3 days in mendoza

3 Days in Mendoza: Wine, Andes, and Amazing Food

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If you’re planning a trip to Argentina, spending 3 days in Mendoza is a must. I visited as part of a two-week itinerary that included Patagonia, Iguazu Falls, and Buenos Aires. Mendoza ended up being one of my favorite stops. The wine, the scenery, and the food were unforgettable.

Mendoza is located in western Argentina, near the foothills of the Andes Mountains. It’s best known for Malbec wine, breathtaking mountain views, and steak that rivals anything you’ll find in Buenos Aires. The pace is slower here, which makes it a perfect end-of-trip stop for rest, good meals, and outdoor adventures. It was the perfect way to end my trip to Argentina.

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Don’t have time to read the whole article? Here are the best tours you can take to experience Mendoza:
* Full Day Tour of the Andes
* Full Day Wine Tour with Lunch

Getting to Mendoza

The easiest way to get to Mendoza is by flying. I flew from Buenos Aires to Mendoza Airport (MDZ). The flight takes just under two hours. If you’re doing a loop through Argentina like I did, you can easily fit Mendoza between Patagonia and Iguazu Falls.

mendoza city

Day 1: Arrival and Dinner

After landing in Mendoza, I checked into my hotel and took some time to get settled. Mendoza’s city center is walkable and filled with tree-lined streets, cafes, and plazas.

For dinner, I highly recommend finding a great steakhouse for dinner. Unfortunately, the restaurant I ate at is now closed, but a top recommendation is Torito Steak House – Juan B. Justo. This spot combines regional ingredients with a strong wine list and cozy ambiance. It will be the perfect introduction to Mendoza’s food scene.

Day 2: Andes High Mountain Tour

On day two, I joined a full-day Andes High Mountain Tour, which did not disappoint!

We stopped at several scenic and historic sites:

  • Aconcagua Viewpoint – This is the highest mountain in the Americas at 6,961 meters. You get a distant view of the snow-covered peak, which is breathtaking.
  • Cristo Redentor – This giant statue sits right on the border between Argentina and Chile. It’s remote, windy, and worth the visit.
  • Penitentes Ski Area – A quiet alpine village and ski spot surrounded by rugged peaks. Even without snow, the landscape is stunning.
  • Puente del Inca – A natural rock bridge formed by mineral-rich waters. It looks almost painted in yellow and orange tones.
  • Santa Maria Arroyo – I went up to a viewpoint at 4,200 meters. The altitude hit me a bit, but the view made up for it.
  • Christo Redentor
    Christo Redentor
  • View of Aconcagua
    View of Aconcagua

This day was long, but if you’re interested in mountain landscapes, it’s worth it. Living close to the Canadian Rockies brings a different perspective to seeing another range of mountains as grand as this one.

Day 3: Wine Tour in Luján de Cuyo

Day three was all about wine. I joined a Luján de Cuyo wine tour that included visits to two vineyards, tastings, and a multi-course lunch.

The wineries change regularly, but every stop felt thoughtful and welcoming. Mendoza’s wine regions are known for Malbec, but you’ll also taste Cabernet, Torrontés, and other varieties.
Lunch was the highlight. I ended my tour at a restaurant inside the Casarena Bodega and Vineyard. The food was creative and paired beautifully with the wines. The multi-course meal looked like art and tasted amazing. I still think about that meal!

  • Casarena Winery
  • Wine Tasting
  • meal at winery

Later that evening, I went for dinner at Bute Plaza Café. There are plenty of amazing restaurants to end your three days in Mendoza with a good meal.

More Things to Do in Mendoza

If you have extra time or want to swap something out, here are a few more ideas:

There’s no shortage of things to do in Mendoza, whether you like food, nature, or downtime.

parque general st martin

Where to Stay in Mendoza

Here are my top picks for lodging during your 3 days in Mendoza — a mix of high-end and mid-tier stays:

  • Entre Cielos Wine & Wellness Hotel. This luxury spa hotel has Latin America’s first hammam, vineyard views, and in-room wellness amenities. Perfect if you want to relax in style.
  • Susana Balbo Winemaker´s House. A boutique offering by winemaker Susana Balbo outside Mendoza city. Each suite includes a sauna, steam room, and pool access. The spa concierge will help you unwind after long days of exploring.
  • Park Hyatt Mendoza. Centrally located with a full-service spa, casino, and spacious rooms. It’s a reliable choice and feels comfortably upscale without the ultra-luxury price tag .
  • Portal Plaza Suites. A boutique hotel in central Mendoza, offering spacious suites with kitchenettes, free Wi-Fi, and rooftop views. Guests enjoy the location across from Plaza Chile, plus perks like a hot tub, bikes, and buffet breakfast.
Aconcagua 6920m high

FAQs for Spending 3 Days in Mendoza

Yes. Three days in Mendoza is enough to sample wine, enjoy a mountain tour, and relax with good food. But if you have more time, you’ll find plenty to do.

Yes, the tap water is safe to drink.

Summer (Dec–Feb): Hot and dry, highs around 90°F (32°C)

Fall (Mar–May): Cooler, great for wine tasting, 60–75°F (15–24°C)

Winter (Jun–Aug): Snow in the mountains, 45–60°F (7–15°C)

Spring (Sep–Nov): Blooming vines, 65–80°F (18–27°C)

Fall and spring are ideal. March and April are harvest months, which means great wine events and mild weather. I visited in March and it was perfect!

Unfortunately no. But if you head down to Puerto Madryn or Ushuaia, you will have an opportunity to see penguins.

Final Thoughts on 3 days in mendoza

If you’re visiting Argentina, don’t skip Mendoza. Whether you’re planning two or three days in Mendoza, the wine, the views, and the pace make it a great stop.

My time here was one of the most relaxing parts of my two-week trip. From the Andes to the wineries, Mendoza offers a mix of adventure and calm you won’t find anywhere else.

If you’re planning your trip, check out my other posts on Argentina travel for more ideas on what you can experience.. It truly was one of my best places to visit.

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Melanie is the founder of The World Travel Girl. She has been traveling for over 14 years and decided to share her passion with others. She is a travel writer and travel planner who also loves hiking, birdwatching and watching wildlife. Her mission is to help every day people explore the outdoor world and connect with nature.