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Argentina

Buenos Aires
to Mendoza

Pampas to Andes wine country

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Distance

1,050 km (650 miles)

Duration

12-13 hours direct, 2-3 days recommended

Best Time

March to May (harvest season)

Route

Buenos Aires → Mendoza

About this drive

The long way there

The drive from Buenos Aires to Mendoza crosses the vast Argentine Pampas before arriving in the shadow of the Andes. Your destination is Argentina's premier wine region, where Malbec vineyards thrive under sunny skies with snow-capped peaks as a backdrop.

Stops along the way

Where to pull over

1

The Pampas

300 km in

Endless grasslands with estancias and gauchos

2

San Luis

700 km in

Sierras with canyons and adventure activities

3

Potrerillos

1,000 km in

Andean foothills with rafting and hiking

4

Luján de Cuyo

1,030 km in

Heart of Argentina's Malbec wine region

5

Aconcagua View

1,100 km in

Views of the Americas' highest peak

Field notes

Driving tips

  • 1

    The Pampas stretch is long and monotonous—download entertainment

  • 2

    Ruta 7 is well-maintained but has tolls

  • 3

    Visit Mendoza during vendimia (harvest) for wine festivals

  • 4

    Book winery tours in advance for the best experiences

  • 5

    Drive to the Chilean border at Puente del Inca for Aconcagua views

Alternate routes

Other ways through

  • Ruta 7 direct route

  • Via Córdoba northern scenic route

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