1 : Mendoza
Mendoza is a city (pop approx 1 million) and capital of the Mendoza Province in Argentina. It is in the west of Argentina, on a major arterial road between Argentina and Chile.
The city center has many trees, watered by small canals which run alongside many of the roads and providing welcome shade. There are many Internet cafes and outdoor equipment supply stores.
The city is centered around the Plaza Independencia, with a pedestrian street, Calle Sarmiento, running through the center. Other major streets, running perpendicular to Sarmiento, are 9 de Julio and Av. San Martin.
Climate: Very dry summers with wetter winters.
Mendoza is a frequent stopover for climbers heading up Aconcagua or other mountain climbing, trekking, horsebackriding, rafting, and outdoor activities.
One of the main industries of the Mendoza area is wine-making. The grape harvest is marked each year by the Vendimia festival, taking place in early March, in which 18 beauty queens are nominated, one from each region of the province, and one winner is selected by a panel of 50-some judges.
Olive oil production is another large industry in Mendoza.
In the winter, skiers come to the city for its easy access to the Andes.
By bus, Mendoza is 13 hours from Buenos Aires and 6 hours from Santiago, Chile.
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