Sights in Central Argentina
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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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Reserva Provincial Parque Luro
Home to a mix of introduced and native species, as well as over 150 species of birds, this 75-sq-km reserve is a delightful spot to while away some easy hours. It’s more peaceful on weekdays: the picnicking masses from Santa Rosa descend en masse at the weekends.
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Museo Provincial de Artes
The Museo Provincial de Artes features local and national artists, with several rooms showcasing temporary exhibitions.
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Carlos Paz
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Feria Artisanal
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Jesuit Estancia
From to 1762, Jesuit fathers built the Iglesia Parroquial Nuestra Señora de la Merced, the estancia’s most impressive building. Directly south of the church, the colonial Jesuit workshops of El Obraje (1643) are now a public school. Beside the church is the Museo Histórico Nacional del Virrey Liniers, named after former resident Virrey Liniers, one of the last officials to occupy the post of Viceroy of the River Plate. If you want to know every last historical detail, guided tours in English (AR$30 per person; held at 10am, 11:30am, 3:30pm and 5pm) are available and recommended – call to reserve one day in advance. If you just have a passing interest, each room has…
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Lookout Tower
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Museo Rocsen
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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 Sarmiento/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. The park was designed by Carlos (Charles) Thays in 1897, who also designed Parque Sarmiento in Córdoba. Its famous Cerro de la Gloria has a monument to San Martín’s Ejército de los Andes for its liberation of Argentina, Chile and Peru from the…
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City Hall
City Hall offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding area.
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La Cascada
A 25-minute stroll will take you to La Cascada, a waterfall tucked into the mountainside.
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Teatro Español
Teatro Español is Santa Rosa’s major performing-arts venue and dates from 1927.
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Villa General Belgrano Tower
For an overview of the town, make your way up the Villa General Belgrano Tower attached to the tourist office.
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Cerro Wank
Outside town, the highest mountain is the poetically named Cerro Wank; a hike to the top takes about 40 minutes.
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Cerro Champaquí
The company can also take you trekking to the top of Cerro Champaquí (2790m), the highest peak in the sierras.
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Casa de Gobierno
The provincial Casa de Gobierno is otherwise known as government house and is on the northern side of the main plaza.
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Centro Anaconda Serpentario
The Centro Anaconda Serpentario houses some 50 snakes (in small cages), including a giant yellow Burmese python.
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Petroglyphs
It's possible to make a circuit via the Valle de las Pinturas, where there are some undamaged Petroglyphs. Ask rangers for directions.
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Cerro Morado
The isolated 1748m Cerro Morado yields outstanding views of the surrounding area. Take plenty of drinking water and high-energy snacks.
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Museo Provincial de Artes
The Museo Provincial de Artes features local and national artists, with several rooms showcasing temporary exhibitions.
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El Obraje
Directly south of the Iglseia Parraquial Nuestra Señora de la Merced, the colonial Jesuit workshops of El Obraje are now a public school.
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Train Station
Stroll over to the lovely former train station for a look at its green corrugated-metal roofs and decorative ironwork dating from 1884.
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Iglesia Parroquial Nuestra Señora de la Merced
From 1643 to 1762, Jesuit fathers built the Iglesia Parroquial Nuestra Señora de la Merced, the estancia’s most impressive building.
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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.
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