The words ‘Mendoza’ and ‘Argentine wine’ may be inescapably linked, the province is after all the very heart of Argentine wine country. But Mendoza is generous beyond measure, giving us a lot more than its acclaimed Malbec. Mendoza is a province that is also rich in natural beauty, glorious sights that endure the test of time and draw visitors from every corner of the world. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or simply someone who can’t resist a great photo op, these are the spots that should be captured by your lens.
1. Aconcagua
The Aconcagua is the star attraction of Aconcagua National Park.
The diva of all photo ops in Mendoza, the tallest mountain in the Americas is definitely a sight that can’t be missed. The best spot to view the Stone Sentinel is from Aconcagua National Park, but the Andes day trip from Mendoza City will also take you to an unbeatable lookout point from which to snap your shots.
2. General San Martin Park
Photo ops abound in General San Martin Park.
The obligated stop on any Mendoza City tour, General San Martin Park is more than a city park. Located west of Mendoza City’s center, it is a landscaped oasis filled with exotic trees and bird species you can photograph. The park also has a beautiful lake and dozens of sculptures you’ll find along its manicured paths.
3. Hill of Glory
The Hill of Glory is accessed through General San Martin Park.
The Cerro de la Gloria commemorates the glory gained by San Martin’s Army of the Andes as they helped to free Argentina, Chile and Peru from Spanish rule. The monument to the Army of the Andes takes center stage, but the hill is glorious in its own right, overlooking the city of Mendoza and offering several lookout points from which to take great panoramic shots.
4. Lake Potrerillos
Lake Potrerillos is actually an artificial lake created by a dam on the Mendoza River.
Not far from the city of Mendoza (37 miles/60 kilometers) lies a lake of remarkable beauty. Surrounded by majestic mountains and filled with clean, fresh air, many are choosing it as their newest location for watersports like kayaking and rafting, but also zip-lining, mountain biking and rappelling. Those who enjoy less active pursuits may simply take in the views and snap shots to their heart’s content.
5. The Inca’s Bridge
Puente del Inca was not actually made by the Incas, but is rather a natural rock formation.
One of the most famous sights in Mendoza, Puente del Inca (Inca’s Bridge) is not a manmade bridge, but rather a rock formation, 88 feet (27 meters) above the Vacas River. Its yellowish-copper tinge is attributed to the high content of sulfur and mineral-rich waters that bathe the area.
6. Picheuta Bridge
Follow in General San Martin’s footsteps across the Picheuta Bridge.
Located 13 miles (21 kilometers) from Uspallata, the Picheuta Bridge is a stone bridge that dates back to colonial times and is famous for being one of the bridges that General San Martin and his Army of the Andes crossed on their way to Chile. Perhaps not exceptionally beautiful itself, it is the dreamy landscape surrounding it that makes it one of the top photo ops in Mendoza.
7. The Way of 365 Curves
The 365 Curves of Villavicencio by Daniel Peppes Gauer (CC BY 2.0)
They say it’s dizzying. They say it’s mesmerizing, the way the road zigzags around the mountain. This is precisely what happens if you take Route 52 from Uspallata to Villavicencio (the spiraling curves are better appreciated on the way down). You might come across herds of guanaco and they might even be willing to pose for a photo.
8. Cavern of the Witches
The Cavern of the Witches is full of fascinating rock formations to explore.
In the south of Mendoza Province, approximately 43 miles (70 km) from the town of Malargüe lies the enthralling Cavern of the Witches (Caverna de las Brujas). With over three miles (5,000 meters) of galleries to explore, it is one the largest known rock cavities in Argentina. Take photos of the Shark’s Mouth and the Virgen’s Room, as the expected stalactites and stalagmites shape the most fascinating features.
9. Llancanelo Lagoon
Llancanelo Lagoon is home to an astounding variety of bird species.
A unique location for photo safaris and birdwatching, Llancanelo Lagoon (Laguna de Llancanelo) is a wildlife preserve located approximately 46 miles (75 kilometers) from Malargüe. A semi-desert biome, the lagoon is home to an astounding variety of bird species, the most notable being the flamingo.
10. Mendoza Wine Country
Mendoza wine country offers a stunning array of colors to capture with your lens.
No photo album of the province of Mendoza is complete without photos of the lush, green vineyards where the richest of the country’s wines are produced. Any vineyard offers great photo ops, the closest to Mendoza City being those located in Lujan de Cuyo and Maipu. The best time of year? Why that would be March, when the Vendimia, or Mendoza Wine Festival, takes place. The easiest way to tour the vineyards? That would be on a Mendoza wine tour!
