5 Days in Mendoza: Wine Country, Mountains & Family Fun
Mendoza is Argentina's wine valley, 1,000 meters high with the Andes as backdrop. Grandparents wine-taste in family-owned bodegas; kids raft the Mendoza River or horse-trek; everyone eats asado (grilled meat) and Argentine chocolate. It's relaxed, world-class, and genuinely fun for all ages.
What to expect
- Tour boutique wineries in Maipú and Luján de Cuyo valleys; taste Malbec and learn wine-making.
- Ride horses through pre-Andean foothills with mountain views (guides adjust pace to riders).
- Raft Class III rapids on the Mendoza River; guides accommodate kids 6+.
- Visit Chocolatería Persicco or Grondona to watch artisan chocolate-making; kids sample freely.
- Explore the tree-lined avenues of Mendoza city (rebuilt after 1861 earthquake with wide streets).
- Picnic at Laguna de Maipú, a peaceful lake surrounded by vineyards and poplars.
Day by day
Arrive in Mendoza; check into a central hotel near Plaza Independencia.
Walk the tree-lined Avenida San Martín and Parque General San Martín; lunch at a casual parrilla (grill house).
Stroll Alameda across from the park; dinner at a family-friendly restaurant serving traditional asado.
Join a half-day wine tour to 2–3 boutique bodegas in Maipú; adults taste, kids enjoy grape juice and a snack.
Picnic lunch at a vineyard (typically provided by tour); kids play in safe grounds while adults taste reserve wines.
Return to Mendoza; casual dinner and early rest.
Horse trek in the foothills toward Aconcagua (guides set an easy 3-hour pace for all abilities).
Return to Mendoza; visit Chocolatería Persicco or Grondona to watch artisans hand-make chocolate bonbons.
Dinner at a restaurant with both steaks and vegetarian options (Argentina excels at both).
Half-day white-water rafting on the Mendoza River (Class III, suitable for kids 6+); guide briefing and safety gear.
Return to town; relax by the hotel pool or visit Parque San Martín for a stroll and ice-cream.
Light dinner (bodies are tired); early night.
Drive to Laguna de Maipú for a peaceful morning walk around the lake; pack a picnic breakfast.
Return to Mendoza; last-minute shopping for wine and chocolate souvenirs; head to airport.
Evening departure or overnight flight.
Palcation builds the whole plan in seconds: flights, stays, food and a day-by-day itinerary you can share and budget.
Plan this trip free