Lo primero que debe tenerse en cuenta al planearse un viaje al hemisferio sur es que el ciclo de las estaciones se da de manera opuesta a la del hemisferio norte. El verano se desarrolla esencialmente durante el invierno en la mitad superior del planeta. Dicho esto, podemos remarcar que Diciembre y Enero son los mese más calurosos de la vacaciones en Mendoza, convirtiendo a la región cuyana en un destino ideal para aquellos que desean tomarse un respiro de invierno norteño.

Las temperaturas durante los mese estivales pueden alcanzar e incluso superar los 40 °C. Sin embargo, la Cordillera de los Andes con sus altos picos montañosos permite aliviar a las ciudades del valle, brindándoles pronunciadas amplitudes térmicas. De esta manera, durante el día, en general soleado, las temperaturas son altas y el calor puede apreciarse sin mucho esfuerzo. Al caer el sol, las temperaturas descienden sustancialmente, proporcionando frescas y agradables noches de verano. Es por ello que llevar un abrigo extra o vestirse con varias capas puede ser de gran utilidad a medida que transcurren las horas o se cambia de altitud.

La primavera y la primera parte del verano en la provincia de Mendoza son épocas muy placenteras, con temperaturas más que confortables, oscilando en los 30°C. El invierno cuyano, principalmente durante Junio y Julio, es testigo de los meses más áridos y de las temperaturas más bajas. Por lo tanto, Mendoza y sus alrededores constituyen un lugar muy versátil, con múltiples atracciones turísticas en el transcurso del año entero.

Para aquellos que disfrutan de los deportes de invierno, como el ski y el snowboard, la mejor temporada abarca los meses de Junio a Octubre, siendo los más “nevados” Julio y Agosto. Además, existe una infinidad de actividades al aire libre que pueden realizarse en los meses invernales. A pocos kilómetros de la ciudad de Mendoza, se encuentran dos de los más populares centros de ski de la región: Los Penitentes y Vallecitos. Y, a sólo 4 horas de viaje de la capital puede arribarse a Las Leñas, el ski resort más importante del país, junto con los del Cerro Catedral, en San Carlos de Bariloche y Chapelco, en San Martín de los Andes.

La región de cuyo brinda una amplia gama de alternativas a sus visitantes durante todos los meses del año. El turismo en Mendoza ofrece cantidad y calidad de propuestas para todos los gustos y edades.

David Semansky
davidsemansky@yahoo.com

Escrito por: DavidSemansky | Sin comentarios »

Mendoza is the most important city of Cuyo region. Considered as the regional capital of tourism, it provides an amazing diversity of interesting and amusing attractions. From premium accommodation, such as the Executive Hotel in Mendoza, to exclusive restaurants and wineries, this metropolis has everything visitors could ever desire. What is more, Mother Nature has its own place in the capital, as beautiful parks and squares are arranged exquisitely over the city. Visiting the Cerro de la Gloria is one of the best alternatives for an outdoor excursion. On that mount is located the monument to honor the Army of the Andes. It is a 14 tons sculpture, and it can be reached across the way in at San Martín Park, the largest open area of Mendoza City. Several signs lead visitors on their path to the memorial.

By the side of the way to the Cerro de la Gloria, there are some water fountains, cuddled by lively flowers and singing birds. As we go a little further, we bump into crooked path which takes us to the hill. This road leads to the Greek Theater, the place where the Grape Harvest Festival is held every March. At that point, we can already see the bronze statue. This masterpiece was created by a Uruguayan artist, to pay tribute to the Army of the Andes and their heroic action to free Chile, Argentina and Peru. The stones used in this magnificent monument were brought from Uspallata, in the highest mountains of the province of Mendoza.

As we watch the statue, we should pay attention to every detail and its meaning. On the top, we can see General San Martín looking at estancia Canota, the place where the troops started their way to the mountains. If we observe carefully, we can notice a considerate expression on his face. The horse has its four hooves on the ground, meaning that the Liberator died at an old age. We can see Friar Luis Beltrán represented, as well. He was in charge of the transportation of the guns and cannons used by the soldiers. The Patricias were high society women who donated their jewelry to the army. On the highest point stays Freedom, thanking to the Father of the Nation and his Army for their brave struggle.

The Cerro de la Gloria is only a few blocks away from the Executive Hotel in Mendoza City. Then, the return can become a nice and peaceful walk along Mendoza’s charming streets.

Oscar Boutto
oscarboutto@yahoo.com

Escrito por: OscarBoutto | Sin comentarios »

Sin preocuparse por las bajas temperaturas, visitantes de todos los puntos cardinales se sienten cálidamente bienvenidos por la ciudad de Mendoza y su gente. Es que la temporada de ski ha comenzado y nadie quiere perder la oportunidad de probar la famosa nieve cuyana. Ubicados sobre la frontera oeste de la provincia, sobre los mismísimos Andes. El centro de ski Las Leñas es considerado uno de los principales resorts en Argentina, incluso en América del Sur. De allí que Las Leñas sea un destino obligado para todo turista que pase sus vacaciones en Mendoza. Las Leñas está casi sobre la frontera con Chile, a 430 kilómetros de distancia de la ciudad capital.

El centro de ski Las Leñas es, además, el más alto en el país, con una pendiente de 1200 metros entre su parte más elevada, a 3240 metros, y su base, a 2240 metros. Debido a su altura tan pronunciada, sus pistas resultan perfectas para la práctica de ski extremo y heli-ski. Si bien estos son deportes para esquiadores avanzados, también hay diversas propuestas para principiantes y esquiadores de nivel intermedio.

La calidad de la nieve es extraordinaria, en gran parte debido al clima seco en la región, que le otorga esa consistencia de polvo tan popular. Gracias a estas características de la nieve, las 230 hectáreas del resort resultan completamente “esquiables” durante toda la temporada. Las 28 pistas disponibles para todos los niveles están en perfecto estado, y es posible acceder a ellas mediante 13 elevadores dispuestos a los costados del área de ski. Para aquellos sin experiencia con el uso de esquís, el centro ofrece lecciones de ski y de snowboard, a cargo de instructores con un alto grado de preparación.

Las Leñas es como un paraíso para los esquiadores y también para los escaladores y andinistas. En el parque del centro podemos encontrar el refugio Valle Hermoso, destinado a resguardar a aquellos valientes que se atreven a pasar una noche en la montaña.

La región de Cuyo es popularmente conocida como la tierra del sol y el buen vino. No es difícil imaginar por qué. Sin embargo, también goza de cierto reconocimiento por su maravillosa nieve. Es por ello que el turismo en Mendoza se extiende a lo largo de todo el año, en todas las estaciones, debido a la infinidad de atracciones que esta provincia tiene para ofrecer. Todos los paisajes se encuentran presentes en Mendoza: increíbles y modernas ciudades, valles siempre verdes, picos nevados, ríos y lagos, brindando un sinnúmero de oportunidades al visitante.

Oscar Boutto
oscarboutto@yahoo.com

Escrito por: OscarBoutto | Sin comentarios »

If you are coming to Mendoza for your holidays, then the Diplomatic Hotel is the option for an enjoyable stay. The city of Mendoza is the most touristic over the entire Cuyo region, and it provides a huge diversity of attractions for visitors, no matter their ages and their tastes. The abundant squares and parks are some of the many proposals the capital has to offer. These green spaces mix gracefully with the cosmopolitan look of the city. Autochthonous vegetation and modern architecture symbolize the spirit of the land of good sunshine, where versatility and entertaining take the leading role.

Let’s focus on the most popular squares in Mendoza, which are symmetrical designed and equidistant from each other. Italia, Independencia, España, Chile y San Martín squares offer natural spaces where a great deal of outdoors activities can be practiced. From quiet walks to acrobatic performances up on the trees, anything can be done in order to have a great time at the “plaza”.

Independencia Square is the main one, and it is located on the heart of the capital city. This 1,600 square meters surface gathers the local craftsmen in a monumental fair every week. Under its central terrace, you can find the Municipal Museum of Modern Art, as well as the Municipal Theatre. Four blocks away from Independencia Square you will bump into the Plaza España. The Spanish 19th century architectural style used on its design gave it its name. Right in the middle of the residential zone you will discover Chile Square. Just like an oasis of eucalyptus and rosebuds, it was built to thank our neighbors for their aid during the earthquake in 1861. Italia Square is a sort of tribute to the Italian community living in the province of Mendoza. A sculpture of Romulo and Remo, classic characters of the Italian culture, can be seen in the centre of the park, surrounded by friezes and majolica. And the most relevant, together with Independencia, is San Martín Square, placed on the embankment zone, at 747 meters up from the sea level.

During your stay at the Diplomatic Hotel, you cannot miss the chance to visit these beautiful plazas and enjoy their blossoming flowers and their exquisitely designed fountains and statues. Just a few blocks away from the core of the city, you can find a natural open area for a peaceful picnic or a nice stroll in a warm evening.

David Semansky
davidsemansky@yahoo.com

Escrito por: DavidSemansky | Sin comentarios »

As winter starts, the city of Mendoza and its hotels get really crowded. The beginning of the ski season comes along with a horde of tourists from around the globe, who come to try the ski runs and Mendoza’s chalky snow. There are many ski resorts in Cuyo region, and Los Penitentes is one of the most popular ones.

Los Penitentes ski resort is a classic destination for winter sports lovers, and it is located 170 km away from the heart of the capital city. It is very close to Chile, almost over the international border, on the base of Mount Aconcagua, the highest peak of America. Los Penitentes spreads over 300 hectares of skiable surface. The quality of its snow is just superb. That is the reason why the 25 runs for beginners, advanced and expert skiers are in a very good shape during the entire season. Additionally, many of these ski runs have been approved by the national and international ski federations, and they also provide the set-up for several prestigious competitions.

For those who do not have any skiing experience, Los Penitentes resort provides ski lessons, which are taught by skillful and experienced teachers. What is more, a snow kinder garden is offered so the little ones can enjoy themselves, as well. Parents can leave their kids there, where professionals will take care of them while they have the time of their lives on the ski trails.

However, Los Penitentes ski resort is not only about the snow. It can be a wonderful gastronomic experience, too. Restaurants offer delicious meals and snacks, combined with the most exquisite wine, already a symbol of Mendoza patrimony and tradition.

Mendoza’s sunny days are the perfect setting to get to know the mountain by skiing on the runs, in Los Penitentes resort. Although temperature drops to 0°C, weather is still good enough for outdoors activities. After a ski or snowboarding day, visitors can relax and have a meal or something to drink in one of the several chill-out places in the resort. .

Los Penitentes is an exceptional and wonderful way to spend the winter holidays when staying at the Mendoza’s Hotel. The Andean Mountain Range provides the greatest background to practice alpine ski or to walk or drive across the snow covered valleys. Winter in Cuyo region is an attractive challenge for everyone’s senses. Give it a try in your next visit to Argentina, you will find the most convenient proposal, both for outdoor activity lovers and those who enjoy visiting places with a rich historical background.

Oscar Boutto
oscarboutto@yahoo.com

Escrito por: OscarBoutto | Sin comentarios »