Mendoza Afternoon Self-Guided City Tour
The people of Mendoza are people who know the value of tradition, above all the tradition of a light nap in the sleepy hours of the early afternoon. There is nothing sweeter, nothing that deserves to be savored quite as much as the Siesta. Between the hours of 13:00 and 17:00 businesses shut their doors, plazas mellow out and the majority of the population returns home to enjoy lunch and a little shut eye. Though the siesta is a beloved custom among the natives, it can feel like a roadblock to the tourist focused on making the most of every minute. Thankfully, there are some great activities to take advantage of while you wait for the city to revive itself! Then, once Mendoza returns to life, you´ll have free reign in this beautiful Andean town, with lots of adventures (and wine) awaiting around every corner.
14:00 Picnic in the Park
San Martin Park is the largest green space you´ll find in Mendoza, in fact, it´s the largest green space you´re likely to find in any desert. All in all, the park covers a stunning 759 acres. Complete with a beautiful garden, lake and lots of paths and trails. It´s a great place for going for a run or simply sitting on a bench and people watching. Before you head to the park, stop in at any grocer or market and pick up some light food and a bottle of wine to open as you sip away in the sunshine.
17:00 We all Scream for Ice Cream
Once you´re done playing in the park, or feeling a little crispy after too much time in the sun, make your way down Emilio Civit towards the city center. On the corner of Emilio Civit and Belgrano you´ll find the corner where two of the largest, most delicious, ice cream parlors in Mendoza literally go head-to-head: Soppelsa on one side and Perin on the other. And if you can´t make up your mind which one to try, why not cross the street and try a scoop of both.
Address: Corner of Belgrano and Emilio Civit. Hours: Open Daily
18:00 Sample Some Liquid Gold
Continuing your decent down the mountainside and into the heart of Mendoza city, you´ll pass by one of Mendoza´s most quaint shops to taste a variety of olive oils and to, potentially, walk away with a bottle or two of Mendoza´s liquid gold. Verolio is the perfect place to learn the finer points of what to look for when tasting an olive oil and to learn the difference between the different olive varieties. Not to mention that they also offer a menu of small plates, in case you need a nibble or two to hold you over until the late dinner.
Address: Sarmiento 720 Hours: Tues-Sun 12:30-24:00. Closed Mon.
19:00 A Walk Through the Plaza
In the evenings and on the weekends, Mendoza´s largest plaza, Plaza Independencia fills with local artisans ready to sell their handmade wares. The goods range from jewelry made with local stones, leather belts and purses, beaded bracelets, paper lanterns and everything in between. It´s not the most glamorous side of the city, but it´s a chance to see another dimension of Argentina and to walk away with some one-of-a-kind souvenirs.
Address: Plaza Independencia, near 9 de Julio Street Hours: Artisan fair begins at 19:00 and gains speed into the night
21:00 Relax with a Cocktail and Enjoy a Delicious Dinner
After all that walking, you will have surely worked up an appetite! Discover the seven culinary regions of Argentina with Chef Pablo del Rio of Restaurant Siete Cocinas. Or cruise over one of our other favorite urban dinner spots: Azafran Restaurant. They feature a menu that embraces Mendocino cuisine. Wondering why you such a late dinner? It´s a local custom to eat late, especially when going out for the evening meal. Most restaurants open after 8:00 PM and don´t get busy until 10:00 PM. Buen Provecho! (Bon appetito!)
Address: Azafran Restaurant, Av. Sarmiento 765. Siete Cocinas, Av. Mitre 794, corner of San Lorenzo. Both restaurants open at 8:00 PM.
