentina after all. And even though you’ve been focusing on Malbec while in Mendoza, be sure to try at least one steak.
You’ve got your pick of many casual parrillas (steakhouses) or full-on tasting menus at elegant restaurants in the city.
El Patio de Jesús María is a local favorite and traditional parilla where the portions are huge and steak is king.
La Lucia is also great for grilled meats and seafood and a funky atmosphere. I am Pescatarian so I was all about the salmon but my fiance had a steak every night. The prices are oh so reasonable that you will find yourself indulging in a luxurious fine dining experience every night.
Cordillera Vinos y Fuegos offers steaks in addition to lots of other upscale dishes, along with a wine room, elegant atmosphere, and outdoor seating.
Or splurge at the famous chef Francis Mallman’s 1884 Restaurant.
2. Drink the wine, all the wine.
Of course you’ve been drinking Malbec this whole time, but be sure to sip on some red wine in a traditional old-time pulpería (tavern) while you’re in Mendoza.
El Palenque is a great place to do just that! It’s a super popular restaurant and bar with great food and appetizers, as well as solid pizzas and empanadas.
They even serve the wine in old-school white ceramic pitchers shaped like penguins (aptly called pinguinos). Order something local to sip on – they’ve got beer on tap too – and grab a table outside.
They have happy hour specials, and this place can fill up!
3. Don't forget about the olives and olive oil!
You might’ve come for the wine, but Mendoza’s proud of its other big agricultural product too: olives and olive oil! Though it’s been overshadowed by all the wine tourism, there are lots of olive groves in the area too.
You can tour many of these olivícolas where you’ll learn how the olives are harvested, pressed, and bottled.
And they’ve got tastings of olive oil too! (These are the best places to find souvenirs to take back.)
Maipú is home to several olive producers that you can tour, like Maguay, Pasrai, and Simone.
And at the famous Familia Zuccardi, during harvest season you can pick your own olives and make them into a bottle of olive oil to take home with you!
4. Don't miss the Cacheuta Thermal Baths.
Located outside Mendoza along Ruta 82, experience a little something different at this spa, hotel, and waterpark situated among the mountains.
Depending on what you’re after, you can go for relaxation or a fun day with the kids.
On the hotel and spa side, there are saunas, mud baths, hot springs, and thermal pools of varying temperatures.
Guests can book a massage, have a fabulous buffet lunch, and walk around in plush bathrobes.
On the waterpark side, check out the lazy river and wave pool, or arrange to go ziplining.
They have a restaurant and brewery on-site for your eating and drinking needs.
5. Horseback Riding in the Andes!
See more of the mountains outside of Mendoza on horseback.
You can take a casual ride through the vineyards or you can explore the base of the Andes and even farther.
Tours range from half a day to full 10-day crossings of the Andes.
Your guide will tell you more about the history and the terrain of the area, and you’ll often get snacks like mate (the local, hot herbal drink of choice) and biscuits during one of your breaks.
Venture into the Uco Valley and the Quebrada del Condor (Condor’s Gorge) to see massive birds in flight as well as other wildlife and spectacular landscapes from mountain viewpoints.
Sunset rides are also available.
My overall point here is visit Mendoza, Argentina. End of story.
