This three-day plan balances Mendoza's two great pleasures: wine and the Andes. Day 1 explores the traditional Malbec country of Lujan de Cuyo, Day 2 heads to the spectacular high-altitude Uco Valley for its modernist wineries and a long vineyard lunch, and Day 3 swaps the vines for the mountains with a drive toward Aconcagua and a soak in the Cacheuta hot springs. Always use a private driver or a tour on wine days. Save any stop to drop it straight into your own itinerary.
3 Days in Mendoza: A Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Lujan de Cuyo: traditional Malbec
Must visit
10:00Other4.7
Catena Zapata
Start at the Mayan-pyramid-shaped winery behind Argentina's most celebrated Malbecs. The estate tour and tasting in the Andes-facing room set the bar for the day.
Lujan de Cuyo
Tip: Reservations are essential and fill up days ahead; book the first slot of the day.
13:00
Other4.4
Bodega Norton
Lunch and a tour at this historic 1895 estate founded by an English engineer. The restaurant looks out over the vines and pairs premium Malbec with the meal.
Lujan de Cuyo
Tip: Combine the tour and the long lunch into one relaxed stop rather than rushing two.
17:00
Restaurant4.3
Clos de Chacras
End the afternoon in pretty Chacras de Coria, where this renovated bodega serves wood-fired plates and a curated local wine list among the vineyards.
Chacras de Coria
Tip: Chacras de Coria is a charming village to wander before or after.
Day 2
Uco Valley: the high-altitude showpiece
Must visit
09:30Other4.9
Zuccardi Valle de Uco
Drive 90 minutes south to the multiple-time World's Best Vineyard, a striking stone-and-concrete winery set directly beneath the Andes. Tour the cellars and taste terroir-driven Malbec.
Uco Valley
Tip: The drive is long, so leave the city early and reserve everything in advance.
Must visit
13:00Restaurant4.8
Familia Zuccardi Restaurant
Stay for lunch at Zuccardi's acclaimed restaurant, where seasonal cooking and an open kitchen face an Andes-facing terrace, all paired with estate wines.
Uco Valley
Tip: This vineyard lunch is the highlight of the Uco Valley; book the table when you book the tour.
16:00
Other4.5
Bodega Salentein
Finish at this Dutch-owned estate with its cross-shaped underground cellar, art gallery, and chapel, tasting high-altitude Malbec and Pinot Noir.
Uco Valley
Tip: Allow time for the art gallery and the acoustically remarkable cellar.
Day 3
Into the high Andes
Must visit
08:00Viewpoint4.8
Aconcagua Viewpoint
Drive west along Ruta 7 toward the Chilean border to the viewpoint of Aconcagua, the highest peak in the Americas at nearly 7,000 metres. The scale against the arid foothills is staggering.
Las Heras
Tip: Go in the morning before afternoon clouds gather around the summit; bring layers.
11:30Nature
Potrerillos Lake
Stop at this turquoise reservoir ringed by Andean foothills on the way back. A scenic spot for photos and, in summer, kayaking and windsurfing.
Potrerillos, Lujan de Cuyo department
Tip: The roadside mirador on Ruta 7 above the lake gives the best wide view.
15:00Experience
Hot Springs at Cacheuta
Wind down in the natural thermal pools of Cacheuta, set in a mountain canyon along the Mendoza River, with waters between 30 and 50 degrees Celsius.
Termas de Cacheuta (40 min from Mendoza)Half day
Tip: Weekdays are far quieter than weekends; bring a swimsuit and towel.
FAQ
- Can I do the Uco Valley and Lujan de Cuyo on the same day?
- It is not recommended. The Uco Valley is a 90-minute drive each way from the city, while Lujan de Cuyo is around 40 minutes in a different direction. Dedicate a full day to each region so you can enjoy two or three tastings plus a vineyard lunch without rushing.
- Do I need a car for this itinerary?
- Not your own. Use a private remis (driver-guide) or an organized tour on the two wine days so nobody has to skip the tastings to drive. The Andes day toward Aconcagua is also commonly done with a driver or tour because of the long mountain roads.
Make it your trip
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