Exploring the Andes from Mendoza

(Mon Jul 12th, 2010, by Jonathan Hudson)

Mendoza is known as the garden city, due to the green environment that surrounds the city. The area is naturally baron and dry, high on the sides of the Andes, but centuries ago rivers were irrigated and now the city and the surrounding areas grows some of the best wine in world.

There are beautiful views that are available to visitors to the city. The panoramas of Cacheuta, Potrerillos and Uspallata after fantastic opportunities to explore the special views around this area.

By venturing high into the Andes you can explore special sites that exist around the city including the well known Puente de Inca which is a ancient Inca bridge that existed from the times before the Spanish conquest.

At this place there are also interesting geological shapes and hot thermal waters that seep up though the rocks and mountains that form this special range.

Tours often visit the Agoncagua Park and include a mini trek to the Los Horcones Loagoon, which is a lake of water high in the mountains with great views.

The last village before the border with Chile is the town of Las Cuevas. Here a symbol a warmth between the two nations has been constructed, a grand statue of Christ the Redeemer at a height of over 13000 ft. Not quite as grand as the statue in Rio de Janeiro, but the symbolism of the friendship between the two nations is clear.

There are also options to spend the night in the mountain area at the Inca Bridge in a small local hotel. You will be able to see the clear night sky, look out for the Southern Cross constellation! By staying overnight you are also able to have more time to explore the area around the Christ de Redeemer statue.

There are also other wine growing regions that are very easily accessed from Mendoza.

The Uco Valley s about 100 kilometers from Mendoza and boasts some of the highest altitudes in the area from growing wine, which can significantly improve the taste. The higher vines are closer to the sun and so have a much longer exposure to the sun's rays.

The valley area has a huge range of wineries with some of them having gourmet restaurants on site. Nothing is better than a fine Argentine steak to accompany a locally made bottle of the finest red wine.

Another area that is increasingly being visited by visitors looking to explore areas outside of Mendoza is Mendoza's 'Central Region'. This is a separate to the city of Menodza and has another collection of fantastic wineries to be explored.

Many tour firms do day trips from Mendoza and the choice of available wineries is much greater. Tours normally ask you which ones you want to visit, so be sure to research in advance and find which ones are most well known.

The Andes are only a stones throw away from the city, so be sure to go out and explore!