Mendoza - Argentina"s Top Family Adventure Outdoors Destination
At the base of the Andes in western Argentina, the province of Mendoza, set against the backdrop of the Andes highest peak, is an area of breathtaking beauty and a destination offering diverse attractions and adventures.
The scenery of over 900 vineyards, stretching out to the far-reaching horizon, against the Cerro Aconcagua looming high above creates a stark contrast of mountain and valley in this dry, arid province.
The city of Mendoza, the province's capital, presents a lush oasis in the desert-like region, with its huge plazas, wide boulevards shaded by towering sycamores, pedestrianized streets with lively cafes, forested parks and local street fairs.
The city's outskirts, however, are its real attraction.
Driving west from the city, the landscape of rolling vineyards opens to a world-renowned wine country proffering daily wine tours and tasting.
Nestled within the Cordan Del Plata, the front range of the towering Andes seen from the city, great excursions are available.
Day hikes to Cerro Aconcagua, the highest peak in the Americas at 6962 m.
and second only to Mt.
Everest in the Himalayas, are popular here.
Posta Chacritas, a 22000 acre estancia offers welcoming accommodations in the region with guided horseback riding, mountain biking, rappelling, trekking and canoeing trips.
Further on, the small town of Uspallata and its eponymous valley, a lush green area created from the melting snows of the mammoth mountains towering above, presents incredibly beautiful viewpoints of the rainbow red, purple, orange, yellow and pink colors of the rock mountains that rise from the crystal clear river waters.
Here, the Mendoza River boasts the best whitewater rafting in Argentina.
Studded with class III and IV rapids, it offers all requisite conditions for speeding through its thundering waves, snaking its way across the upper valley region through Precordilla.
Unforgettable rafting journeys for the entire family can be had at the tamer Atuel River canyon, set at the foot of the Overo volcano, where class I and II rafting is offered.
Further on, the Puente Del Inca, a fascinating geological phenomenon and historically a spiritual place for the Incas, features a natural bridge created from the sulfuric waters of the local hot springs, turning everything in its way yellow.
Walking to Aconcagua National Park from here, you'll arrive at stunning Lago Horcones.
In the winter, the area is a popular ski destination with world-class resorts dotting its peaks.
The Penitentes and Las Lenas ski areas provide terrain for every level with their many runs.
In addition, the thermal springs offer a perfect way to relax tired limbs after an adventure-packed day.
The host of sights - the rivers, creeks, mountains and stunning valleys, the adventures possible, from laid-back walking to class IV rafting, the region's lovely metropolis of Mendoza, second largest in Argentina - all combine to make Mendoza Province an ideal family adventure holiday spot to be included in an Argentinean vacation.
The scenery of over 900 vineyards, stretching out to the far-reaching horizon, against the Cerro Aconcagua looming high above creates a stark contrast of mountain and valley in this dry, arid province.
The city of Mendoza, the province's capital, presents a lush oasis in the desert-like region, with its huge plazas, wide boulevards shaded by towering sycamores, pedestrianized streets with lively cafes, forested parks and local street fairs.
The city's outskirts, however, are its real attraction.
Driving west from the city, the landscape of rolling vineyards opens to a world-renowned wine country proffering daily wine tours and tasting.
Nestled within the Cordan Del Plata, the front range of the towering Andes seen from the city, great excursions are available.
Day hikes to Cerro Aconcagua, the highest peak in the Americas at 6962 m.
and second only to Mt.
Everest in the Himalayas, are popular here.
Posta Chacritas, a 22000 acre estancia offers welcoming accommodations in the region with guided horseback riding, mountain biking, rappelling, trekking and canoeing trips.
Further on, the small town of Uspallata and its eponymous valley, a lush green area created from the melting snows of the mammoth mountains towering above, presents incredibly beautiful viewpoints of the rainbow red, purple, orange, yellow and pink colors of the rock mountains that rise from the crystal clear river waters.
Here, the Mendoza River boasts the best whitewater rafting in Argentina.
Studded with class III and IV rapids, it offers all requisite conditions for speeding through its thundering waves, snaking its way across the upper valley region through Precordilla.
Unforgettable rafting journeys for the entire family can be had at the tamer Atuel River canyon, set at the foot of the Overo volcano, where class I and II rafting is offered.
Further on, the Puente Del Inca, a fascinating geological phenomenon and historically a spiritual place for the Incas, features a natural bridge created from the sulfuric waters of the local hot springs, turning everything in its way yellow.
Walking to Aconcagua National Park from here, you'll arrive at stunning Lago Horcones.
In the winter, the area is a popular ski destination with world-class resorts dotting its peaks.
The Penitentes and Las Lenas ski areas provide terrain for every level with their many runs.
In addition, the thermal springs offer a perfect way to relax tired limbs after an adventure-packed day.
The host of sights - the rivers, creeks, mountains and stunning valleys, the adventures possible, from laid-back walking to class IV rafting, the region's lovely metropolis of Mendoza, second largest in Argentina - all combine to make Mendoza Province an ideal family adventure holiday spot to be included in an Argentinean vacation.
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