Showing 1-14 of 14 results
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Acuario Municipal Mendoza
Nothing at this small underwater freak show seems to have changed since its inauguration in 1945 (except the algae levels on the glass). But it's hard not to gaze in awe at the motionless, tongueless albino frogs or the 'armored pig,' a very ugly fish from the Río Paraná. Skip the crocodile exhibit.
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Cavas de Zonda
One of South America's most curious wineries, Cavas de Zonda is in a cave about 16km (9.9mi) west of San Juan, near the town of Zonda. This champagne maker boasts having the only wine cellar in South America whose 'roof is a mountain' and, true or not, its temperatures are perfect for cellaring its excellent sparkling wines.
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Centro Anaconda Serpentario
The Centro Anaconda Serpentario houses some 50 snakes (in equally small cages), including a giant yellow Burmese python.
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Dique Ullum
This 3200-hectare (4907-acre) reservoir is a center for nautical sports: swimming, fishing, kayaking, waterskiing and windsurfing (though no rental equipment is available). Balnearios (beach clubs) line its shores, and hanging out for a day in the sun is part of being in San Juan. At night, many of the balnearios function as dance clubs.
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Iglesia, Convento Y Basílica de San Francisco
Many mendocinos (people from Mendoza) consider the image at this church of the Virgin of Cuyo, patron of San Martín's Ejército de los Andes (Army of the Andes), miraculous because it survived Mendoza's devastating 1968 earthquake. In the Virgin's semicircular chamber, visitors leave tributes to her and to San Martín. A mausoleum within the building holds the remains of San Martín's daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter, which were repatriated from France in 1951.
Read more about Iglesia, Convento Y Basílica de San Francisco
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Museo Fundacional
Mendoza's Museo Fundacional protects excavations of the colonial cabildo (town council), destroyed by an earthquake in 1861. At that time, the city's geographical focus shifted west and south to its present location. A series of small dioramas depicts Mendoza's history, working through all of human evolution as if the city of Mendoza were the climax (maybe it was).
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Museo Histórico General San Martín
Museo Histórico General San Martín honors José de San Martín, the general who liberated Argentina from the Spanish and whose name graces parks, squares and streets everywhere in Argentina; the Libertador is especially dear to Mendoza, where he resided with his family and recruited and trained his army to cross into Chile. It's in a small arcade just off Av San Martín.
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Museo Municipal de Arte Moderno
Underground at the Plaza Independencia, the Museo Municipal de Arte Moderno is a relatively small but well-organized facility with modern and contemporary art exhibits. Free concerts and theatrical performances are usually held here on Sunday nights at - stop by for the weekly program.
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Museo Popular Callejero
Museo Popular Callejero is an innovative sidewalk museum. It consists of a series of encased streetside dioramas with odd clay sculptures depicting changes in one of Mendoza's major avenues since its 1830 creation in a dry watercourse.
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Parque General San Martín
Walking along the lakeshore and snoozing in the shade of the rose garden in this beautiful 420-hectare park is a great way to enjoy one of the city's highlights. Walk along Mitre/Civit out to the park and admire some of Mendoza's finest houses on the way. Pick up a park map at the Centro de Información, just inside the impressive entry gates, shipped over from England and originally forged for the Turkish Sultan Hamid II.
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Parque Provincial Aconcagua
The region's most famous park is Parque Provincial Aconcagua, home of 6962m (22841ft) Cerro Aconcagua, the highest peak outside the Himalayas and a favorite climbing destination. Reaching the summit requires a commitment of at least 13 to 15 days, including acclimatization time. Potential climbers may like to acquire RJ Secor's climbing guide Aconcagua (Seattle, The Mountaineers, 1999).
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Parque Provincial Volcán Tupungato
Tupungato (6650m/21818ft) is an impressive volcano, partly covered by snowfields and glaciers. Serious climbers consider the mountain a far more challenging, interesting and technical climb than Aconcagua. The main approach is from the town of Tunuyán, where the tourist office can provide info. Many of the outfitters who arrange Aconcagua treks can also deal with Tupungato.
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Pismanta
Part of the Hotel Termas de Pismanta, these 42°C (108°F) thermal baths, set in a totally desolate landscape, are a good place to cleanse the well-traveled body.
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Terraza Mirador
A good place to orient yourself is the Terraza Mirador, which is the rooftop terrace at City Hall, offering panoramic views of the city and the surrounding area.
Showing 1-14 of 14 results
