Description
If you have just arrived in Mendoza, capital city, this excursion is just what you need, since it provides a general view of this city, which has earned the title of being one of the neatest and with the most trees in the country.
Sightseeing starts with a tour of the foundation district. You go along Av. San Martín through the Paseo de las Alamedas, which stands out for having a dense vegetation, water fountains, and wide sidewalks. A few blocks from there, there is Plaza Pedro de Castillo, around which the civic, religious, and social center of Cuyo was once established, until the area was fatally devastated by an earthquake in 1861.
In the middle of the square there is an important museum which keeps archaeological treasures. It was built over the foundations of the building that was once the Cabildo (City Hall) of the city. Next to the square, there is a Jesuit temple known as San Francisco Ruins (declared a historical monument), where the first vows were given to the flag of the Andes Army led by General San Martín.
This tour continues with a visit to Plaza Independencia and other neighboring squares: España, Chile, Italia, and San Martín. From there, you move on to Av. Mitre up to the Civic Neighborhood, where there is the Center for Congresses and Exhibitions Governor Emilio Civit, the Judicial Power, the City Hall, and Mendoza Government House. It is in the latter that the famous Flag Room is located, where you can find the emblem carried by San Martín’s troops when they liberated Chile.
The following spot visited is Parque General San Martín, a wonderful park of 420 hectares (1037.4 acres). After visiting different establishments located in the park, you access Cerro de la Gloria, where a monument stands paying homage to the Andes Army. It is a beautiful sculpture of the Uruguayan artist Juan Ferrari. From there, an amazing panoramic view of the city can be enjoyed.
Note:
This tour takes place on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 3 PM, and it lasts around three hours. It includes a Spanish-speaking guide. Hiring a bilingual guide is optional.
