The perfect place for the fans of extreme sports and good wine. The views in this region of Argentina are beautiful and embrace Aconcagua, the highest mountain in America (only losing to the Himalayas).
The city has parties on the squares (barbecue ribs over an open fire), large green areas and narrow sidewalks. Everything changes on the road; there comes the desert with ground vegetation and high snow-capped mountains.Seven years in Tibet was filmed on these mountains (in the winter), some Tibetans worked on the filming and eventually moved there. They felt at home, and said that living on those mountains was like being in Tibet, but without the religious conflicts.
The city was built in the middle of the desert but it does not seem like it, due to the large green areas. When they planted the trees, they built an irrigation system to keep their leaves green and soften the heat. The waters of Mendoza River run through channels all over town, watering the roots. In the beginning I was afraid of falling, while my hostess Betu kept skipping the channels very easily.
After knowing the mountains and visiting the wineries, the best thing is to go for a walk in the city centre, buy souvenirs, eat medialunas(croissants) and fudge icecream in some confiteria (deli), walk at SAN MARTIN park, go up CERRO DE LA GLORIA and end the evening at the charming pubs on ARISTIDES VILLANUEVA street.
Nothing better than having local friends, always the best guides. I was very much welcomed by Betu and her friends; we went all over town with history classes and wine culture. We hit the road to the mountains and every time I saw something nice she would stop the car so I could take a picture. It is a feast in Argentina (chinchulines,molleja, morcilla, asado de tira, yummy); I did not go to any restaurant because there was a parrilla (barbecue) in the backyard – I will have one in my house someday. Meat, good wine and good company, perfect!
Take Note
Salentein Winery has great structure to welcome tourists: inn, museum, restaurant, wine-tasting course and guided tours. It is next to Cordón de La Plata (snowy peaks) and has wonderful wine. I found grapevines along the way, which is rare; the vineyards are planted in a different way to make the harvesting easier. I think grapevines are more beautiful.
© All rights reserved. Pictures and report 100% originals.
Translated by Lúcia Maciel
English teacher
