Mendoza: The Vineyards and Andes Oasis

• HelloHola
  [oh-la]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-dee-ohs]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-vor/de nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [grah-see-ahs]
• Excuse me/SorryDisculpe/Perdón
  [dees-kool-peh/pair-dohn]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [koh-moh ehs-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [byen. ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [ah-blahs een-glehs]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh ehn-tee-ehn-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [meh goo-stah-ree-ah behr ehl meh-noo, poor fah-vor]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-lood]
• I would like to pay, pleaseQuisiera pagar, por favor
  [kee-see-eh-rah pah-gahr, poor fah-vor]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-yoo-dah]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [veh-teh]
• Call the Police!¡Llama a la policía!
  [yah-mah ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un doctor!
  [yah-mah ah oon dohk-tohr]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido
  [ehs-toy pair-dee-doh]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [meh goo-stah-ree-ah kohm-prahr]
• I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh ehs-toy mee-rahn-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwan-toh kwehs-tah]
• That's too expensiveEs demasiado caro
  [ehs deh-mah-see-ah-doh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puede bajar el precio?
  [pweh-deh bah-har ehl pree-seh-oh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh oh-rah ehs]
• It's one o'clockEs la una
  [ehs lah oo-nah]
• Half past (10)Media (10)
  [meh-dee-ah (deez)]
• MorningMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [noh-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [ah-yehr]
• TodayHoy
  [oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Dos
  [dohs]
• 3Tres
  [trehs]
• 4Cuatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [says]
• 7Siete
  [syeh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [dyehs]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [dohn-deh ehs-tah]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwal ehs lah dee-rehk-syohn]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [pweh-dehs mohs-trar-meh (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (colectivo)?
  [kwan-doh ehs ehl proh-see-moh (koh-lehk-tee-voh)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a ...)
  [oon boh-leh-toh (ah)]

Mendoza was founded on March 2, 1561, by Spanish conquistador Pedro del Castillo. The city was established as part of Spain’s colonization of the Americas and named after García Hurtado de Mendoza, the then Viceroy of Peru. The location was chosen strategically for its proximity to the Andes and access to water resources from the Mendoza River.

One of the most significant events in Mendoza's history was the devastating earthquake on March 20, 1861. The earthquake almost completely destroyed the city, leading to the loss of thousands of lives. This catastrophe prompted the reconstruction of Mendoza with new urban planning, including wider streets and public squares designed to minimize damage from future earthquakes.

Mendoza is globally renowned for its wine production, a status that began to take shape in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Italian and Spanish immigrants brought viticulture techniques, transforming the region into one of the world’s premier wine-producing areas. The introduction of Malbec grapes, in particular, has become synonymous with Mendoza’s wine industry.

General San Martin Park, an iconic landmark in Mendoza, was inaugurated in 1896. Named after the Argentine hero General José de San Martin, the park was designed by the landscape architect Carlos Thays. Covering 420 hectares, it features beautiful gardens, a lake, and various monuments, serving as a beloved recreational area for locals and tourists alike.

The Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia, or National Grape Harvest Festival, is one of Mendoza's most important cultural events. Celebrated annually since 1936, the festival honors the grape harvest and the region’s winemaking heritage. The festivities include parades, folkloric performances, and the crowning of the Harvest Queen, attracting visitors from around the world.

Mendoza played a crucial role in Argentina’s fight for independence from Spanish rule. General José de San Martin used the city as a base for organizing the Army of the Andes. In 1817, he led his troops across the Andes from Mendoza into Chile, a pivotal campaign in the South American wars of independence.

Mendoza is accessible via the Governor Francisco Gabrielli International Airport (MDZ), located about 8 kilometers from the city center. The airport receives flights from major cities in Argentina, as well as some international flights. Alternatively, you can reach Mendoza by bus, with several long-distance bus companies operating routes from Buenos Aires, Santiago de Chile, and other major cities. Driving to Mendoza is also an option, with well-maintained highways connecting it to other parts of Argentina and Chile.

Mendoza offers various transportation options, including taxis, buses, and rental cars. The local bus system is extensive and affordable, connecting different parts of the city and surrounding areas. Taxis are widely available and can be hailed on the street or booked via apps. Rental cars are a convenient option for exploring the wine regions and the Andes. Biking is also popular, with several bike rental shops and dedicated bike lanes.

The official currency in Argentina is the Argentine Peso (ARS). Credit and debit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are widely available throughout Mendoza. Be aware of possible transaction fees when using foreign cards, and consider exchanging money at official exchange offices (cambios) for the best rates.

Mendoza is generally safe for tourists, but like any city, it has areas where caution is advised. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas, particularly in neighborhoods such as Las Heras and Guaymallén, which have higher crime rates. Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places and be cautious when withdrawing money from ATMs. Stick to well-lit and populated areas, and use reputable taxi services.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. The local police, fire department, and medical services will respond to emergency calls. Mendoza has several hospitals and clinics, such as Hospital Central and Hospital Italiano, which provide medical care. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies (farmacias) are available for over-the-counter medications and minor health issues.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and casually; however, avoid overly revealing clothing. Dress smart-casual when dining at upscale restaurants. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting churches, dress modestly and remain quiet. Public Transport: Do have small change ready for bus fares. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake and a friendly smile. Avoid overly enthusiastic gestures. Eating & Drinking: Do try local wines and delicacies such as empanadas and asado. Don't refuse hospitality as it is considered impolite.

To experience Mendoza like a local, visit the Mercado Central for fresh produce and regional specialties. Take a stroll through Parque General San Martín, a favorite spot among residents. Engage with locals, who are generally friendly and happy to share insights about the city. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the nearby wineries (bodegas) and vineyards, and consider renting a bike for a leisurely tour. For a unique experience, attend a local tango show or a traditional folklore performance.