Mendoza Travel Guide: Health & Safety

It is best to drink bottled water while traveling in Mendoza as anywhere through South America, especially in rural areas, to prevent contracting any harmful parasites or water-borne illnesses.  If no bottled water is available, be sure to travel with water purification tablets or boil water for 15 minutes to eliminate any harmful bacteria.

Mendoza is considered to be a safe city with a good police presence but travelers should still be on their guard. Theft is always a risk in South America and this is no less relevant in the serene and care free surroundings of the city. There have been economic woes for some poorer residents of Mendoza and as a result, pick pocketing and bag snatching are reported with some regularity. Though tourists are not always the main target, travelers should always take care to look after their possessions. In particular, care should be taken by people who are heavily laden with luggage or with valuables.

For those travelers who choose to rent a car to explore the city and wine region, take care to plan out a good route before setting off. Naturally when driving at night, drivers should be sure to stick to well-lit and populated streets and should never stop in a darkened area.