Hostels in Mendoza: where to stay, how to get there and what to do
Mendoza is the capital of Argentine wine and the gateway to the highest mountains in the Americas. For backpackers it works as a base: from the centre, city buses run to the Maipú wineries, which you explore by bike; Route 7 heads to Potrerillos, Uspallata and Aconcagua Park; and long-distance buses cross to Santiago de Chile. The city is flat, leafy and walkable, with the nightlife concentrated on Arístides Villanueva street and Parque San Martín a few blocks away.
🛏️Dorm bedfrom ≈ US$ 10 a night
✈️AirportMDZ (El Plumerillo), 11 km from the centre
🚌Bus stationTerminal del Sol, 2.4 km from the plaza
🎫City bus≈ US$ 1.10 with SUBE or a contactless card
☀️ClimateDry and sunny; summer highs of 31-33 °C
🛂Santiago de Chile370 km · 7-8 h by bus, border included
🗺️Buenos Aires1,081 km · ≈ 13 h by bus
Mount Aconcagua
Potrerillos Reservoir
Mendoza city
How to get to Mendoza
✈️ Gobernador Francisco Gabrielli International Airport (El Plumerillo) MDZ
11 km from the centre · 10.7 km by road to Plaza Independencia
Getting to the centre and the hostels
Bus 680 (airport–bus station–centre): ≈ 20 min to the bus station and 35-40 min to the centre, ≈ US$ 1.10; pay with SUBE or a contactless card
Bus 680 timetable from the airport: weekdays 5:30 to 20:50 (9 services), Saturdays 5:30 to 19:50 (8) and Sundays and holidays 6:00 to 18:55 (7)
Uber or Cabify: ≈ 15-30 min to the centre
Official taxis and remises (private cars) have a stand on the ground floor, domestic arrivals exit
Paid transfer offered by some hostels, such as Hostel de Los Artistas and Mora
Direct flights
Aerolíneas Argentinas from Aeroparque, Ezeiza, Córdoba, Rosario, Salta, Bariloche, Neuquén and Mar del Plata (seasonal); JetSMART from Aeroparque, Ezeiza, Salta and Bariloche. International: Santiago de Chile (Aerolíneas, LATAM and Sky), São Paulo (LATAM and Gol), Lima, Panama City, Asunción, Punta Cana and Aruba.
🚌 Terminal del Sol (Mendoza Bus Station)
📍 Av. Acceso Este and Av. Gobernador Ricardo Videla (Guaymallén)
🛏️ 1.4 to 2.9 km from the hostels (17 to 34 min on foot)
It has left luggage, currency exchange, banking services and a taxi and remís rank. Bus 680 links it with the centre and the airport; Plaza Independencia is 2.4 km away (≈ 28 min on foot or 8 min by car).
Tickets start at ≈ US$ 36 to Buenos Aires and ≈ US$ 32 to Santiago, and vary by date and company; for Chile, check the status of the Cristo Redentor Pass on the day you travel.
Map of Mendoza: bus station, hostels and sights
The hostels in this guide, the bus station, the airport and the things to see, all on one map. Tap a point to see its name.
Loading the map…
HostelsBus stationAirportSights
Distances from the centre
Place
Distance
Time
How
Cerro de la Gloria (Parque San Martín)
5.4 km on foot · 7.3 km by car
≈ 80 min on foot
on foot from the centre, across the park
Maipú wineries (Coquimbito)
14.8 km
25-45 min by city bus
buses 810, 811, 812, 813, 816, 817 or 920
Luján de Cuyo and Chacras de Coria
15-20 km
—
tour, car or ride-hailing app
Termas de Cacheuta
38 km
—
the spa's own shuttle or a tour
Potrerillos
52 km
≈ 1 h 25 by bus
Andesmar bus from the bus station
Tupungato (Uco Valley)
95 km
—
tour or car
Uspallata
121 km
—
along Route 7, on the way to Aconcagua
Aconcagua Park (Laguna de Horcones)
185 km
≈ 4 h by bus to Puente del Inca
Andesmar bus from the bus station
Getting around Mendoza
City buses and the light rail make up the MendoTran system: you pay at the validator with SUBE, digital SUBE, a contactless credit or debit card or an NFC phone, so you don't need to buy a SUBE card.
A standard fare costs ≈ US$ 1.10, with tiered discounts for people who take many trips a month with SUBE.
Useful lines: the 680 links the airport, bus station and centre; the 810, 811, 812, 813, 816, 817 and 920 go to the Maipú wineries from Rioja street, between Catamarca and Garibaldi.
The light rail (metrotranvía) runs about 17 km between Gutiérrez Station (Maipú) and Las Heras; combined with bus 812 it also gets you to the wineries.
The centre is flat and laid out in a grid: the hostels in this guide are 0.2-1.7 km on foot from Plaza Independencia.
The MendoTran app shows real-time timetables; Uber and Cabify operate in the city and at the airport.
Uber, Cabify, DiDi and taxis in Mendoza
Mendoza was the first province to legalise the apps (2018): Uber and Cabify work; DiDi doesn't operate. At the airport, Cabify has its own area opposite the terminal. Uber reports an average of ≈ US$ 6 between the centre and the airport.
Uber Available
The most widely used in the country: Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Mendoza, Salta and Bariloche. It takes card, cash and Mercado Pago, and the same account you use at home works here.
Strong in Buenos Aires; also in Córdoba, Mendoza and Bariloche. Cash only in Buenos Aires, Rosario, Mendoza and Córdoba; to create an account it asks for a phone number and email address.
Works in Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Salta, Bariloche and other cities (not in Mendoza). You pay by card or in cash.
Status of each app according to their official sites and the local press; it may change. The buttons open the official stores (Google Play for Android, App Store for iPhone).
The 3 best areas to stay in Mendoza
1Microcentro: Plaza Independencia and the south centre To have everything on foot
🚌 ≈ 2.1-2.4 km from the bus station (25-29 min on foot)
For first-timers who want to get around on foot. Around the main plaza you'll find the Sarmiento pedestrian street, supermarkets and stops for lots of bus lines, and Arístides is a 15-20 minute walk away. To the south, along 9 de Julio street, there are quieter old houses. Cons: it's the busiest and noisiest area by day, and the bus station is almost half an hour's walk away.
2Arístides Villanueva / Quinta Sección For going out at night
🚌 ≈ 2.8-2.9 km from the bus station (33-34 min on foot)
For those who come to go out: Arístides street is packed with bars and restaurants, and Parque San Martín is about 500 metres away. The hostels here have a pool and garden, which you'll appreciate in the summer heat. Cons: you can hear the street noise at night, especially at weekends, and the bus station is far, so take a city bus or an app ride when you arrive with your backpack.
3East centre, towards the bus station For arriving and leaving by bus
🚌 ≈ 1.4-2.3 km from the bus station (17-28 min on foot)
For those arriving or leaving by bus, or staying just a few days. On Salta, San Juan and Corrientes streets there are large, budget hostels about 1.5 km from the bus station and 1 km from the plaza, in a quieter, residential area near Av. San Martín. Cons: Arístides is 2.1-3.3 km away (27-41 min on foot), so you'll need transport for nights out.
The 8 recommended hostels in Mendoza
These eight hostels have beds in shared dorms and are less than 2 km on foot from Plaza Independencia. The pros, cons and comments come from real guest reviews.
Gorilla Hostel
9.2 · 723 reviews
Martín Zapata 155 · 600 m from Arístides
🚌 ≈ 2.8 km from the bus station (33 min on foot)Mixed dormsFemale dormBreakfast includedBarSeasonal pool
Shared dorm
Common room
Exterior
The most social hostel on the list: big common areas with pool, table football and ping-pong, a bar in the courtyard, a garden and a seasonal pool, plus a board with activities and an asado (barbecue) on Fridays. It has mixed dorms with 4, 6 and 8 beds and a 6-bed female dorm, 24-hour reception and currency exchange. No private rooms are listed.
Warm staff and a social vibe
Common areas with games, bar and pool
Bar drinks a bit pricey
Poor ventilation in some rooms
How much a night costs, month by month
Bed in a shared dorm · 1 person
14151618202022·····
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
A bed costs from US$ 14 to US$ 22 a night, depending on the month. Months marked «·» have no rate loaded yet: the hostel opens its calendar in stages, it doesn't mean it's closed.
Public price per night, before taxes and fees (these are shown at checkout and depend on your country of residence and payment method), for the free-cancellation rate when there is one; quotes are for 2 consecutive nights. Rates change with the date. Updated 05/10/2026.
The warmth of all the hostel guys, just lovely. You can tell there's good energy between them, you feel it in the atmosphere and it's contagious.
Enzo · Argentina · Sep 2026
10Very spacious common areas
I liked the very spacious and varied common areas, plus the games available (pool, Jenga, table football and tejo), the bar and the swimming pool.
Diaz · Argentina · Sep 2026
9Pretty, clean, good location
I liked the location because it's close to lots of restaurants and shops. The staff were friendly and always helped me with everything. The hostel is very pretty and clean, the bed was comfortable and the atmosphere pleasant. They have a board with activities you can do.
Melanie · Colombia · Aug 2026
10It was perfect
I went to see Mendoza on my own, to spend my birthday, and I really felt at home. The hostel is a lovely place, tidy, safe, well located, with very friendly people, both tourists and the staff who work there, attentive, clean, well organised. It exceeded my expectations and I'd go back without a second thought.
Martinez · Chile · Jul 2026
Real reviews from verified guests, translated from the original language. A selection of 4 out of 723.
Windmill Hostel
8.7 · 906 reviews
Salta 1191 · east centre, 1.1 km from the plaza
🚌 ≈ 1.5 km from the bus station (18 min on foot)Mixed dormsFemale dormPrivate roomsKitchenSeasonal pool
Shared dorm
Common room
Exterior
One of the most-reviewed hostels in Mendoza and one of the closest to the bus station. It has mixed dorms with 4, 6 and 8 beds, a 4-bed female dorm and a budget double; buffet, continental or vegetarian breakfast, shared kitchen, terrace, garden, billiards, darts and organised tours. Reception speaks English, Spanish, French and Portuguese.
Central and very quiet area
Attentive staff who suggest outings
Poorly maintained bathrooms and showers
Pool closed out of season
How much a night costs, month by month
Bed in a shared dorm · 1 person
12131313131312·····
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
Private room · 2 people
3436303636·32·····
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
A bed costs from US$ 12 to US$ 13 a night, depending on the month. The private room, from US$ 30 to US$ 36. Months marked «·» have no rate loaded yet: the hostel opens its calendar in stages, it doesn't mean it's closed.
Public price per night, before taxes and fees (these are shown at checkout and depend on your country of residence and payment method), for the free-cancellation rate when there is one; quotes are for 2 consecutive nights. Rates change with the date. Updated 05/10/2026.
It's in a central, prime and very quiet area. For the price it's more than great.
Ruben · Chile · Sep 2026
10Beautiful place
The service from the staff, the spacious room with a super comfortable bed. The breakfast, excellent.
Sole · Argentina · Aug 2026
10Comfort
The hostel guys, super friendly, attentive to any question I had, and they were always recommending places to visit.
Quilodran · Argentina · Jul 2026
9Recommended
Flexible with check-in and check-out. Very good value for money. Very approachable staff, willing to help make your stay comfortable.
Daniel · Spain · Jul 2026
Real reviews from verified guests, translated from the original language. A selection of 4 out of 906.
Mora Hostel
9.0 · 377 reviews
San Juan 955 · 200 m from Av. San Martín
🚌 ≈ 1.5 km from the bus station (18 min on foot)Mixed dormsFemale dormPrivate roomsBreakfast includedKitchen
Shared dorm
Shared kitchen
Exterior
A hostel with bright rooms, parquet floors and big windows, a few blocks from Av. San Martín. It has 4-bed dorms (mixed and female), although the beds aren't available on every date, plus private doubles and a quad. It serves a buffet breakfast and adds a shared kitchen, a garden with a grill, a library and an airport transfer.
Central location near Av. San Martín
Well-rated breakfast and service
Walls in need of maintenance
Some ask for a better breakfast
How much a night costs, month by month
Bed in a shared dorm · 1 person
181620232323232323···
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
Private room · 2 people
434353585858585858···
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
A bed costs from US$ 16 to US$ 23 a night, depending on the month. The private room, from US$ 43 to US$ 58. Months marked «·» have no rate loaded yet: the hostel opens its calendar in stages, it doesn't mean it's closed.
Public price per night, before taxes and fees (these are shown at checkout and depend on your country of residence and payment method), for the free-cancellation rate when there is one; quotes are for 2 consecutive nights. Rates change with the date. Updated 05/10/2026.
Really lovely service from the staff. Convenient location. Good facilities.
Martín · Argentina · Jul 2026
10A place to come back to, comfortable room
Excellent location, very close to the centre and the tourist areas, easy access. The breakfast offers a variety of cereals, biscuits, milk, yoghurt, tea and coffee, bread, jams, dulce de leche and one egg per person to cook however you like.
Jhonatanrab · Chile · May 2026
10Excellent lodging
Excellent lodging, very central, very good breakfast; the young woman who looked after us, 20/10. I highly recommend it.
Jesus · Costa Rica · Apr 2026
9Great value for money
Very cheap, comfortable, clean, excellent location, friendly staff, the common areas, breakfast included. Great value for money.
Yannick · Spain · Oct 2025
Real reviews from verified guests, translated from the original language. A selection of 4 out of 377.
Hostel de Los Artistas
9.1 · 252 reviews
9 de Julio 318 · south centre, 1.5 km from the plaza
🚌 ≈ 2.1 km from the bus station (25 min on foot)Mixed dormsPrivate roomsKitchenEn-suite bathroom in every roomCourtyard with grill
Shared dorm
Common room
Garden
A big, quiet old house, made more for resting than for partying. It has mixed dorms (one with 6 beds) and family rooms, all with their own bathroom according to the listing; a large kitchen, a courtyard and a quincho (barbecue area) with a grill, 24-hour reception, currency exchange and a paid airport transfer. Several bus lines stop a block away.
Quiet, ideal for resting
Courtyard, quincho and large kitchen
Weak Wi-Fi, according to guests
No lockers for valuables
How much a night costs, month by month
Bed in a shared dorm · 1 person
12···········
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
Private room · 2 people
48···········
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
A bed costs around US$ 12 a night. The private room costs around US$ 48. Months marked «·» have no rate loaded yet: the hostel opens its calendar in stages, it doesn't mean it's closed.
Public price per night, before taxes and fees (these are shown at checkout and depend on your country of residence and payment method), for the free-cancellation rate when there is one; quotes are for 2 consecutive nights. Rates change with the date. Updated 05/10/2026.
It's a very lovely, quiet place, a good option to rest after a long trip. I really liked the good service and helpfulness of Ros, Dani and Exe. I'll definitely be back.
Pamela · Argentina · Sep 2026
10It feels like being at home
Wonderful, it feels like being at home and the staff are incredible. I was very happy to be back again.
Lilibeth · Colombia · May 2026
10HospedARTE
It was my first hostel experience and it exceeded my rookie expectations. The rooms are fine, the bed comfortable and the bathroom spacious with everything you need. The common areas take the prize, especially the courtyard and the quincho. The kitchen is large and has everything you need to cook whatever you like.
Márquez · Argentina · Mar 2026
10Very pleasant stay
I loved my stay at this hostel. It's in a house with a large kitchen, dining room and a very cosy garden area. Both the owners and the staff were always very kind and attentive, which made me feel at home. Plus, the breakfast was very good.
Veronica · Spain · Nov 2025
Real reviews from verified guests, translated from the original language. A selection of 4 out of 252.
Hostel Plaza
8.9 · 327 reviews
Av. Bartolomé Mitre 1237 · next to Plaza Independencia
🚌 ≈ 2.4 km from the bus station (29 min on foot)Mixed dormsFemale dormPrivate roomsKitchen
Shared dorm
Common room
Patio
The best-located hostel on the list, 200 metres from the main plaza and close to the Sarmiento pedestrian street. It has 4- and 8-bed dorms, a 4-bed female dorm, doubles and a family room; Italian breakfast, shared kitchen, a large common lounge and currency exchange. The staff organise shared dinners and activities such as wine tastings.
Location next to the main plaza
Dinners and activities to share
Few bathrooms for so many people
Old facilities and creaky floors
How much a night costs, month by month
Bed in a shared dorm · 1 person
1212··········
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
Private room · 2 people
2929··········
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
A bed costs around US$ 12 a night. The private room costs around US$ 29. Months marked «·» have no rate loaded yet: the hostel opens its calendar in stages, it doesn't mean it's closed.
Public price per night, before taxes and fees (these are shown at checkout and depend on your country of residence and payment method), for the free-cancellation rate when there is one; quotes are for 2 consecutive nights. Rates change with the date. Updated 05/10/2026.
The hostel is really great, right next to Plaza Independencia; the rooms are spacious and the common areas are very good too, big and pretty. I felt at home, the staff are very kind and helpful, and they also organise dinners so we can all share conversations and eat well.
Graciela · Spain · Jun 2026
9Incredible location, comfortable and very good
It has an incredible location, the place is very pretty with lots of lounge areas and the guys treat you really well. They suggest activities (there was a wine tasting and a Star Wars movie night) and it's great for connecting with people from all over the world.
Mazaluis · Argentina · May 2026
10Incredible, like home
I really felt at home; the people running the hostel were very kind and attentive at all times. I loved the experience and will do it again.
Durán · Peru · Sep 2026
9Extremely central
I liked the location. Extremely central, near Paseo Sarmiento, Plaza Independencia and within reasonable walking distance of Arístides. I also liked the warm welcome from the staff. The atmosphere in the hostel was good.
Sergio · Chile · Apr 2026
Real reviews from verified guests, translated from the original language. A selection of 4 out of 327.
Chill Inn Hostel
8.6 · 442 reviews
Arístides Villanueva 385 · 500 m from Parque San Martín
🚌 ≈ 2.9 km from the bus station (34 min on foot)Mixed dormsFemale dormPrivate roomsPoolGrill
Shared dorm
Dining room
Swimming pool
The hostel on the nightlife street, right on Arístides and close to Parque San Martín. It has an 8-bed mixed dorm and a 6-bed female dorm, plus private doubles (with shared or private bathroom), a triple and a quad. It adds a garden with a pool and grill, a terrace and a simple make-your-own breakfast.
Right on Arístides, near the park
Pool and courtyard for the heat
Street noise at night
Wardrobes with no padlock or lockers
How much a night costs, month by month
Bed in a shared dorm · 1 person
141414141414141414···
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
Private room · 2 people
384040404040404040···
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
A bed costs around US$ 14 a night. The private room, from US$ 38 to US$ 40. Months marked «·» have no rate loaded yet: the hostel opens its calendar in stages, it doesn't mean it's closed.
Public price per night, before taxes and fees (these are shown at checkout and depend on your country of residence and payment method), for the free-cancellation rate when there is one; quotes are for 2 consecutive nights. Rates change with the date. Updated 05/10/2026.
Excellent accommodation! All the girls at reception are super friendly, helpful and attentive to everything; the room super comfortable, the bathroom always spotless. Everything super clean, the courtyard is gorgeous! The location, excellent. I highly recommend it.
Evelin · Argentina · Jun 2026
10My fifth visit to this hostel
The best hostel for the excellent service from the staff, the location, the pool. Super well located on Arístides street, where there's everything to do. It's the fifth time I've stayed at this hostel, and I'll keep choosing it for my future visits.
Iru · Argentina · May 2026
10Unbeatable location
It pleasantly surprised me: I needed a cheap place to sleep, but the room was excellent, the bathroom too, and the location unbeatable.
San · Paraguay · May 2026
10Excellent place, noisy area
Good facilities, friendly and attentive staff, very clean; the location is excellent for enjoying the city's nightlife, lots of bars and atmosphere. As it's a very noisy area, I recommend bringing earplugs to sleep better.
Cesar · Chile · Feb 2026
Real reviews from verified guests, translated from the original language. A selection of 4 out of 442.
Clover Hostel
8.2 · 1,137 reviews
Salta 1173 · east centre, next to Windmill
🚌 ≈ 1.4 km from the bus station (17 min on foot)Mixed dormsFemale dormPrivate roomsKitchenSeasonal pool
Shared dorm
Common room
Exterior
The most-reviewed on the list and the closest to the bus station, handy for arriving or leaving by bus. It has an 8-bed mixed dorm, a 6-bed and a 4-bed female dorm, plus doubles; buffet or continental breakfast, shared kitchen, terrace, garden with a grill, ping-pong and a pool table. Reception speaks English and Spanish.
The closest to the bus station
Good value for money
Showers in need of maintenance
Breakfast with few options
How much a night costs, month by month
Bed in a shared dorm · 1 person
1010121212121212121212·
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
Private room · 2 people
2224232323232323232323·
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
A bed costs from US$ 10 to US$ 12 a night, depending on the month. The private room, from US$ 22 to US$ 24. Months marked «·» have no rate loaded yet: the hostel opens its calendar in stages, it doesn't mean it's closed.
Public price per night, before taxes and fees (these are shown at checkout and depend on your country of residence and payment method), for the free-cancellation rate when there is one; quotes are for 2 consecutive nights. Rates change with the date. Updated 05/10/2026.
Excellent value for money, a super quiet place, although I went in low season. Everything very tidy and quiet, and the hostel guys, all super friendly and helpful.
Giuliana · Argentina · Sep 2026
10Thanks for the care and the great vibe
The staff, super friendly; the facilities, comfortable and enjoyable; the location, close to the centre, the bus station, lots of city bus lines and also close to parks and tourist spots. I'll definitely be back.
Natalia · Argentina · Aug 2026
10100% recommended
The hosts, excellent, very friendly. The breakfast, extraordinary, very tasty. The rooms, very comfortable, and people respect your sleep.
Lobos · Chile · Jul 2026
10Cosy place
It's a very cosy place. I loved the open-air terraces, the little tables with sofas to enjoy a nice conversation with my travel group, the dining room and wonderful games.
Barbara · Chile · May 2026
Real reviews from verified guests, translated from the original language. A selection of 4 out of 1,137.
Hostel Lagares
8.7 · 143 reviews
Corrientes 213 · north centre, 200 m from Av. San Martín
🚌 ≈ 2.3 km from the bus station (28 min on foot)6-bed dormsFemale dormPrivate roomsBreakfast includedKitchen
Shared dorm
Dining room
Patio
A small, quiet, family-run hostel looked after by its owner. It has a 6-bed dorm and a 6-bed female dorm, plus private doubles, triples and quads, all with shared bathrooms. The included breakfast comes with homemade jam; there's a shared kitchen, tea and coffee all day, Friday asados with the guests and mountain outings.
Attentive owner and family atmosphere
Friday asados to share
Outdated bathrooms, according to guests
Far from Arístides (≈ 3.3 km)
How much a night costs, month by month
Bed in a shared dorm · 1 person
161616161616161616161616
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
Private room · 2 people
353535353535353535353535
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
A bed costs around US$ 16 a night. The private room costs around US$ 35.
Public price per night, before taxes and fees (these are shown at checkout and depend on your country of residence and payment method), for the free-cancellation rate when there is one; quotes are for 2 consecutive nights. Rates change with the date. Updated 05/10/2026.
The good vibe of the people who work and live at the hostel. Also the Friday night asados, where all the guests are invited to join in: the food is really good, people share stories and anecdotes and you have a very pleasant time with people from different places.
Mauricio · Argentina · Mar 2026
10Welcoming atmosphere
Welcoming atmosphere, friendly staff and everything very clean.
Argento · Argentina · Jun 2026
10I loved my stay
I loved my stay at this hostel. Everything was super clean, the facilities very well kept and the atmosphere was very pleasant. The staff were incredibly kind and always willing to help. I definitely recommend it.
Kristýna · Czechia · Nov 2025
10My home in Mendoza
From minute one the hostel was like a home. They helped me from the very first moment, in a friendly and warm atmosphere. Ideal for solo travellers or anyone who needs advice. They have loads of tours available to see the area or do different activities.
Sandra · Spain · Sep 2025
Real reviews from verified guests, translated from the original language. A selection of 4 out of 143.
Backpacker tips for Mendoza
1Pay the bus with your card
MendoTran accepts contactless credit or debit cards and NFC phones directly at the validator: for just a few trips you don't need to buy a SUBE.
2Landing at night? No 680
The airport bus runs 7 to 9 times a day and the last one leaves at 20:50 on weekdays (earlier at weekends). For a late flight, book an app ride, a remís or the hostel transfer.
3Buy your Aconcagua ticket before you go
No tickets or permits are sold at the park entrance: the day pass is booked online and paid at Pago Fácil or Mercado Pago. If you turn up without the receipt, they send you back to the city.
4Mandatory insurance for long treks
From the 2026-27 season, the long trek and the Aconcagua ascent require evacuation and medical insurance that covers search and rescue.
5Be ready for the sun
In summer highs hover around 31-33 °C, with more than 10 hours of sun a day. For cycling in Maipú bring water, a cap and sunscreen; the Zonda wind can push temperatures up suddenly, even in winter.
6Before heading to Chile, check the pass
In winter the Cristo Redentor Pass opens 9:00 to 21:00, stops letting vehicles through at 19:00 in Uspallata and closes for snow or ice. Check its status on the day before buying your ticket.
7Carry some cash
Some guests report that certain hostels only take cash or bank transfer. Gorilla, Hostel de Los Artistas and Hostel Plaza offer currency exchange, and the bus station also has an exchange office.
8Watch out for the siesta
Many shops in the centre now open all day, but some still close from 13:30 to 17:00: it's best to shop early or after that.
Things to do in Mendoza (and how to get there on your own)
Wineries by bike in Maipú
The bus drops you opposite the bike rentals on Urquiza street, in Coquimbito; the route is flat and the wineries are 2-6 km apart. Maipu Bikes includes a helmet, map and mechanical assistance.
Distance
14.8 km
How to get there
Buses 810-817 or 920 from Rioja street (25-45 min)
Parque San Martín and Cerro de la Gloria
A 307-hectare park with an artificial lake almost 1 km long, a few blocks from Arístides. At the top of the hill stands the monument to the Army of the Andes.
Distance
5.4 km on foot to the hill
How to get there
On foot from the centre (≈ 80 min)
Laguna de Horcones (Aconcagua)
An interpretive trail of about 2 hours return, suitable for everyone, with views of the highest mountain in the Americas. Buy the ticket online before you go.
Distance
185 km
How to get there
Andesmar bus to Puente del Inca (≈ 4 h)
Entry
≈ US$ 6.50
Day trek to Confluencia
From Horcones to Confluencia and back in about 5 hours, low difficulty. It runs from 15 November to 10 April, depending on conditions, and only for those over 13.
A thermal water park on provincial route 82, open 10:00 to 18:00. The complex runs its own shuttle from the city (≈ US$ 21).
Distance
38 km
How to get there
The spa's shuttle or a tour
Entry
≈ US$ 11 Mon-Fri · ≈ US$ 13 weekends and holidays
Potrerillos
Reservoir and river on Route 7, on the way to Uspallata and Aconcagua.
Distance
52 km
How to get there
Andesmar bus from the bus station (≈ 1 h 25)
Luján de Cuyo and Chacras de Coria
The high-end winery area closest to the city. Most people go on a tour, by car or by app ride.
Distance
15-20 km
How to get there
Tour, car or app ride
Uco Valley
Tupungato, Tunuyán and San Carlos, with wineries at the foot of the Andes. They're far from the bus stations: without a car, you need a local remís or a tour.
Distance
80-100 km
How to get there
Tour or car
Tours you can book online
The Maipú wineries and Parque San Martín are easy on your own by bus and bike; for the high mountains, the Uco Valley or Luján de Cuyo, a tour saves you lots of connections.
Weather and seasons in Mendoza
High season runs from December to March: heat, hostel pools open and Aconcagua Park open for the day trek to Confluencia (15/11 to 10/4). April-May and October-November are mild with little rain; according to the climate source, mid-April to mid-May is the best time. From June to September it's dry and cold, the pools are closed, Aconcagua switches to its winter season and the pass to Chile has reduced hours and closes for snow.
max. / min. °CHigh seasonShoulder seasonLow season💧 rain (mm)
Average temperatures and rainfall according to climatestotravel.com.
Plan the rest of your trip
Aerolíneas Argentinas and JetSMART fly to Mendoza airport from Buenos Aires, Salta and Bariloche, and Aerolíneas also from Córdoba, Rosario and Neuquén; there are direct flights to Santiago de Chile, São Paulo and Lima. By bus, Buenos Aires is ≈ 13 h away, Córdoba 10-13 h, Salta and Bariloche about 18-19 h, and Santiago de Chile 7-8 h via the Cristo Redentor Pass, border formalities included. By car, Route 7 takes you to Potrerillos, Uspallata and Aconcagua.
How do I get from Mendoza airport to my hostel by bus?
On line 680, which links the airport, bus station and centre: on weekdays it makes 9 trips from the airport between 5:30 and 20:50, and fewer at weekends. It takes about 20 minutes to the bus station and 35-40 to the centre, and the fare is ≈ US$ 1.10. If you land at night there's no service: use an app or a remís.
Do I need to buy a SUBE card?
It's not essential. MendoTran validators accept contactless credit and debit cards, NFC phones and watches, and digital SUBE too. If you'll use the bus a lot, SUBE has tiered discounts based on the number of trips per month; for two or three trips, your bank card is enough.
How do I get to the Maipú wineries by bike?
Take bus 810, 811, 812, 813, 816, 817 or 920 on Rioja street, between Catamarca and Garibaldi: the express ones take 25-30 minutes and the regular ones 40-45. They drop you on Urquiza street, in Coquimbito, where the bike rentals are. The route is flat and the wineries are 2-6 km apart.
Can I visit Aconcagua on my own, without a guide?
Yes, to Laguna de Horcones (≈ US$ 6.50) and on the day trek to Confluencia (≈ US$ 36 for foreigners, ≈ US$ 16 for Argentines), as long as you buy the ticket online beforehand: it isn't sold at the entrance. There's an Andesmar bus to Puente del Inca in about 4 hours. Confluencia is open 15/11 to 10/4; you need a permit to camp.
How do I cross from Mendoza to Santiago de Chile by bus?
Via the Cristo Redentor Pass, with CATA Internacional, Andesmar, Nevada Internacional, Turbus or Coitram, in about 7-8 hours including the border. In winter the pass opens 9:00 to 21:00 and can close for snow or ice, so a flexible ticket is a good idea and check its status on the day. Bring your passport or national ID, depending on your nationality.
Where should I stay if I want to go out at night?
In the Arístides Villanueva area, home to Chill Inn (on the street itself) and Gorilla (600 metres away), with bars and restaurants steps away and Parque San Martín nearby. The downside is that the bus station is almost 3 km away. If arriving and leaving by bus is your priority, Clover, Windmill or Mora are about 1.5 km from the bus station.
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