Mendoza: the perfect Argentine destination for lovers of the Andes, wine, and nature

Mendoza is a jewel of Argentina, nestled at the foot of the imposing Andes Mountains, captivating travelers from around the world with its award-winning Malbec wines, scenic landscapes, and unique vineyard experiences. Furthermore, this destination combines rustic charm with sophistication, offering luxury hotels, refined cuisine, and outdoor activities ranging from bike rides through vineyards to tastings in centuries-old wineries.

Below, find out how to get there, what to expect from Mendoza, and where to stay for unforgettable days in this wine paradise.

How to get to Mendoza from Florianópolis?

Currently, there are no direct flights from Florianópolis to Mendoza. However, getting there is simple and comfortable with a strategic connection.

Firstly, the most common route departs from Hercílio Luz International Airport (FLN) with a stopover in Buenos Aires — either at Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP) or Ezeiza Airport (EZE).

After that, simply board a domestic flight to El Plumerillo International Airport (MDZ), which serves Mendoza. The entire trip, including the connection, takes an average of 7 to 9 hours.

In other words, with proper planning, it is perfectly possible to get out of Floripa in the morning and toast with an Argentine Malbec at sunset with the Andes in the background.

How has Mendoza, Argentina, become an emerging wellness hub?

In recent years, Mendoza has gone beyond being synonymous with wine and has become one of South America's most sought-after wellness destinations. This initially low-key movement has gained momentum with the appreciation of experiences that combine health, nature, and inner reconnection.

Firstly, the region's geography itself favors this transformation: the pure mountain air, open fields, abundant sunlight, and the silence that dominates the landscapes create the ideal environment for retreats and self-care practices.

Additionally, several hotels and wineries in Mendoza have been incorporating wellness practices into their experiences. Outdoor yoga sessions, spa treatments with local ingredients, Andean stone massages, and wine therapies (vinotherapy) have become part of the services offered—always focusing on harmony between body and mind.

Local cuisine also contributes to this proposal.

Many chefs prioritize organic foods, seasonal menus, and vegan options, promoting a more conscious diet that aligns with the healthy lifestyle that many travelers seek.

For example, resorts like Cavas Wine Lodge and Casa de Uco have created experiences focused on physical and mental balance, with relaxation programs, meditative walks through the vineyards, and direct contact with the land through practices like harvesting and sensory activities.

In other words, Mendoza has managed to reinvent itself without losing its essence. As a result, today it attracts not only oenophiles passionate about Malbec, but also travelers seeking well-being, contemplation, and a mindful break from their hectic routine.

Therefore, visiting Mendoza is more than exploring wineries: it's pampering yourself in a setting of pure natural inspiration.

Why is Mendoza the ideal destination for those looking to relax among vineyards?

If you dream of relaxing among vineyards, toasting with a good wine and enjoying unique experiences, Mendoza is the perfect destination!

The region is recognized as one of the world's wine capitals, offering more than 1,200 wineries spread across the routes of the Uco Valley, Luján de Cuyo and Maipú.

Furthermore, the natural scenery of snow-capped mountains, lush green fields, and orange sunsets makes any trip even more enchanting.

Likewise, Mendoza offers a rare combination: the luxury of tranquility. You can enjoy authentic and exclusive experiences, such as paired lunches at boutique wineries, hot air balloon rides at sunrise, horseback riding through vineyards, and even spa treatments with breathtaking views.

In other words, Mendoza goes far beyond traditional tourism. It's an invitation to contemplation, celebration, and well-being.

What are the 7 most incredible hotels to stay in Mendoza?

Staying well in Mendoza is a fundamental part of the experience. Many hotels in the region are located within wineries and offer a true immersion into the world of wine. Below, check out 7 unforgettable options to make your trip even more special:

1. Chozos Resort

Located in Maipú, Chozos Resort is known for its seamless integration with nature. Inspired by traditional adobe buildings, it offers cozy suites, absolute privacy, and privileged views of the Andes.

Additionally, there are exclusive meditation experiences, barrel baths and nighttime tastings under the starry sky.

2. Hotel de Cielo

Nestled in the mountains, Hotel de Cielo impresses with its contemporary architecture and romantic ambiance. Its suites feature glass walls, allowing guests to admire the landscape without leaving their beds.

Likewise, the hotel restaurant offers a fusion of local flavors with touches of haute cuisine, providing a true sensory journey.

3. The Vines Resort & Spa

Located in the heart of the Uco Valley, this resort is synonymous with luxury. With private villas, a full spa, a heated pool, and a restaurant run by Francis Mallmann, The Vines is the ideal retreat for those seeking absolute comfort.

For example, you can create your own wine with the help of award-winning winemakers — an exclusive experience that will win over even the most discerning travelers.

4. Susana Balbo Unique Stays

Created by renowned winemaker Susana Balbo, this boutique hotel offers a new level of hospitality in Mendoza. The décor is sophisticated, with contemporary artwork and designer furniture.

Furthermore, every detail was designed to offer well-being: from the private wine cellar in each room to the gastronomic experiences that harmonize aromas, textures and emotions.

5. Auberge du Vin

Nestled within the wine-growing landscape of the Uco Valley, Auberge du Vin is a hotel that blends European charm with Argentine spirit. Its rooms offer views of the vineyards and the Andes, creating an atmosphere of unparalleled serenity.

The hotel also offers activities such as sensory tastings, gourmet picnics and regional cooking classes.

6. House of Uco

With its minimalist design and winemaking spirit, Casa de Uco is an experience in itself. Set amidst a 320-hectare vineyard, the hotel fosters a connection with nature without sacrificing sophistication.

On the other hand, its restaurant is one of the most acclaimed in the region, serving seasonal dishes with ingredients harvested right there, in the hotel's ecosystem.

7. Cavas Wine Lodge Mendoza

A benchmark in luxury hospitality, Cavas Wine Lodge is one of the most awarded hotels in South America. With just a few villas scattered among the vineyards, it guarantees exclusivity and personalized service.

This allows guests to enjoy unique experiences such as hot stone massages from Mendoza, dinners under the stars, and private visits to the region's best wineries.

What to do in Mendoza besides wineries?

While wineries are the main attraction, Mendoza offers much more. One of the travelers' favorite options is the trip to Aconcagua Provincial Park, home to the highest peak in the Americas.

Additionally, activities such as rafting on the Mendoza River, hiking, climbing, horseback riding in the Cordillera, and cycling are ideal for adventure seekers.

Similarly, the city center enchants with its cultural life. Museums, art fairs, award-winning restaurants, and tree-lined squares guarantee pleasant strolls at any time of year.

Finally, it's worth highlighting the hospitality of the people of Mendoza, always ready to share a glass of wine, good conversation, and pride in their land.

Is Rosario also worth including in the itinerary?

Although Mendoza is the standout among Argentine destinations, Rosario also deserves attention — especially for those who want to explore more of the country's culture and diversity in a single trip.

First, Rosario is strategically located on the banks of the Paraná River, approximately 300 km from Buenos Aires. This makes it an excellent stopping point for those traveling to or from the Argentine capital on their way to Mendoza.

Rosario offers a charm of its own

With a youthful vibe, vibrant nightlife, and a rich arts scene, Rosario boasts beautiful tree-lined avenues, modern museums, gourmet markets, and outdoor spaces that provide pleasant riverside moments. The Costanera, for example, is perfect for walking, sports, and relaxing at sunset.

In other words, for those with a few extra days in their itinerary, including Rosario is an excellent choice. The city offers an authentic and vibrant urban experience—while also providing an interesting contrast to the more bucolic and serene atmosphere of Mendoza.