Mendoza in winter: snow, hot springs and mountains

Winter in Mendoza has a surprise: the city gets almost no rain and days are usually sunny, while the Andes, an hour away, are covered in snow. Mornings are cold and afternoons are pleasant. It is the season for hot springs, long winery lunches and white mountains.

Seeing the snow: High Andes

The High Andes tour changes completely in winter. Along Route 7, past Uspallata, the landscape turns white: a snowy Puente del Inca, the peaks covered and, on clear days, Aconcagua right in front of you.

Two things to know:

• The road to the Chilean border can close because of snow. When it does, the itinerary adapts and goes as far as the road is open; the tour still runs.
• Going up to Christ the Redeemer depends on the weather and the border police, and in winter it is often closed.

Up high it is 15 to 20 °C colder than in the city. Warm jacket, hat, gloves and shoes that won't get soaked.

Hot springs: the winter plan

Soaking in hot water outdoors with the mountains all around is one of the best things about winter in Mendoza. In Cacheuta there are two ways to do it:

Cacheuta Hot Springs (Thermal Park)

The Cacheuta Hot Springs are an open-air park with more than ten pools at different temperatures, open all year round. Full day, with transport and entry included. Great for families.

Cacheuta Spa

The Cacheuta Spa is the quiet, adults-only version: stone pools with natural thermal water between 20 and 43 °C, mud therapy, La Gruta (a natural steam cave carved into the rock) and lunch included. No slides or play areas.

Wineries with lunch

In winter the wine route is best enjoyed at the table. Wineries and Olive Oil with Lunch visits three wineries and an olive oil producer, with a three-course paired lunch at a winery. Every day from 11 am to 6 pm, and a good plan for a windy day.

Half day: Villavicencio

For mountains without a full day, the Villavicencio tour climbs the foothills to the old hotel from the mineral water label, with stops at the Canota Monument and the Los Caracoles viewpoint. Wednesdays and Saturdays, 7:30 am to 1:30 pm. Reserve entry is paid separately, in cash.

What to pack

• Layers: mornings are cold and midday is pleasant in the sun.
• A good mountain jacket, hat and gloves.
• Swimsuit and flip-flops for the hot springs.
• Sunscreen and sunglasses: winter sun and snow are dazzling.
• Moisturizer: the air is very dry.

Winter holidays

In July Mendoza fills up with families. Mountain and hot spring tours sell out, so book ahead and pick your High Andes day by the forecast.

Message us and we will help you plan your week around the weather and what you want to do.