Argentina, this wonderful country, is known worldwide for its soccer, delicious gastronomy and handsome men who love to “chamuyar con las minas” (in Argentinian Spanish it means: “talk to girls”). Although I would choose the affectionate treatment offered by the Argentines to the outsiders, their sweet accent in Spanish and the extraordinary landscapes, very varied throughout this land, which remains still wild and dominated by the spectacular nature that, I have no doubt, you will enjoy during your pleasant trip through South America. In this post I would like you to show you some marvelous places around the city of Mendoza, located on the east side of Andes, which is a fantastic opportunity to delve into Argentinian culture and nature. Don’t forget to try some tasty wine there.
HOW I GET TO MENDOZA
Last year, in 2019, I was travelling through the South America, and in addition to Argentina I also visited Bolivia, Peru and Chile, outstanding countries about which I will write you different stories in my other blog posts. I came to Mendoza by plane from Bariloche, a city with a fabulous landscape, located in Patagonia. By the way, now that I remember, I have to recognize my small accident during the flight due to the strong turbulence and my foolishness. I, the very smart girl, forgot to put the belt on and I literally flew off towards the ceiling. I collided with the luggage compartment above the seats. What a show! Try to put yourself in my place: the sensations were intense, therefore, since then I have been wearing the seat belt always, I prefer that my adrenaline level rises not for this reason.
Well…as I was telling you there is a possibility to come to Mendoza by plane, whether you are travelling from the south part of Argentina or directly from the federal capital of Buenos Aires. The flights last only just over two hours. While a route by car is already something else. This country is really great, not only due to its gastronomy and nature offered to the visitors, but also due to its considerable size. Although if you have enough time for your vacation, I would not rule out the idea of travelling along the National Route 40, which allows you to cross Argentina from end to end, North-South or vice versa. It is about 5,200 km across the wonderful landscape of mountains, valleys, deserts, forests, glaciers and volcanos. I had the opportunity to drive along the National Route 40 between the city of Calafate and El Chalten. Such a wonderful experience! One more thing, from the Plumerillo Airport it is very easy to get to Mendoza by bus, “el colectivo” in Argentinan, with the Line 680, which runs daily between 00:06 and 21:30. It’s a good and cheap option.
POTRERILLOS: TAKE A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE
After locating yourself in a hotel in Mendoza, the city known worldwide for viticulture, and in a lesser extent, for the culture of olive oil, that by the way, reminds me a lot of Spain, the only thing you should worry about is having fun and getting to know the spectacular places in the city and in the surroundings. I recommend you to visit the Potrerillos area, located about 69 km from Mendoza. You can easily get there by bus from the main station in the city. In this natural area the members of Agrelo culture settled down around 700 AD, dedicating themselves to breeding of llamas and the agriculture of corn and squash. The landscape in this place is spectacular, many high mountains with the snow- capped peaks, the valleys and the huge artificial lake, created due to the construction of the dam, whose size is 14 km long and 3 km wide. Incredible natural setting to enjoy either with a hiking trial or having a picnic in the zone around the lake. It is also possible to ride a horse, navigate on the lake with a sailboat, or having fun with the rafting and the zipline. There is certainly lots of activities to do. Personally, I love hiking, so I did a track around the lake. You can start your route from a small square, where you first arrive, there are also some typical restaurants for later lunch, just follow the indications. During my hiking I could contemplate some mountains with an extraordinary shape, they were reminiscent of human faces. Check it in the picture maybe in your opinion they look like something else.
RELAX IN THE CACHEUTA HOT SPRINGS
If, on the contrary, you prefer to enjoy your time resting, I suggest to visit the Cacheuta Hot Springs. You have the possibility to travel by the same bus as to the Potrerillos area, however, remember to get out several stops before. The bus driver can help you with that. Spending the day in the Hot Springs, enjoying the warm water, especially, in a cold winter day, surrounded by the magnificent landscape, was an amazing experience. The water comes from thawing and it`s heated to a temperature between 35º and 50ºC inside the Earth, where it acquires numerous therapeutic proprieties. Before reaching the Hot Springs of Cacheuta you can visit some typical shops with artisan products, there are also some restaurants, although inside the place you will find another restaurant and the area dedicated to eat your lunch, as well as the supermarket where you should buy some alfajores, my favorite sweets from Argentina. After passing the entrance, I advise you to rent some towels and the bathrobe instead of bringing your own. It was around 100 Argentinian pesos plus the deposit, but it will be returned to you at the end of your day at the springs. The swimming pools with bubbles and massage areas are situated inside as well outside. I really loved taking a bath in the hot water outside with the views of the valley, while the temperatures around in a winter day were about 8ºC. So much fun running fast in search of the bathrobe after going out from the pool. Even my soul got frozen.
A curiosity about Cacheuta Hot Springs is the legend from the times of Spanish conquest. This legend states that in 1532 the Lord Cacheuta of Mendoza decided to help Atahualpa, the Lord of the Quechua and the heir to the Inca Inti, imprisoned by the Spanish troop. He gathered his men, in addition to the gold and silver that were loaded in the leather bags and carried by llamas, in order to carry out the rescue. When they reach the Spanish soldiers, nearby the Hot Springs, they decided to hide the treasure as a precaution and first negotiate the rescue. However, the plan failed and the Lord Cacheuta died in an armed confrontation that ensued, while his men were taken prisoners. Consequently, the Spanish soldiers, after long searching, found the treasure that was hidden in a grotto. The historical fact is that the Spanish occupied these lands, which were previously dominated by Inca Empire and founded the thermal baths, called Los Baños de la Punta del Río, that had their great heyday during the 19th century, being the favorite area of Argentinian high society.
To end up your trip in Mendoza don’t forget to try some good wine in one of the many nice wineries that are placed in surroundings of the city. That’s a wonderful idea to spend some good time and learn more about different types of grapes and ways to make wine. Surly you also will buy some bottles, but don’t worry if you are taking later a domestic flight, you have the possibility of bringing up to five bottles of wine in the cabin. You cannot do that in Europe!
TIPS:
- In the Cacheuta Hot Springs you can rent towels and the bathrobe, but bring your flip-flops.
- Maybe you could spend a night in the Potrerillos and have more time to explore this area. It’s really nice.
- Take the bus, “el colectivo”, it`s cheaper and funnier.
- Visit the wineries around Mendoza and try some good wine.
all about eve`s journeys 
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