The bike circuit through Maipu wineries is the most iconic, fun and affordable wine tourism experience in Mendoza. For just USD 10 in bike rental, you can ride along flat rural roads between vineyards, stopping at 4-6 wineries to taste wines, at olive oil mills to try the famous Mendoza olive oil, and at artisan chocolate shops to end the day on a sweet note. It is the favorite activity of backpackers and budget travelers, but visitors of every profile love it.
Getting there — distances & times
| From | Distance | Flight | Bus | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York (JFK) | 8300 km | 11 h + 2 h layover | — | — |
| Madrid (MAD) | 10200 km | 13 h + 2 h layover | — | — |
| Buenos Aires (EZE) | 1050 km | 1 h 45 | 14 h | 11 h |
| Santiago (SCL) | 370 km | 55 min | 6–8 h | 5 h |
| Córdoba | 670 km | 1 h 10 | 9 h | 7 h |
| San Juan | 170 km | — | 2 h 30 | 2 h |
| Bariloche (BRC) | 1140 km | 1 h 50 | 18 h | 14 h |
Month-by-month climate
| Month | Temp. | Rain | Crowds | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 18° / 33°C | 25 mm | Hot & dry summer | |
| Feb | 17° / 31°C | 30 mm | ||
| Mar | 14° / 28°C | 20 mm | Harvest season | |
| Apr | 10° / 23°C | 15 mm | ||
| May | 5° / 18°C | 8 mm | ||
| Jun | 2° / 14°C | 5 mm | ||
| Jul | 2° / 14°C | 8 mm | Ski Las Leñas | |
| Aug | 4° / 17°C | 8 mm | ||
| Sep | 7° / 21°C | 12 mm | Vineyard bloom | |
| Oct | 11° / 25°C | 15 mm | ||
| Nov | 14° / 28°C | 20 mm | ||
| Dec | 17° / 31°C | 25 mm |
Maipu sits just 15 km from downtown Mendoza (20 minutes by car or 40 minutes by bus) and is the province's most accessible wine zone. Unlike Lujan de Cuyo or Valle de Uco, where wineries are more spread out and require motorized transport, the bodegas in Maipu are close enough together that you can ride between them comfortably on safe roads with almost no traffic.
Quick facts: Maipu Circuit
- Circuit distance: 15-20 km (flat)
- Bike rental: from USD 10/day
- Includes: helmet, lock, map, water bottle
- Wineries on circuit: Trapiche, Lopez, Di Tommaso, Vistandes, and more
- Extras: Olivicola Laur, La Abuela Goye (chocolate)
- Tastings: free to USD 15 per winery
- Recommended hours: 10:00-17:00
- Avoid: Mondays (many wineries closed)
- Distance from Mendoza: 15 km (bus or taxi USD 5)
Recommended itinerary
- 10:00 -- Bike rental on Calle Ozamis, Maipu. Head to Bodega Trapiche.
- 10:30 -- Bodega Trapiche: tasting from USD 12. One of the oldest wineries in Argentina with 140+ years of history.
- 11:30 -- Olivicola Laur, olive oil factory with free tasting.
- 12:30 -- Bodega Familia Di Tommaso, a small family winery with personalized attention.
- 13:30 -- Lunch at a winery or Maipu restaurant (USD 10-20).
- 15:00 -- Bodega Lopez, historic winery with impressive underground cellars. Tasting from USD 10.
- 16:00 -- La Abuela Goye, artisan chocolate shop with liqueur tasting.
- 17:00 -- Return to rental shop.
Essential tips for the circuit
- Start early (10:00) to avoid midday heat
- Bring sunscreen, hat and water (the Mendoza sun is intense)
- Avoid Mondays — many Maipu wineries close
- Pace your tastings: you will be pedaling for several hours
- Most rental shops offer pickup service with a van if you overindulge
- Bring cash — some smaller wineries do not accept cards
How to get to Maipu
- Bus: Lines from the Mendoza terminal every 15-20 minutes. 40-minute trip, very low fare.
- Taxi/Uber: USD 5 from downtown Mendoza.
- Civitatis transfer: Service from USD 6 per person.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Maipú famous in Mendoza?
Maipú is the historic heart of Mendoza wine country and the easiest wine region to reach from the city — only 15 km southeast. It hosts dozens of bodegas (Trapiche, López, Familia Zuccardi) plus olive-oil estates and the Bicicletas y Vinos bike-tour circuit.
How do I get to Maipú from Mendoza city?
By taxi or Uber it is 15-20 minutes (USD 5-8). Bus 173 from downtown takes 30-40 minutes and drops you near the wineries. Most tours include round-trip transfer.
Can I do a wine tour by bike in Maipú?
Yes — Maipú is the classic bike-and-wine area. Operators like Mr. Hugo or Bikes & Wines rent bicycles for USD 10-15/day, with maps marking 8-12 wineries and olive-oil farms within a flat, paved 10 km circuit.
How much does a winery visit cost in Maipú?
Standard tastings range from USD 10-25 (3-4 wines + tour). Premium experiences with food pairing run USD 40-90. Booking in advance is required for boutique wineries; Trapiche and López accept walk-ins.
Is one day enough for Maipú?
You can comfortably visit 3-4 wineries in one day. For a deeper experience including olive-oil tastings, a long lunch and the Museo del Vino, plan a full day or split visits across two days combining Maipú with Luján de Cuyo.
