Mendoza with all its wine cellars, is not only the wine capital of the Andes. This idyllic city has a very special position as an oasis at the foot of the snow-covered Andes.

Mendoza has a very special climatic position. Nearby is the desert and a very large mountain range.

Historically speaking, Mendoza wasn't a town with a lot of luck. It was founded very early on (March 12th, 1561) and following the centuries, it was constructed as an oasis-town. Witnesses to this are the many avenues bordered by trees and canals. Until 1776, the town belonged to Chile. In 1817, General San Martín took his walk across the Andes to liberate Chile. A memorial of the man and event can be seen at the Cerro de la Gloria, which is a wonderful lookout point above the town. But earthquakes and great fires in 1861 and 1985 destroyed the town almost completely.

Nowadays, Mendoza, Argentina seems to have recovered completely. Though real sights and monuments are rare, emphasis was made to not build high risers, which gives the town a welcoming impression. Mendoza is an important administration and economic centre between Buenos Aires and Santiago de Chile and has various cultural establishments such as, the university, the library, museums, flea markets, etc. The charms of Mendoza are the little street cafés in the shade, five very nice plazas, busy shopping streets and a even more busy night life.

To the west of the town, the vast Parque San Martín is situated with an artificial lake and many pathways to take a stroll. Mendoza is also a good location for excursions in the nearby surroundings of the Andes with many options for sport and leisure activities.