Featured Office: Coldwell Banker Cuyo Real
Location: Mendoza, Argentina
Title: Pedro Lopez, Broker
Nestled at the base of the majestic Andes Mountains, Mendoza, Argentina, is a vibrant city that seamlessly blends natural beauty with rich cultural heritage. Known for its world-renowned vineyards, charming plazas, and tree-lined streets, Mendoza offers a unique oasis in the heart of a desert region. Lucky traveler that I am, I had the pleasure of visiting the picturesque region for the second time recently and was once again struck by the incredible flora and fauna that are made possible by the area’s ancient acequias, an ingenious irrigation system, that keep the city lush and green, despite the desert climate. Whether you’re strolling through the shaded streets or exploring the bustling plazas, Mendoza’s enchanting atmosphere is sure to captivate your senses. Personally, I could not more highly recommend a destination for any oenophile, with several distinct regions in the province of Mendoza to choose from (the Uco Valley, Maipu and my personal favorite, Lujan de Cuyo), one can spend days luxuriating over tasting lunches and “sunset” experiences at the beautiful bodegas that populate the area. I also enjoyed cycling between bodegas and tastings on the well-kept bike paths and taking in the gorgeous acres of vines and tree-lined lanes, achieving a perfect balance of spirited activity.
A perfect weekend in Mendoza might start with a leisurely walk through the city’s beautiful plazas, followed by a short ride to the renowned wineries along the Ruta de Bodegas to savor exquisite Malbec wines. In the afternoon, you can bike between vineyards or unwind in the serene San Martín Park. For the more adventurous, rafting on the Mendoza River or hiking in the nearby mountains offers thrilling experiences. Broker Pedro Lopez of the Coldwell Banker Cuyo Real office shares, “as one of the wine capitals of the world, Mendoza combines a relaxed lifestyle with growing global interest in its real estate market.” He notes the ease as which one can get between the urban city center of Mendoza and the surrounding province’s landscape of vineyards, “There are quick roads and connections to get to the office in less than 30 minutes even though you are at the other side of the urban area. It’s an excellent choice for those seeking a second home or an investment property.” And promise me, if you do take the trip and visit one of my favorite destinations, have the seven-course lunch at Bodega LaGarde, preferably with premium wine accompaniment. Sitting amongst the lush vines, preferably in Argentine Spring or Summer, you will be far from disappointed.
Where do you live? I live in Mendoza, a city in western Argentina at the base of the Andes Mountains. It’s known for its vineyards, plazas, tree-lined streets, and acequias—an ancient irrigation system that keeps the city green despite being in a desert region.
What is the perfect weekend day like? A perfect weekend might start with a walk through the city’s plazas or shaded streets, followed by a visit to the wineries along the Ruta de Bodegas to taste wines like Malbec (just a 30-minute ride). In the afternoon, you can bike between vineyards or relax in San Martín Park.
The next day could include rafting on the Mendoza River, hiking in the mountains, or a quiet day at Potrerillos Lake with activities like kayaking or sailing. Hot air balloon rides over the vineyards and horseback riding with a mountain barbecue are also popular.
What are the common modes of transportation there? Mendoza is easy to navigate. Public buses and the Metrotranvía light rail are reliable options, while taxis, Uber, and bikes are great for shorter distances. The city boasts numerous bike paths, connecting the city center with Luján de Cuyo, Maipú, and Godoy Cruz. You can rent a bike at various locations and drop it off at another, just like in many European cities. The city’s compact design and shaded streets full of trees make walking enjoyable, especially near the plazas.
Distances are conveniently short here. It’s just a 40-minute drive from the city center to Potrerillos and only 30 minutes to the Bodegas. You can enjoy a peaceful countryside lifestyle in Maipú or Luján de Cuyo, with the added benefit of being able to reach the city center in under 30 minutes, thanks to the efficient highways and roads.
Tell us about the foods your area is known for. Mendoza is known for asado (Argentinian barbecue) and empanadas mendocinas, which are juicy and flavorful. The region also produces excellent wines, olives and olive oil, and fresh fruits like grapes, melons and peaches. Raisins, walnuts and pistachios are great too!
You can also try local specialties like humita (a corn-based dish), locro (a hearty stew), and chocolate paired with wine. Many wineries offer meals that pair regional dishes with their wines.
Additionally, there are numerous artisanal cheese makers, as well as producers of alfajores (a traditional dessert consisting of two cookies filled with something sweet like dulce de leche or quince jam, often coated in chocolate) and various jams (quince, alcayota, peach, and more).
What is your favorite meal, at home or at a restaurant? Asado, milanesa (Thin, breaded, and pan-fried cutlet) and Lomitos (a local kind of sandwich with beef tenderloin) are my favorites. It’s often enjoyed at home with family or during a day in the mountains. Cooking together and sharing the meal make it special.
Where do you recommend someone vacation in your region and why? For adventure, trekking is a must! There are options for everybody! Lots of mounts around Potrerillos Lake with jaw dropping views. Rafting on the Río Mendoza or skiing in Las Leñas are great options. For something quieter, Potrerillos is perfect for a weekend by the lake, with sailing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding or just chilling on the beaches. Other activities nearby the river are fishing and camping.
The Fiesta de la Vendimia (Wine Harvest Festival) is another highlight, where you can learn about local traditions and enjoy music and parades and wine. Wine Tasting and lunch in the Bodegas
What is your favorite recreational or leisure time activity? I enjoy walking in San Martín Park or watching the sunset at a winery. For something peaceful, stargazing in the Andes is amazing because of the clear skies, there are lots of places in Mendoza where stars and even the milky way shows like no other.
Is there a specialty your area is known for? Mendoza is one of The Capital of Wine in the world, famous for its wines, especially Malbec, and the Ruta del Vino lets you visit vineyards and taste different wines. Olive oil, gin, and craft beer made with The Andes water are also specialties here. The city is also known for activities like cooking classes at wineries, vineyard spas, and local festivals like the Vendimia.
Share a little known but interesting fact about the area/region: Mendoza’s acequias, the irrigation ditches along the streets, are over 500 years old and help bring water from the Andes to the city. Mendoza has beautiful fauna, visiting the mountains to observe condors in the wild, beautiful innocent wild foxes, Guanacos, vicuñas, ñandu and Cuyis.
If you were to live in any other country, where would it be and why? If I couldn’t live in Mendoza, I’d choose Australia or New Zealand. Like Mendoza, it offers outdoor activities, beautiful landscapes, and a relaxed way of life. It also feels safe and close to nature, which are important to me.
Territory Summary:
Mendoza, located in western Argentina, is a province known for its wine industry and its proximity to the Andes Mountains. Historically, it was a key region during the South America independence campaigns led by General José de San Martín. Geographically, it features arid landscapes, fertile valleys for agriculture, and towering peaks like Aconcagua, the highest mountain in the Americas. Mendoza’s economy is driven by wine production, agriculture, and tourism. It is considered one of the world’s wine capitals and is a hub for adventure tourism.
Key Facts:
Population: Approximately 1 million in Mendoza city and surrounding areas
Language(s) Spoken: Spanish
Climate: Semi-arid with hot summers and mild winters
Currency: Argentine Peso (ARS)
Industry Facts:
Types of Architecture: Mendoza’s architecture is diverse, ranging from colonial-style houses in rural areas to modern high-rise apartments in the city. Many homes on the outskirts feature stone exteriors, while the city center showcases modern and contemporary designs. There are ultra-modern country clubs with smart homes, as well as a mix of older and brand-new apartments equipped with cutting-edge technology. Sustainable constructions with solar panels and designs optimized for sunlight are also common. Due to various waves of immigration, you can observe Spanish, French, and English architectural influences in many houses and buildings. The city is characterized by its plazas, tree-lined streets, and grid-like street structure.
Average Sale price: Approximately $150,000 USD, or starting $300,000 in premium areas
Instagram: @cbcuyo.real
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/coldwell-banker-cuyo-real/
