Mendoza Travel Guide: Attractions

Mendoza is a tranquil city that is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace. The multiple verdant parks and plazas are perfect for walking, relaxing and soaking up this atmosphere. There are a variety of cultural events happening here meaning there will always be something going on to interest travelers.
In the city’s heart is the giant Plaza Independencia which is shaded by a large variety of trees (hardwood trees, cypress trees, palm trees, eucalyptuses, magnolias, and acacias) and features an elegant semicircular fountain display. The square was designed by a French architect just 2 years after the earthquake in 1861 and has since been renovated on two occasions. It is flanked by leafy streets lined with cafeterias - a popular and traditional meeting place for Mendocinos. It is also open to a variety of public activities and culturally there is always a lot going on: an arts and crafts market takes place over the weekend and there are a variety of other happenings such as concerts, fairs, markets and theater.

Another attractive location, Parque General San Martin can be found to the west of the city. It is an extensive park featuring beautiful gardens, elegant sculptures and a tasteful rose garden amongst other details. There are several beautiful grassy areas that are perfect for sports or for picnicking in the pleasant weather. Worth a visit here is the Zoological Gardens, which hosts over 1000 native and exotic species and is considered one of the most important in South America. There is also a large lake which often hosts regattas – the banks make the perfect spot to view the entire surroundings of the park. Buildings onsite include the Malvinas Argentinas football stadium, an amphitheater and The Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. A spectacular view of the city can be found at the peak of the Cerro de la Gloria, or “glory hill” where there is a monument to the famous general San Martin and his victorious army.

The ruins of the Jesuit church San Francisco are a good place to explore the colonial culture of the city. This church and school was built in the eighteenth century and maintained by the Jesuits until 1767 after which it was handed over to the Franciscan order. The ruins are the last remains of the colonial era in Mendoza; the foundations were amongst the only structures left standing after the city was leveled by the 1861 earthquake. The Flag of the Andes - the standard for San Martin's army - was first blessed here.

An absolutely stunning and gorgeous park, Plaza España is perfect for a peaceful walk or a rest on a tiled bench to admire the gardens and the elegant fountains. Charm abounds in the details of this plaza, with ceramic tiling, shining wax floors, an Andalusian patio, wrought iron street lamps and an abundance of trees all adding to the tranquil ambience. There is an Artisan fair on the weekends to stock up on some local handicrafts.