10 Perfect Day Trips From Mendoza (Maps, Routes & Highlights)

Are you looking for the perfect day trip in Mendoza? We’ve spent weeks in Mendoza and experienced some of the best trips during our time spent in Argentina. Here’s a varied overview of some of the best day trips we planned in this wonderful area.

10 perfect day trips from Mendoza

Here are the highlights of our stay in Mendoza! Of course, it’s up to you to decide what trips to include during your stay! Scroll down below to catch some of our similar road trips in the area!

1. Roadtrip through the Reserva Natural Villavicencio

An hour’s drive north of Mendoza lies the beautiful Reserva Natural Villavicencio. Known for its diverse flora and fauna, this reserve offers stunning views and tranquil nature trails. Don’t miss the historic hotel and the photogenic Caracoles de Villavicencio.

After a lovely stroll and a nice drink at the cafe, we continued our drive and climbed all the way up to the Mirador del Balcón. This was an epic road trip and I highly recommend you do this too.

The road was beautiful and fun to drive, but we also spotted tons of guanacos here! We even saw two foxes who were just chilling by the side of the road!

From here, we continued our way to Uspallata, before heading back to Mendoza via highway 13.

(Not sure if it’s really a highway, it doesn’t say on Google Maps! It’s a beautiful drive nonetheless!)

From here, we were also able to look out on the Andes mountains, with the Aconcagua towering in the distance!

2. Drive up to Lake Potrerillos

An hour from Mendoza, Lake Potrerillos is a haven for water sports enthusiasts. Lots of locals go here to enjoy a day of kayaking, fishing, or just relaxing by the lake.

The drive itself offers picturesque views of the Andes, and the lake itself offers tons of nice photo opportunities (like this one 👇).

If you stick around till later in the day, you’ll see many locals set up their barbecues. It’s a fun place to see how the Argentinians near Mendoza spend their days!

Also, don’t forget to bring swimwear, because it can get very hot here, and the water offers a nice cooldown!

3. Hike near Mount Aconcagua

We really wanted to see the Aconcagua, the highest mountain peak in the Americas. It’s a bit of a drive from Mendoza, but it was definitely worth it for us!

Not only because you get a chance to see the mountains, but the road up here is a treat too!

While it was misty and rainy on the day we drove up there, we still enjoyed a nice hike through the valley.

Tip: Dress in layers and start early to make the most of your day.

Please note that you need to make a reservation before going up there! Parking is limited and you don’t want to find out that you’ve driven all this way for nothing!

4. Roadtrip through the southern grasslands

We love road tripping so we always try to go out and explore. It’s a nice way for us to explore parts of the world that you don’t normally get to see!

We headed South to Villa Bastia before heading into the foothills of the Andes on the 89. We stopped at a small town called “Las Vegas” where we enjoyed a nice cup of coffee!

On this day trip, we got to experience the real countryside of Argentina: horses grazing the lands, gauchos herding their sheep, and endless fields of grass.

Tip: Download your Google Maps before going out here, as cell service can be spotty!

5. Hike through the Reserva Natural Divisadero Largo

Not far from the city center of Mendoza lies the Reserva Natural Divisadero Largo. Due to its proximity, this makes for a really nice and easy day trip! This area is known for its unique geological formations and fossil remains.

There are plenty of paths to enjoy here, and if you’re done early, you can drive back to Mendoza to enjoy a well-earned drink!

6. Spend a day walking through Mendoza’s parks

While not big, Mendoza is a beautiful city to explore. It’s relatively flat and easy to navigate on foot and the city’s main park Parque General San Martin is a highlight!

The center is a bit spread out, so be prepared to walk a lot! Mendoza has lots of cute little cafes to sit down and relax a bit.

7. Visit the relaxing Spa Termas Cacheuta

Unwind at Termas Cacheuta with its thermal pools and spa treatments. Nestled in the mountains, it’s a great way to relax and rejuvenate.

You’ll pass this place just before you get to Lake Potrerillos, so you’ll probably see the signs if you’re exploring Mendoza’s beautiful surroundings!

The spa, known for its therapeutic properties, is surrounded by breathtaking mountain landscapes, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and rejuvenation. Here, you can indulge in a variety of thermal pools with different temperatures, suitable for all preferences. The natural setting adds a tranquil ambiance, perfect for de-stressing.

Apart from the thermal baths, the spa offers mud therapy, where you can cover yourself in mineral-rich mud known for its skin benefits. After the mud dries under the sun, rinse off in the thermal water for a refreshing experience. There’s also a sauna carved into a natural grotto, providing a unique thermal experience.

Tip: Make sure you make reservations in advance! This is one of the most popular day trip destinations in Mendoza, and there is only limited space!

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8. Winetasting and food at Bodega Roberto Bonfanti

You’re not planning on visiting Mendoza without tasting some of its wines, right?

Right?

Bodega Roberto Bonfanti, a family-owned gem in the heart of Mendoza’s wine country, offers an intimate and authentic experience for wine enthusiasts. As you step into this boutique winery, you’re not just entering a place of business, but a part of the family’s passion and heritage. The setting is quaint and picturesque, with vineyards stretching out around the estate, providing a stunning backdrop for your visit.

We had a wonderful meal here, accompanied by some great wines, sunny weather and a lovely ambiance! An instant recommendation!

9. Wine tasting and horseback riding at Bodega Gimenez Riili

This was one of the longest day trips, but so worth it.

The drive is easy if you take highway 40, but you can also choose to take the scenic route via the 86 and the 89, through Villa Bastias.

The destination, Bodega Gimenez Riili, is one of the nicest wineries we’ve ever been to. We started with a guided tour of the estate, where we learned about the winemaking process unique to this region. The tour culminated in a tasting session, where we enjoyed a selection of the best wines. Each wine is a testament to the rich, complex flavors that the Uco Valley terroir imparts.

And if the garden wasn’t already nice enough, we had terrific views of the Andes peaks in the distance!

After a lovely afternoon, we went with an employee of the Bodega on a horseback ride through the vineyards.

Tip: Since you have a long drive back to Mendoza, don’t wait too long before heading back! Driving in the dark gets tricky, with potential potholes, crossing animals, and other vehicles with broken lights. Needless to say, if you’re the designated driver, make sure you remain sober!

10. Relax on the beach at Lujan Playa

Lujan Playa offers a unique beach experience in the heart of wine country. Located along the banks of the Lujan River, this picturesque spot is a delightful escape from the usual vineyard tours, providing a day of relaxation by the water.

Tip: Bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water to stay hydrated under the sun. Also, arriving early helps you find the best spot, as it can get crowded, especially on weekends.

Since we were here in December, it was really hot these days! This beach was the best place we could find where we could actually relax and escape the heat in the cool waters of the river.

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Best time to visit Mendoza

Short Answer: March to May (fall) and September to November (spring) are the best times.

Why? During these months, the weather in Mendoza is just right – not too hot, not too cold. You get those pleasant sunny days with cool nights, perfect for outdoor activities and winery tours. Plus, the vineyards are gorgeous, with fall bringing those stunning red and golden hues and spring seeing everything blooming and green.

March Bonus: If you’re into wine (and who isn’t when heading to Mendoza?), March is a fantastic time because of the grape harvest. There are festivals, grape stomping events, and lots of wine-related celebrations. It’s lively and a lot of fun.

That said, we were in Mendoza in December and January (peak summer), and we had a blast! So definitely don’t let this stop you from visiting this stunning area!

Off-Season Tip: Winter (June to August) can be chillier, but it’s great if you’re into snow sports or prefer a more laid-back vibe without many tourists around.

Tip: Whenever you decide to go, just remember to pack for a bit of everything – warm days, cool nights, and the odd rain shower. Mendoza can throw a bit of everything at you, weather-wise.

Wrapping up

There’s so much to do in Mendoza, that it can feel a bit daunting to plan your days. At least, that’s how we felt when we were there! With these 10 day trips, you’ll have lots of inspiration to make the most of your visit to Mendoza!

Did I miss anything important? Do you have anything to add to these day trips? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below!