Introduction to Mendoza

710km (440 miles) NW of Buenos Aires; 721km (447 miles) SW of Córdoba

Ask a local what she likes best about Mendoza, and she is likely to tell you la tranquilidad -- the tranquillity of what must be Argentina's loveliest city. It's an artificial oasis, however, receiving no more than 5 days of rain per year. A scarce commodity, water is celebrated in the trickling fountains of the city's many lovely plazas, in the shade of the dyke-supported trees that line the boulevards, and in the tranquil nature of the residents who reap the benefits of the centuries-old roadside canal system. Give yourself time to linger in Mendoza's cafes, plazas, and many fantastic restaurants. This is a city that lives life outdoors, with many public places, cafes, and street-side restaurants that bustle from noon to night.