• Parque San Martín. This huge park is nice for walking or biking around. From Cerro de la Gloria there is a nice view over the city. There is also a zoo with animals in small cages.

• Many bodegas (wineries) offer tours. Wine-tasting events are common; check the culture section of local newspapers or ask around. A good period to visit is during harvesting in March and April.

• Festivals occur often and are usually free. Each has a different theme, and they usually have a stage with singing and dancing and booths that sell food around a plaza. The harvest festival at the end of February is a major event.

The wine is excellent and extremely inexpensive. Clothing tends to be fashionable and cheap for those paying in US dollars or Euros. Electronics are imported and thus expensive. Many unique home decor items are available at good prices. Leather goods are also readily available and inexpensive.

Good restaurants abound. Try world-famous Argentinian beef asado (roasted) from a parrilla (grill) restaurant, with a bottle of Mendoza's excellent wine. Mendoza's most famous varieties are the Malbecs from Maipú and Luján de Cuyo. Other good options are Cabernet Sauvignons and Merlots.

• The Green Apple, Avenida Colón 458. A good vegetarian all-you-can-eat buffet.
• La Casa de Ofelia, +54-0261-4990159, lacasadeofelia@gmail.com, [5]. Located in the peaceful valley of Lunlunta, this house is a perfect stop while you're visiting wineries and vineyards. Meals are prepared with traditional recipes and served personally by the house's owners. You can get the best specialties calling some days earlier to make a reservation.