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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
Mount Aconcagua
Potrerillos Reservoir
Potrerillos Reservoir
Mendoza city
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).

Long-distance buses

DestinationKmHoursFrequencyCompanies
Buenos Aires1,081≈ 13 hmany a day, from 6:30 to 21:00Andesmar, CATA Internacional, 20 de Junio, Central Argentino, Vía Tac, Chevallier, Flecha Bus
Santiago de Chile3707-8 h incl. borderseveral a dayCATA Internacional, Andesmar, Nevada Internacional, Turbus, Coitram
Córdoba70110 to 13 h—Urquiza, 20 de Junio, Chevallier, Andesmar, CATA, Flecha Bus, El Rápido Internacional
Salta1,290≈ 18-20 hseveral a dayAndesmar, 20 de Junio, Flecha Bus, CATA Internacional, Vía Tac, Transportes Rincón
Bariloche1,241≈ 18 h 30-19 hafternoon departures (17:00-17:45)Andesmar, CATA Internacional, Flecha Bus
San Rafael2343 h 12 by carmany a dayIselín, CATA Internacional, Buttini, Andesmar

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

PlaceDistanceTimeHow
Cerro de la Gloria (Parque San Martín)5.4 km on foot · 7.3 km by car≈ 80 min on footon foot from the centre, across the park
Maipú wineries (Coquimbito)14.8 km25-45 min by city busbuses 810, 811, 812, 813, 816, 817 or 920
Luján de Cuyo and Chacras de Coria15-20 km—tour, car or ride-hailing app
Termas de Cacheuta38 km—the spa's own shuttle or a tour
Potrerillos52 km≈ 1 h 25 by busAndesmar bus from the bus station
Tupungato (Uco Valley)95 km—tour or car
Uspallata121 km—along Route 7, on the way to Aconcagua
Aconcagua Park (Laguna de Horcones)185 km≈ 4 h by bus to Puente del IncaAndesmar bus from the bus station

Getting around Mendoza

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.

Cabify Available

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.

DiDi Not available

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 at Gorilla Hostel in Mendoza
Shared dorm
Common room at Gorilla Hostel in Mendoza
Common room
Exterior at Gorilla Hostel in Mendoza
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
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.
See prices and free beds

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 at Windmill Hostel in Mendoza
Shared dorm
Common room at Windmill Hostel in Mendoza
Common room
Exterior at Windmill Hostel in Mendoza
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
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
Private room · 2 people
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.
See prices and free beds

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 at Mora Hostel in Mendoza
Shared dorm
Shared kitchen at Mora Hostel in Mendoza
Shared kitchen
Exterior at Mora Hostel in Mendoza
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
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
Private room · 2 people
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.
See prices and free beds

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 at Hostel de Los Artistas in Mendoza
Shared dorm
Common room at Hostel de Los Artistas in Mendoza
Common room
Garden at Hostel de Los Artistas in Mendoza
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
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
Private room · 2 people
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.
See prices and free beds

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 at Hostel Plaza in Mendoza
Shared dorm
Common room at Hostel Plaza in Mendoza
Common room
Patio at Hostel Plaza in Mendoza
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
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
Private room · 2 people
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.
See prices and free beds

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 at Chill Inn Hostel in Mendoza
Shared dorm
Dining room at Chill Inn Hostel in Mendoza
Dining room
Swimming pool at Chill Inn Hostel in Mendoza
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
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
Private room · 2 people
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.
See prices and free beds

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 at Clover Hostel in Mendoza
Shared dorm
Common room at Clover Hostel in Mendoza
Common room
Exterior at Clover Hostel in Mendoza
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
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
Private room · 2 people
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.
See prices and free beds

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 at Hostel Lagares in Mendoza
Shared dorm
Dining room at Hostel Lagares in Mendoza
Dining room
Patio at Hostel Lagares in Mendoza
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
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
Private room · 2 people
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.
See prices and free beds

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.

Distance
185 km
How to get there
Andesmar bus to Puente del Inca (≈ 4 h)
Entry
≈ US$ 36 foreigners · ≈ US$ 29 Latin Americans · ≈ US$ 16 Argentines

Termas de Cacheuta

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.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
47 mm41 mm32 mm19 mm11 mm6 mm5 mm8 mm12 mm11 mm22 mm25 mm
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.

🚕

Airport transfer to your hostel

Book online: fixed price, door to door
✈️ Flight trackingThe driver tracks your flight and waits if it's delayed.
💵 One clear priceTaxes, tolls and tip included, no cash needed.
🤝 Met on arrivalFree cancellation up to 24 h before.
🚐 MDZ Airport → Plaza Independencia≈ 25 min🚐 Terminal del Sol → Plaza Independencia≈ 8 min
🚕 Book a transfer

Frequently asked questions

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.
Transparency: this is an independent guide; we are not the official website of any hostel. If you book through our links we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.