Plaza España
Plaza España, Mendoza, Argentina
Surrounded by the lush green trees typical of Mendoza (despite its desert-like climate), Plaza España is a cultural gathering spot a few blocks from Plaza Independencia, the city’s main square. Its crown jewel is the fountain in its center, on which artfully carved women represent the relationship between Spain and Argentina.
The basics
Plaza España is a lovely place to relax on a mosaic-tiled bench with a traditional Argentinian empanada or a bottle of malbec, for which the region is most famous. Most people opt to explore the outskirts of Mendoza—on vineyard and cellar tours of Lucan de Cuyo or the Uco Valley or on hiking excursions that take you to the snow-capped Cordillera section of the Andes—so the city rarely feels crowded or busy during the day.
Things to know before you go
There are plenty of places to grab a coffee surrounding the square.
In general, the center of Mendoza is an easy place to navigate with wheelchairs and strollers.
Mendoza’s high altitude means UV exposure is high; wear a sunhat and sunscreen even if it's cloudy.
How to get there
Plaza España is at the intersection of San Lorenzo and Avenida Espana in central Mendoza. It is serviced by the 708 bus, which takes you to further-flung provinces such as Lujan de Cuyo. If you’re staying in the center of Mendoza, it's easier to walk.
When to get there
You can access the plaza 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It’s particularly atmospheric around sunset, when locals gather to drink wine and chat. The best time to visit Mendoza is in spring (September–December) before the searing summer temperatures make exploration uncomfortable.
What to eat and drink in Mendoza
Mendoza is famous throughout Argentina for being a culinary hub. While you won’t find many mid-range restaurants, there’s a wealth of higher-end options serving local ingredients. Be sure to sample locally made extra virgin olive oil, the local delicacy of mollejas (sweetbreads), and, of course, quaff plenty of malbec—made in the vineyards surrounding the region.
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