Mendoza, Argentina, is a cosmopolitan city known for its tree-lined streets, sunny climate, Malbec wine and world-class restaurants and spas.
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While it is less than a two-hour plane ride from Buenos Aires, the two cities could not be more different.
Dedé Vargas
Whereas Buenos Aires is all vibrant hustle and bustle and fiery passion, Mendoza takes the term "laid-back" to the next level.
Cultura RF/Kathrin Ziegler
The heart of the classic Mendoza experience lies in visiting the vineyards scattered throughout the small surrounding towns and rural areas.
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In late February and early March, Vendimia Festival, a 10-day celebration of the grape harvest, completely takes over town.
Edsel Querini
Argentina is known for asado, or traditional grilling, as much as for its tango and wine.
Fernando de Noguera Arnal
While the focus of the "Napa Valley of South America" is often solely the vineyards, don't forget that you are in the Andes with some of the finest outdoor adventure tourism in Argentina at your fingertips.
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There is incredible outdoor adventure right outside the city that includes white water rafting, fly fishing for trout, horseback riding into the Andes at sunrise, biking through the vineyards for casual wine tastings, and for the more ambitious, climbing.
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To get up close and personal with the Andes without having to be a mountain climber, indulge your inner gaucho and set up a horse ride.
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April is a beautiful time of year to get to know Mendoza, as the weather is cooler, the harvest has been collected (making the winemakers more available for chatting) and the tourists have mostly gone.