CLIMATE
Cuyo skies are rarely overcast, and the winter climate of this region is delicious, except on the Andean heights. The weather is temperate and dry, with cold winds, and summers are hot. Mendoza city is cool. The weather in fall is milder. Mt Aconcagua is the highest peak on the continent (6,962m) and can be climbed by three different trails.
WHAT TO PACK
During summer you should wear a cap and sunglasses, apply sunscreen and take along a wind-cheater and a sweater or polar sweatshirt. Don't forget a camera and plenty of film! It is a good idea to wear roomy and comfortable trousers and trekking shoes or comfortable sneakers.
In winter, temperatures are considerably lower, so you should take warm coats, sweaters or polar sweatshirts, a cap and woolen gloves, long-sleeved shirts, etc. The best way of insulating oneself against the cold is by using the famous "layer system": by wearing several layers of knitted wool we retain body heat better than if we only wear one layer. This allows us to control body heat by adding or eliminating layers. Daytime is best for outdoor activities. At this time of year, the main attractions are the mountains and especially the snow, that attracts many tourists who are skiing, snowboarding and winter sports enthusiasts, so we recommend you bring proper clothing for these snow sports.
HEALTH
There are no endemic diseases here, so no special vaccines are required for entry. Argentina is free of foot and mouth disease, so beef may be safely consumed.
Ascent of Aconcagua: this is a challenge for the world's mountaineers, as they have to overcome the obstacles of altitude, b winds and extremely low temperature. Mt Aconcagua is part of the "seven summits" circuit. The atmospheric humidity is very low, and this fact, added to the uninhabited desert-type features of the extensive terrain and the total lack of any kind of emergency assistance, fills even the boldest with qualms.
Medical Assistance: During the whole official season there is a preventive medical service operating in Plaza de Mulas, and it is recommended that climbers take a general physical examination here prior to starting their ascent, or if they show signs of Mal de Montaña (altitude sickness). The medical service operates in Plaza Argentina, but only during the High Season. This medical service is available to the andinistas (Alpinists or mountain-climbers), who can check their physical condition before the ascent. If problems are detected at this stage, the doctors can recommend the ascent be delayed or simply cancelled, and recommend that the patient self-evacuate from high-altitude terrain.
WATER
Tap-water is totally drinkable and safe. During the meltwater season it can appear slightly cloudy, as happens in many of the world's mountain cities. However, it remains just as safe and drinkable as ever.
TRADITIONAL GASTRONOMY
Some typical Mendoza dishes are: fried pasties, patitas aliñadas, beef stew, arrope syrup, tableta mendocina, humita en chala and the famous tortitas raspadas (scraped cookies) for breakfast or snacks. In addition to the traditional Argentine asado (barbecue) with an assortment of regional salads and desserts, you can sample empanadas, puchero, carbonada, cazuela de gallina or vegetales al disco.
Mendoza and San Juan together account for 90% of the country's wine production, and are one of the world's 4 major producers of fine wines.
Wine, perhaps more than any other human creation, has always played an important role in the great moments of human history. So why not "take a page out of the history books" and sample the exquisite local wines accompanied by an assortment of cheeses or the dishes offered in Mendoza's restaurants.
Restaurants during your trip:
In Mendoza: International, vegetarian and local food restaurants.
Restaurants in Mendoza
IMPORTANT
We reserve the right to make changes to the order of the trip, without prior notice, due to changes in climate conditions, river water levels, flight or bus arrival and departure times or any other reason relevant to the best development of the trip.
Iguazu Falls
