5. Argentina Cuyo Region 11º edition

49

MENDOZA MENDOZA Mendoza is an oasis city filled with tree lined avenues and beautiful plazas.

It is surrounded by the vast patchwork vineyards and the Andes mountain range nestled in the background. In the main square, Plaza Independencia, you can visit the small artisan market, while on the west side of the city is the huge San Martin Park and Cerro* de la Gloria, which are worth exploring.

For nightlife, make sure to stop by the fantastic bar and restaurant lined street called Arístides Villanueva. The biggest event in Mendoza is “La Fiesta de la Vendimia”, an annual wine harvest festival which runs at the beginning of March. It usually consists of beauty pageants, a series of parades and events.

Wine country: Wine is unarguably one of the area‛s main attractions. Most of the wineries are prepared to receive visitors. Guided tours usually cover the history of the winery itself, their winemaking process and finish off with a wine tasting session. Most of the wineries are located outside the city centre, so you need to arrange transport or take a local bus.

Mendoza also offers excellent conditions for winter sports. Los Penitentes is 165 km from Mendoza on the way to the Chilean border and is more economical than the world-class resort, Las Leñas, 450 km to the south of Mendoza.

The main excursions are the High Mountain Circuit, an ideal way to appreciate the Andes dramatic scenery. On this tour you visit Uspallata, Penitentes, the stone bridge of Puente del Inca, the Cristo Redentor and the Aconcagua Park.

Other popular tours are Villavicencio and its traditional hotel and Cacheuta with its thermal baths. The perfect way to enjoy the area‛s natural beauty is by participating in outdoor activities such as: trekking, climbing, mountain biking, rock climbing, rappelling, white water rafting, kayaking, horseback riding, paragliding, skiing and snowboarding.

Aconcagua: with an astonishing height of 6,959 m, Aconcagua, “stone sentinel” in the native language, is the highest peak in the Western Hemisphere. The park is open from October to May and is an increasingly popular destination with mountain climbers and trekkers.

50

MENDOZA ARGENTINA RAFTING EXPEDICIONES With more than 15 years of experience, Amigorena 86 Argentina Rafting offers you great (0261) 4296325 outdoor adventures in Mendoza: rafting, info@argentinarafting.com www.argentinarafting.com canopy, trekking, rappelling, mountain biking, kayaking, horse-back riding excursions and so much more. Their base camp, located in a beautiful site overlooking Potrerillos Lake, is open year round and personally attended by the owners. Professional staff, delicious food, top-notch equipment, quality and memorable experiences are synonyms of Argentina Rafting.

Ask about multiple day excursions.

Remember to bring a change 10% OFF of clothes!

Credit Cards OK!

with Get South

Nº Leg.:12592

More than an adventure…

BIKES AND WINES

25 de Mayo 981 - Downtown Urquiza 1606 - Maipú Do you want to see the beautiful Mendoza Besares & Darragueira - Chacras scenery while wine tasting at some of the (0261) 4106686 finest wineries in the country? info@bikesandwines.com Then you should contact Bikes and Wines. www.bikesandwines.com You can rent a bike from these trend setters and explore downtown or follow the wine trails in the Maipú or Luján de Cuyo areas, which are home to a large number of wineries open to tourists. They are strategically situated with a shop right downtown (2 blocks from Plaza* Independencia), another rental shop on the main street in bodega* heavy Maipú, and a surfer bar/rental shop in trendy Chacras de Coria (Luján de Cuyo).

Free wine at any of their locations with Get South!

Welcome to Wine Disney!

51

MENDOZA AYMARA TURISMO Aymara is a prize-winning company that has cornered the market in providing the ultimate experience and are true experts in Mendoza tourism.

9 de julio 1023 (0261) 4202064 info@aymara.com.ar www.aymara.com.ar www.losvinosdelosandes.com

ªWine Tours – Whether you’re a novice or an expert, you can enjoy the best of malbec in the finest wineries. ª High Mountains – A spectacular trip to the Chilean border, taking in Aconcagua and the Inca Bridge. ª Gourmet Tours – Enjoy Mendoza cuisine with the finest wines. ª Adventure Tours – Have fun going horseback riding, rafting, trekking, mountain biking, parachuting, or a taking a multi-day horse trek over the Andes to Chile.

10% OFF with Cash

N° Leg.: 7639

The office is in the city centre and their staff friendly, well informed and bilingual.

ARGENTINA SKYDIVING

(0261) 156299717 skypohle@hotmail.com Break out of your travel shell and fly argentinaskydiving@live.com.ar through the skies with Argentina Skydiving. In Mendoza, 95% of days per year have excellent weather conditions for jumping, making it a skydiver’s utopia! You’ll board the plane after a full safety brief and equipment fitting.

Then you will tandem jump with an experienced instructor at 2800 meters into a 25 to 30 second free fall at 200 km/h, followed by an 8 minute parachute flight floating toward the earth. Roundtrip transportation and a DVD of your jump are included in the cost.

The staff speaks Spanish, English and Portuguese, but screaming “Wahoooo!” needs no translation.

Free photos and an additional 100 m of height to your jump with Get South!

Physical fitness and a good attitude required!

Visit the ATM before hand. Payments are in cash only!

52

MENDOZA WANKA VIAJES Y TURISMO

Av. San Martín 1070 Loc. 5 (0261) 4237272 (02901) 15548471 / 15519705 info@wankaturismo.com.ar info@rayenaventura.com yamilazajur@wankaturismo.com.ar www.rayenaventura.com www.wankaturismo.com.ar

The name might make you giggle, but Wanka Turismo’s huge range of good quality excursions is no joke. There is alot to do in Mendoza any time of the year, and Wanka has you covered: from bodega tours and horseback riding, to mountain visits and trekking, or for adrenaline junkies you can book rafting, rappelling, quadbiking and more!

15% discount with Get South (for conventional excursions)

The attentive staff can also help you get your accommodation and plane and bus tickets sorted so that you can really relax and enjoy your stay in the land of sun and wine!

Credit card and dollars accepted N° Leg.: 13097

CASA PUEBLO HOSTEL

Carlos Pellegrini 377. Guaymallén (0261) 4324976 To really chill out and for a more www.casapueblohostel.com authentic perspective of Mendoza visit casapueblohostel@yahoo.com.ar Casa Pueblo, set just out of the centre (300 meters from the bus terminal) in front of a pretty plaza in a typical Mendocinian barrio*, Guaymallen. Run by a family, Casa Pueblo is a traditional, clean house with a relaxed, artistic and hippy vibe. Dorms and privates are available, as are Reiki massages, astrology sessions and floral therapy. Chill out with other travellers, make an asado* on the patio, play board games, or swap books, and with a bar that serves organic wine and local artisan beer – you can feel good about having a few in the afternoon!

Breakfast Internet Wi-Fi

Free pick up from the Bus Station

Free artisan beer for each guest and get your 5th night free with Get South!

Ask about their free, regular organic tasting sessions (wine, olives and more)!

53

MENDOZA HOSTEL ALAMO This gorgeous hostel is located in a safe area in downtown Mendoza city, across the road from a huge supermarket and close to bars and restaurants. It has 11 rooms, 4 of them with double beds, ensuite bathrooms and A/C. This lovely two storey Spanish style house has plenty of airy spaces to have a blast during your visit.

Necochea 740 (0261) 4295565 info@hostelalamo.com www.hostelalamo.com Enjoy the garden while you make new friends, try your skills at their ping pong table or relax in the TV/DVD room. Their free yummy breakfasts include coffee, tea, cereals, fruits and fruit juices, toast and much more.

The helpful owner and bilingual staff are there to inform you on everything there is to do in this awesome land, so don’t hesitate to ask!

10% OFF with Get South

Breakfast Internet Wi-Fi

HOTEL PETIT

PerĂş 1459 (0261) 4232099/ 4290848/ 4299718 This surprisingly affordable hotel is petit@petit-hoteles.com.ar right in downtown Mendoza, within www.petit-hoteles.com.ar walking distance to countless restaurants, bars, Plaza* Independencia and Las Heras street, full of regional gift stores. Choose from double (with matrimonial or twin beds), triple and cuadruple rooms or a five-person apartment with a private Jacuzzi. No dorms. All rooms have ensuite bathroom with towels, cable television, air conditioning and heaters.

Their yummy buffet breakfast includes coffee, tea, milk, fruit, yogurt, cereal and toast with jam. Hotel Petit also offers an on-site bar, a microwave to heat up food, a multi-lingual book exchange, parking, laundry service and luggage storage.

Breakfast - Internet Wi-Fi - Credit Cards

54

10% off + free bottle of wine per room with Get South!

MENDOZA DAMAJUANA HOSTEL

Arístides Villanueva 282 (0261) 4255858 Damajuana Hostel is ideally located in reservas@damajuanahostel.com.ar the middle of Arístides Villanueva. www.damajuanahostel.com.ar It is one of the main streets of Mendoza, crowded with bars and restaurants, and 10% OFF is THE fun place to be for tourists and trendy with locals alike for alfresco dinners and drinks with friends.

Get South

The hostel is within walking distance from the town center and from San Martín Park and has all the facilities that you need to make your stay a blast. Room options vary from private doubles to dorms with 4, 6 and 8 beds. Bring your swimming suit if you come in the summer because they have a big, green back yard with sun loungers and a large swimming pool to cool off in.

Amenities: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Swimming pool 24 hour reception Individual lockers Medic assistance Sheets and towels Maid service BBQ grill Guest kitchen Central heating Fan in the rooms Library Laundry service PH bar Breakfast (coffee, tea, milk, fruit, toast) Free Internet 24/7 Wi-Fi area Living room with satellite TV Table tennis

They organize asados, pizza and film nights, group trips, parties and much more!!

Breakfast Internet Wi-Fi

They can also suggest cool activities and tours so your stay in Mendoza will be the best in can be!

55

MENDOZA ALL IN MENDOZA MONKEY HOSTEL This is the perfect place to monkey around in Mendoza.

Sarmiento 681 (0261) 4231148 info@mendozamonkeyhostel.com www.mendozamonkeyhostel.com

It has recently been taken over by new owners, a Belgian and an Argentine who renovated the whole hostel to make sure everything looks great!

It’s two blocks from the main square (Plaza Independencia), a half block from Hyatt hotel and in a restaurant area.

Their location is excellent, just 5 minutes by taxi or a 15-minute walk from the bus station.

Accommodation options include private rooms for 2 to 5 people and dorms. Private rooms include your choice of a double bed, 2 twins or bunk beds (some with ensuite bath). Dorms start at 4 beds and range up to 6. They are same-sex or mixed, all with shared bath.

Enjoy their swimming pool and their Monkey Bar (open until midnight), or make like a monkey and swing from activity to activity like ping pong, TV, board games, full kitchen available to use and BBQ area. Their multilingual international staff is great and helpful.

They will make you feel right at home.

10% off accommodation + discounts at the bar with Get South!

Breakfast - Internet Wi-Fi - Credit Cards

They offer all the regular excursions in Mendoza including wine tasting and other pretty cool ones like Gaucho Day (horseback riding with lunch), Dakar Aconcagua (high mountains tour with trekking and lunch) and Photo Safari (4x4 expeditions in the mountains with lunch).

56

MENDOZA HOSTEL SUITES MENDOZA The popular Hostel Suites chain has arrived in Mendoza! Visit their new location to experience the same quality as their sister hostels in Buenos Aires.

Hostel Suites Mendoza is in a great downtown location. They have dorms and private rooms available, all with en-suite bath, heat and air conditioning. Other amenities include ample common spaces, 24 hour check-in, bilingual staff, Stay 3 nights and get 1 Free with Get South!

Patricias Mendocinas 1532 (0261) 4237018 mendoza@hostelsuites.com www.hostelsuites.com continental breakfast, bar and on-site travel agency ready to help you book tours. The hostel occupies an entire 4-story building, complete with rooftop patio and a BBQ area where they hold barbeques on Thursdays. At Hostel Suites you’ll get hostel fun with hotel comfort!

Breakfast - Internet Wi-Fi - Credit Cards

Hostel Travel EVT. Nº Leg.:12.903

QUINTA RUFINO BED AND BREAKFAST SUITES Quinta Rufino has the best of both Rufino Ortega 142 worlds: a spacious colonial-style house in (0261) 4204696 a leafy, peaceful residential area only a info@quintarufinohostel.com.ar five minute walk from the enormous San www.quintarufinohostel.com.ar Martín park, but also only one block away from the busiest bar and restaurant street in Mendoza (Arístides Villanueva) and a five minute walk to the city centre. Relax in the clean and quiet private rooms or dorms with fresh towels and en-suite bathrooms but make sure to spend a few hours on the large terrace meeting other travellers, enjoying an asado* (Thurs & Sat), doing wine tasting or training your feet and hips with their salsa, tango and reaggeaton classes! The informative and attentive staff can help you with information about visits to the mountains, thermal spas, wineries, San Rafael or adventure sports so that you can make the most of your time in Mendoza!

15 % off accommodation with Get South!

Breakfast - Internet - Wi-Fi - 24hr parking

57

SAN RAFAEL SAN RAFAEL Located 236 km south of Mendoza city, San Rafael is in the middle of Mendoza province, making it easy to reach the other touristy places from here. San Rafael is considered a capital of adventure tourism, both for its wide range of options and affordable prices.

In Valle Grande you will probably find the cheapest white water rafting in the world!!

Horseback riding, 4x4 expeditions (Nihuil‛s Dunes), kayaking, boating, canoeing, rappelling, canopy, trekking and climbing are also offered in this great natural setting. :: Cañón* del Atuel: don‛t miss this gorgeous natural canyon with highly eroded rocky walls, carved by the Atuel River. There are guided tours that take you there or you can go with your own car. Some interesting rock formations are The Wax Museum, The Castle, The Ghost, Rivadavia‛s Chair, The Suspension Gardens, etc. :: Valle Grande: a huge, man-made lake in an impressive natural setting, surrounded by mountains and green fertile vegetation. It attracts visitors seeking outdoor adventures. :: Wine Tours: there are around 80 wineries around San Rafael, some within walking or biking distance from town, while others require a car. They range from small family businesses to big producers of all types of quality wines supplying local and international markets. Guided tours and tastings are available in most. :: Nightlife: San Rafael is also a fun town after dark, with 2 casinos, movie theatre, bowling, tango bar, karaoke bar, dance clubs and many pubs and restaurants.

RAFFEISH

Ruta Prov. 173 Km34 Valle Grande - San Rafael These guys aren’t messing about in the (02627) 436996 / 15409089 water; they are very serious about safety. raffeish@infovia.com.ar Raffeish was the first adventure company www.raffeish.com.ar in the area and they are proud of their reputation. Their base is a serious affair too, with a mini-market, a fast food joint, a crafts stall and a little riverside beach with great music to hang out! There is plenty of high-carb food to power you up through the day and their multi-discipline staff is on hand to Activities provided: guide you every step of the way.

Rafting + CD & Rappelling + service to DVD memories take your Canopy + with you! Trekking + Kayaking + 10% OFF Canoeing + with Doky (2 person canoe) + Get South Col River (a kind of body boarding) + Catamaran trips +

58

MALARGÜE MALARGÜE Malargüe is located 186 km south of San Rafael. It‛s a small town and serves as a good base for exploring some of the least known, but spectacular landscapes in Argentina. :: Malargüe Planetarium: has interesting guided visits and interactive daily sky shows (some in English). Pierre Auger Cosmic Ray Observatory, studies ultra high energy cosmic rays (free daily visits except weekends). Both are located in Malargüe town. :: Caverna de Las Brujas: Literally translates into “The Witches‛ Cave”. It is a marvellous cave that plunges deep into the earth at a depth of almost 2000 m. :: The Payunia: It is recognized as being one of the most densely covered volcanic regions in the world. Trails of lava debris can be seen at various points throughout the park, and enormous boulders of igneous rocks are scattered over the dark plains. :: Laguna* Llancanelo: It is vast shallow lagoon, great spot for bird watchers since pink flamingos, swans and some other 73 different bird species are commonly seen here. :: Cascadas* de Manqui-Malal: An ideal spot for hiking and rappelling. Keep your eyes alert for commonly seen fossils and for the condors soaring above the high walls. :: Castillos* de Pincheira: It is a naturally formed structure sculpted throughout the many years by glacier erosion. It‛s shaped like a giant castle, hence the name. :: Las Leñas: Located 70 km from Malargüe, this internationally renowned ski resort is ideal for winter sport enthusiasts of all levels. Summer activities are also offered.

Finca 65-Colonia Pehuenche - info@hostelmalargue.com ECO HOSTEL Internacional Malargüe (02627) 232312/483604/470391 - www.hostelmalargue.com CHOIQUE Turismo Alternativo

San Martín 200 corner Torres - info@choique.com (02627) 470391 / 15483604 - www.choique.com

In a 5 hectare farm, EcoHostel sits in an incredible landscape with beautiful views of the Andes. Built with an original design, they have dorms or doubles with ensuite bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, an organic vegetable garden and a farm. Home-made meals can also be made for you.

Hostelcity, located in downtown Malargüe: Rufino Ortega 158. Tel: (02627) 232324/ 538784/ 471151 Breakfast They also have a travel agency in town, Choique, which has Wi-Fi bi/multi-lingual staff. They offer all sorts of adventure tours, such as rafting, trekking, skiing, fishing, rappelling 10% off if you and also visits to the beauties of Malargüe: stay more than 3 Payunia, Witches’ Cave, Manqui Malal waterfall, nights + 10% off Llancanelo Lagoon, Las Leñas & surroundings, Payunia tour!

Thermal pools and Pincheira Castles.

Choique Turismo Alternativo Nº Leg.:12997

59

SAN JUAN SAN JUAN San Juan is a great jumping off point to visit Ischigualasto and Talampaya Parks (World Heritage Site). Ischigualasto, also known as Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley), lies 330 km away and it is a large valley filled with fantastic eroded formations, plants and animal fossils, and dinosaur findings dating from 230 million years ago.

Get great views of the city‛s layout climbing the Cathedral‛s bell tower, located next to the 25 de Mayo Square. Other places worth visiting in town are Domingo Sarmiento‛s birthplace/historic museum, the Natural Science Museum, the park and the Juan Victoria Concert Hall, considered to be one of the most important halls in South America. Visit Ullúm Lake 20 km from town (bus Nº 29) to relax, practice some water sports, swim, go for a walk or even dive from cliffs!!

San Juan also stands out for its renowned world class wines, so a wine tour is a must! Santiago Graffigna has a wine museum which is free and near downtown. Another interesting option is the Cavas de Zonda (24 km from town on bus Nº 23), the only champagne cellar in South America whose ceiling is the mountain itself.

ZONDA HOSTEL

Caseros 486 Sur (corner Av. Córdoba) (0264) 4201009 info@zondahostel.com.ar www.zondahostel.com.ar

Zonda Hostel is a great base stop in San Juan.

Situated in a privileged area, close to the bus station and minutes away from downtown, it has plenty of clean private Breakfast - Internet - Wi-Fi rooms and dorms, most with shared baths.

This cool 3-storey house has a full kitchen, spacious balconies and an awesome garden perfect to make new friends.

Weekly activities such as asados* or dinners are organized, so don’t forget to check with the helpful staff. Even more, ask them about the big variety of excursions that can be done in San Juan.

Show Get South on arrival and get a 1 free litre beer!

Book tours with them to Moon Valley, Barreal & Rodeo!

SJH Viajes y Turismo N° Leg.: 14159

60

SAN JUAN SAN JUAN HOSTEL

Av. Córdoba 317 Este (0264) 4201835 / 4224081 This hostel has easily the best contacto@sanjuanhostel.com location in San Juan, near the bus www.sanjuanhostel.com station and downtown. It is a solid, MSN:hostelsanjuan@hotmail.com unflashy hostel with excellent prices and very helpful staff. Enjoy plenty of SAN JUAN BED & BREAKFAST sun in San Juan on the terrace. They www.hotel-sanjuan.com.ar $ offer dorms and private rooms, If you want more comfort, free breakfast all morning, free they recently opened a B&B, jacuzzi pool, ping-pong with double rooms with table, 2 TV-DVD rooms, private bathrooms, and a fully15% off in dorms Breakfast central heating and equipped showing Get South Internet air-conditioning. kitchen. on arrival!

Wi-Fi They also have a travel agency with great prices to Valle de la Luna and Barreal including food and drinks!

HOTEL TERMAS PISMANTA

$

At the foot of the mountains, 15 km from Rodeo village and 187 km from San Juan city, meet a business run and empowered by its people.

Breakfast Wi-Fi

SJH Viajes y Turismo N° Leg.: 14159

Ruta 150 Pismanta Las Flores (02647) 497091 / 92 caciquepismanta@infovia.com.ar www.pismantaspa.com.ar

Hotel Termas Pismanta is a great example of what working hand in hand brings. Built in the 50’s, this hotel marvels visitors with its wonderful service, therapeutic hot springs and comprehensive spa. There are rooms with private baths & satellite Breakfast TV, a diner and bar, and a tennis Credit Cards court. But beyond that, there are 12 private hot spring baths, an open-air thermal pool, Scottish showers, vapor baths and sauna to help you relax. Pamper yourself at the spa with the many treatments available, like massage and fang (mud) therapy. Isn’t that a cool way to break away from routine?

10% OFF with Get South

61