Miami Living Magazine features the best Miami has to offer. Click on any magazine below and enjoy. You can download our free app on iTunes. Ideal for iPad and iPhone users.
Issue link: https://digital.miamilivingmagazine.com/i/1543371
Mendoza is one of Argentina’s most compelling travel destinations, set at the foothills of the Andes Mountains and defined by wide boulevards, leafy plazas, and a dramatic mountain backdrop. The region is globally known as the heart of Argentine wine country, particularly for Malbec, with hundreds of wineries ranging from historic bodegas to cutting-edge architectural estates across Luján de Cuyo, Maipú, and the Uco Valley. Beyond wine, Mendoza offers a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere, a strong gastronomic identity rooted in seasonal produce and fire cooking, and refined hospitality. The city’s history is deeply intertwined with both indigenous cultures and Spanish colonization, later shaped by waves of European immigration in the 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly from Italy and Spain. Mendoza played a pivotal role in Argentina’s Independence, serving as the base where General José de San Martín organized the Army of the Andes before crossing into Chile in 1817. A devastating earthquake in 1861 destroyed much of the original city, prompting a forward-thinking urban redesign that introduced wide streets, irrigation canals known as acequias, and the green plazas that define the city today. There is no shortage of things to do in and around Mendoza. Wine lovers can explore renowned wineries through tastings, vineyard lunches, and cellar tours, often set against sweeping Andean views. Outdoor enthusiasts can visit Aconcagua Provincial Park, home to Mount Aconcagua, the highest peak in the Americas, or enjoy white-water rafting on the Mendoza River, cycling through vineyards, and horseback riding in the foothills. The city itself offers museums, local markets, cafés, and a vibrant dining scene that balances tradition with modern influences. Mendoza is also quite accessible. Nonstop flights from Buenos Aires usually take about 1 hour and 55 minutes, making it an easy escape from the capital for a long weekend or longer stay. El Plumerillo International Airport (MDZ) is located just outside the city centre, allowing travelers to move quickly from plane to vineyard or mountain road. For international travelers, a popular option is to first land in Santiago, Chile and then take a short nonstop flight to Mendoza, which typically takes about 1 hour from Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) to MDZ on major carriers.