"Land of Sun, good wine and more" Top 5 Page for this destination Mendoza by Gaspar&Floppy

Mendoza Travel Guide: 468 reviews and 1,033 photos

There's no place like home

Mendoza is our homeprovince, so beautiful, so clean, so hot! in summer. It's the land of sun and wine, a good place to live, to love and to experience.
We're proud to say that we live in a desert so, anytime you see a tree in Mendoza or a green area you'll be seeing the results of a lot of hardwork and a deep love for this land where we live.

A bit of history

Welcome to Mendoza, land of sun and good wine

Mendoza was founded in 1561 by the Spanish conqueror Don Pedro del Castillo, he named it "Mendoza" after Don Pedro de Mendoza, the founder of Buenos Aires.
The original inhabitants of this land were the Huarpes, an indian tribe that were peaceful and their main activity was agriculture and fishing. They had an irrigation sistem of ditches (what we call "zanjones and acequias") and that irrigation system, with some improvements of course still exists in our days.
Mendoza was the base for planing and training the army of the Andes, the army led by the General Jose de San Martin that would liberate Argentina, Chile and Peru from the Spaniards.
In 1861 an earthquake destroyed great part of the city and killing 3000 people. After the earthquake, the old downtown which was in the zone of the Foundational Area Museum was moved to the zone of Plaza Independencia.

Our Mendoza

In the 19th century an English traveler wrote in his diary that the only thing that the people of Mendoza knew how to do it good was to sleep their siesta. Well Sir, that's not the only one.
The "siesta" is an old habit of many people in Mendoza. The afternoons are so hot in summer that there was no use in doing something exept for taking a nap from 1pm till 4 pm.
Things have changed a lot although some people still have that habit and you may find lots of shops in Mendoza closed from 1pm till 4 or 5 pm.

WINE WINE WINE
Mendoza is one of the 8 wine Capitals in the world.
Mendoza's wine industry is really important for the province but wine making is not only an activity. Mendoza's traditional songs, tales and the whole culture of the province is influenced by wine. Wine means gathering with friends, celebration, hard work, sadness, etc. In every aspect of Mendoza's traditions you will find the magic that comes up from the vineyards: wine.

Intro Updated Feb 13, 2006
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Reviews (39)

When it's too hot Local Customs (2)

Do what many locals do: run to the hills! Mountain towns like Potrerillos, Cacheuta are good choices to avoide the heat... more travel advice

El torreon Tourist Traps (1)

Before the local Penitentiary was built a sample tower was built in San Martin Park (that is el torreon). The fact is... more travel advice

The Ice cream trick Warnings Or Dangers (8)

You go walking on the street when accidentally somebody smashes an ice cream on your clothes, politely, they offer... more travel advice

Don't leave your belongings unnatended! - Mendoza

Bag snatchers & pick pockets Warnings Or Dangers (8)

Due to the increase in the number of tourists in our province, bag snatchers and pick pockets have called reserves! Not... more travel advice

Restaurants (3)
See All Eat well at Quinta Norte
Things to Do (12)
See All Looking 4 something to do?
Nightlife (3)
See All Rocking on the Hard Lomo Rock
Transportation (4)
See All Car rentals

Travelogues (1)

Written Feb 16, 2006

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Slang!

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Comments (8)

Mr.Sparkle May 1, 2011 at 5:24 PM Report Abuse

cool bar tips. thanks.
Dicomo Jan 24, 2007 at 3:38 PM Report Abuse

Excelente descripcion los felicito. Una pequena observacion, Pedro del Castillo no homenajeo a Pedro de Mendoza sino a Don Garcia Hurtado de Mendoza, Virrey del Peru en ese momento, entonces Mza dependia de Santiago de Chile no de Bs As. Un abrazo
Mailo Nov 11, 2006 at 9:02 AM Report Abuse

Queridos gaspar y Floppy, les tengo buenas noticias, les tengo una cachorrita que les va a gustar, el problema es que esta aqui en Honduras, pero voy a ir a Mendoza en Enero a visitarlos y brindar con un buen vino, les llevare foto de Nikita.. Ismael
TheWanderingCamel Aug 25, 2006 at 8:48 AM Report Abuse

Good tips here - useful for our November visit. thanks - leyle
pepples46 Jun 14, 2006 at 10:01 PM Report Abuse

cheers compadre!
Trekki May 29, 2006 at 1:09 PM Report Abuse

Oh well - El Mirador, yes, you can easily get robbed there.... Nice updates, vecino :-))) Abrazos al ... aeh land of sun and wine :-))
DPando May 19, 2006 at 3:48 PM Report Abuse

preciosa la pagina....el haz lo q vieras donde fueras...tremendo!! jajaj q bueno el tip
la_beba Feb 16, 2006 at 1:39 PM Report Abuse

You are welcome! Bonita pagina sobre Mendoza!