7 Days in Mendoza

Seven days is the ideal length to experience everything Mendoza has to offer. With a full week, you can tour all three wine regions (Maipu, Lujan de Cuyo and Valle de Uco), tackle the High Mountain excursion to Aconcagua, dedicate an adventure day to Potrerillos, add Canon del Atuel or the Cacheuta hot springs, and wrap up with the city. This itinerary alternates wineries with adventure to keep the variety high all week long.

Day 1: Maipu by bike

Kick off the week with the classic Maipu bike circuit (USD 10/day). It is the most fun and budget-friendly way to step into the world of Mendoza wine. You start on Calle Ozamis next to the main plaza in Maipu. Suggested route: Bodega Trapiche (tasting USD 12, one of the oldest at 140+ years), Olivicola Laur (free extra-virgin olive oil tasting), Bodega Familia Di Tommaso (artisanal wines with personalized service), lunch at a winery on the circuit (USD 10-20), Bodega Lopez (century-old underground cellars, tasting USD 10), and a sweet finish at La Abuela Goye (artisan chocolate shop with handcrafted liqueurs). For dinner, head to Avenida Aristides Villanueva, the bohemian street lined with bars and restaurants. Cost for the day: USD 45-75.

Day 2: Lujan de Cuyo — Premium Malbec

Today is the most wine-focused day of the trip. The wineries of Lujan de Cuyo produce some of the world's finest Malbecs. Since you will be tasting premium wines, do NOT drive yourself: book an organized Civitatis tour (USD 36, includes 2 wineries), a private tour (USD 465 for a group of 3-4) or a remis for the day (USD 80-120). Recommended route: Catena Zapata (classic tasting USD 30, the iconic pyramid winery and most photographed in Argentina), a 5-course pairing lunch at Ruca Malen (USD 65 — one of Mendoza's best dining experiences), and sparkling wines at Chandon (USD 15-25, Argentine champenoise method). Quiet dinner back in town. Cost: USD 100-260.

Day 3: High Mountain — Aconcagua

Total change of scenery: leave the vines behind and dive into the Andes. The High Mountain excursion (USD 59.40 with Civitatis, 10% off) leaves at 7 AM and returns by 6 PM. It travels Route 7 with stops at Potrerillos (turquoise reservoir), Uspallata, Puente del Inca (a natural orange rock formation shaped by mineral hot springs), and the Aconcagua viewpoint at 6,961 m — the highest peak in the Americas. If the pass is open, you continue to the Cristo Redentor at 3,834 m on the Chilean border. Altitude can hit hard — hydrate well and eat light the night before. Easy dinner on return. Cost: USD 75-90.

Day 4: Valle de Uco — High-altitude wines

The finest wineries in the world sit in Valle de Uco, where vineyards at 1,000-1,500 m altitude produce Argentina's most exciting wines. It is 1.5 hours from Mendoza city — you need transport: Civitatis tour (USD 36-50), remis (USD 100-150) or your own car if you have a designated driver. Recommended premium route: Zuccardi Piedra Infinita (voted World's Best Vineyard several years running, tasting USD 25-50), lunch at the Piedra Infinita restaurant (USD 80+, book 2+ weeks ahead), Salentein (tasting USD 20 + the Killka contemporary art gallery), Domaine Bousquet (organic wines, USD 22 for 5 pours). Special option: a sunset dinner at Bodega Andeluna with full pairing (USD 148 with Civitatis, perfect 10/10 rating). Cost: USD 120-300.

Day 5: Adventure — Rafting + Hot Springs

The ideal adventure-meets-relaxation day. Rafting on the Mendoza River in Potrerillos in the morning (USD 40, class II-IV rapids) followed by the Cacheuta hot springs in the afternoon (USD 40, natural thermal pools at 95-122F with Andean views). The two zones are only 20 km apart and pair perfectly. If you would rather ride than raft, see our horseback riding guide (USD 40-120 by length). The day is designed to recover after four intense days of wineries and mountains. Cost: USD 80-100.

Day 6: Canon del Atuel and San Rafael

A full-day excursion to Canon del Atuel (USD 72 with Civitatis, 10% off, 8.5/10 rating), one of Argentina's most striking landscapes. Expect multicolor rock formations sculpted by wind over millions of years, turquoise reservoirs (Valle Grande and El Nihuil), and the option of gentle rafting or kayaking. San Rafael sits 3 hours from Mendoza on Route 40 — the day is long (12 hours total) but the scenery is unique to South America. If you would rather stay closer, swap this day for Villavicencio + Penitentes. Cost: USD 80-100.

Day 7: Mendoza city and farewell

Final day at a relaxed pace. The Mendoza free walking tour (free, 2 hours, voluntary tip ~USD 5) covers the historic center, the leafy plazas (Independencia, Espana, Italia, Chile, San Martin), the irrigation channels lining the sidewalks, and the city's post-1861-earthquake history. Meeting point: Plaza Independencia. Lunch on Avenida Aristides Villanueva. In the afternoon, take the Cerro de la Gloria tour (USD 21 with Civitatis, 3 hours), which includes Parque San Martin (300+ hectares) and the Army of the Andes Monument with sweeping views over the city and the Cordillera. Close out with wine shopping at the Enoteca Mendocina or the Mercado Central — bottles in Mendoza run 30-50% cheaper than in Buenos Aires. Farewell dinner at a top restaurant: Azafran, 1884 Restaurante by Francis Mallmann or Siete Fuegos. Cost: USD 60-150.

Frequently asked questions — 7 days in Mendoza

More for your trip

• Mendoza guide
• 3-day itinerary
• 5-day itinerary
• Wineries — all regions
• Maipu
• Lujan de Cuyo
• Valle de Uco
• Aconcagua
• San Rafael
• Where to stay

Complete budget