CONTACT US
CALL 877.784.5400 TOLL FREE
(outside USA call +1.206.784.8111)
CONTACT US
CALL 877.784.5400 TOLL FREE
(outside USA call +1.206.784.8111)
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Duration: 4 days
4+ travelers: $Contact Us per person
2-3 travelers: $Contact Us per person
The Andes reach their highest point in the Argentine province of Mendoza. Mt. Aconcagua (22,900 ft) and to the north, Mt. Mercedario (22,210 ft), attract not only mountain climbers but a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts who come here to enjoy Andean horseback riding, rafting and hiking. Adding to the region's popularity are the thermal baths at numerous hot springs and a multitude of vineyards and wineries, where due to near-perfect growing conditions, the country's best wines are produced. For all these reasons, The New York Times calls Mendoza one of South America's hottest travel destinations. Spending a few days enjoying the recreational and viticultural riches of this region will add some memorable experiences to your travel to Argentina and your Patagonia tour.
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Today's Argentina tours consist of visiting two wineries in the important Lujan de Cuyo wine region just south of Mendoza. Most famous for its Malbec, the area also produces high quality Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay. The first stop is picturesque Fabre Montmayou, a winery owned and operated by French vintners from Bordeaux. The winery uses traditional growing and production methods without herbicides. Next is the modern Ruca Malen Winery, belonging to a long-time Argentine winemaker in partnership with a French vintner from Burgundy. Here you'll also enjoy a gourmet lunch paired with regional wines, overlooking the vineyard with a view of the Andes. After lunch, you'll be returned to your hotel where you'll spend another restful night before continuing your Argentina tour. (B,L)
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Today will be spent on bicycles, visiting vineyards in the large family-owned and operated Bodega Familia Zuccardi in Beltrán, twenty minutes south of Mendoza. It is here the Maipu wine region got its start when the winery's founder planted grape vines to demonstrate his irrigation system design. Today the winery remains at the forefront of experimentation. In the morning, you and your knowledgeable English-speaking guide will depart from the winery's Casa del Visitante gardens, stopping first at Finca F.L. Beltran to taste the Santa Julia Chardonnay, Santa Julia Chardonnay Orgánico and Santa Julia Chardonnay Reserva. Next stop is the Syrah vineyard, where you'll sample Santa Julia Syrah Rosé and Santa Julia Syrah. Your Argentina tour continues with a visit to the Malbec vineyard, where you'll enjoy a Santa Julia Malbec, Santa Julia Malbec Orgánico and Santa Julia Reserva Malbec. For a delicious finish to the tour, you'll have lunch accompanied by regional wines back at your starting point, in the middle of a vineyard. You'll return to the hotel where undoubtedly you'll be ready for a siesta to prepare for tomorrow's continuation of your Argentina tour. (B,L)
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If you prefer vistas to vineyards on the last full day of this Argentina tour in Mendoza, you may wish to spend it in the vicinity of the Western Hemisphere's tallest peak, Mt. Aconcauga. From your hotel in Mendoza, you will be taken into the mountains bordering Cordon del Plata, passing Potrerillos and the Rio Mendoza before arriving in Uspallata, a green oasis surrounded by a colorful Andean landscape of geologic forms and tunnels. Your trip through the famous valley takes you past Picheuta's historical bridge and such small picturesque towns as Polvaredas and Punta de Vacas before reaching the ski area of Los Penitentes. From there, you'll continue on to nearby Puente del Inca to see an unusual bridge and what remains of the thermal baths with distinctive yellow/red mineral deposits. If weather permits, after arriving in Las Cuevas, the last Argentine settlement before the tunnel into Chile, you'll drive to 12,600-ft La Cumbre Pass to see the mammoth bronze sculpture, Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer of the Andes). Erected in 1904 to commemorate the peaceful resolution of a dispute between the two countries, the piece by Uruguayan sculptor, Mateo Alonso, weighs over four tons and stands twenty-six feet tall. On the return trip to Mendoza, you'll stop for a delicious lunch at Estancia Uspallata. At an elevation of some 6,600 feet above sea level, the ranch offers a panoramic view of the valley below. Later in the afternoon, you will be taken back to your hotel. (B,L)
| Have more time to spend? Why not customize your trip with some of these trip extensions? Add extensions to the beginning or the end of your trip, or add to both ends. | |
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