3 days in Mendoza

To start, I make my way to Bodega Los Toneles. Take the time to walk all the way around it; the best views are rarely at the entrance. Everyone goes; everyone is right. 4.8 out of 5 across 5,600 reviews: few places are this unanimous. To get organised: how to get there; skip-the-line book your visit, otherwise compare on Tiqets.

Around noon, it’s Parque Provincial Aconcagua. It’s the kind of place that makes you go quiet for a moment, even when you thought you knew it all. Unmissable, and for good reason. Travellers give it 4.8 out of 5 (19,000 reviews) and I won’t argue with them. Practical: the public-transport route, and if you’d rather skip the queue, get your tickets in advance or also check Tiqets.

Later, head to Bodega Tierras Altas. You’ve seen it a hundred times in pictures; in person it is bigger, closer, more alive. Everyone goes; everyone is right. 4.8 out of 5 across 2,100 reviews: few places are this unanimous. Practical: here is the route by public transport, and if you’d rather skip the queue, book your tickets or go through Tiqets.

Early in the morning, meet me at Parque General San Martín. Bring water, shoes that hold, and no watch. Everyone goes; everyone is right. Travellers give it 4.8 out of 5 (62,772 reviews) and I won’t argue with them. To get organised: here is the route by public transport; skip-the-line book your visit, otherwise go through Tiqets.

Then, I make my way to Monumento a Mafalda. You’ve seen it a hundred times in pictures; in person it is bigger, closer, more alive. To get organised: the public-transport route; skip-the-line book your visit, otherwise also check Tiqets.

In the afternoon, meet me at Fountain of the Continents. This is the breath of the trip. Even one hour changes the day. Travellers give it 4.8 out of 5 (12,339 reviews) and I won’t argue with them. Practical: here is the route by public transport, and if you’d rather skip the queue, book your tickets or compare on Tiqets.

In the morning, head to Plaza Independencia. Go late in the afternoon: the heat drops, the light softens and the photos take themselves. Everyone goes; everyone is right. 4.5 out of 5 across 79,326 reviews: few places are this unanimous. To get organised: how to get there; skip-the-line book your tickets, otherwise compare on Tiqets.

Late morning, I make my way to Cartel de Mendoza. The audio guides are worth it; otherwise, follow a group and steal three anecdotes on the way. To get organised: how to get there; skip-the-line book your tickets, otherwise compare on Tiqets.

After lunch, it’s Plaza Chile. This is the breath of the trip. Even one hour changes the day. Practical: here is the route by public transport, and if you’d rather skip the queue, get your tickets in advance or compare on Tiqets.