A lovely city in the Mendoza province, and is the Capital city of the department of Maipu.
Also, located at just a distance of 15 Kilometers from Mendoza which is the provincial capital, Maipu is one city which has great connectivity.
A home to the largest number of wineries that you can even imagine, the story of struggle in this city dates back to the 1800s when a large number of immigrants and visionaries gave their lives for blooming vegetation is this desert which became a small oasis.
The rich soil of Maipu contributed to the efforts that they had made. Add to it the best minerals found in the soils and you would find the best wine in the world.
The wines of Maipu have been awarded many times and over many generations.This is why this area has also been declared the first Viticulture area of Argentina.
Whoever travels to Maipu cannot stay away from the secrets of this place, the lives of two families that made Maipu what it is today and the National Museum of Wine and Wine Making.
The traditions here are dotted with a few family tourism ventures.
For enhancing the quality and quantity of the wines, the entire city is lines with beautiful canals to supply water to the area despite the warm climate, which may have otherwise been a hindrance to the crops.
The additions of the Complex Arena Maipu and the Hotel Splendor have marked a new twist in the history of Mendoza.
Uniquely recognized as Argentina’s Las Vegas, this place has huge casinos, gambling, night life, restaurants and conference areas.
Best time to visit Maipu?
The summer is hot and dry in the city. January being the hottest at 40 degrees C, but the lackof humidity make the summers bearable.
The mountains in this area are comparatively cooler. Winters are a bit moderate as compared to the harshness of the summers.
Starting in August, it gradually becomes cooler and then the coldest. The best time to visit this place is between March and November every year.
Seeing the area in spring in full bloom is a sight you would not find anywhere else.
Best 10+ Things to Do in Maipu
These are my favorite things to do and beautiful places to visit on your next holiday to Maipu.
Rancho Viejo Cabalgatas en Mendoza Thoroughly recommended by everyone, Rancho Viejo Cabalgatas en Mendoza is the best place to be in if horses are your love.
An explicit ranch with the best horses of the world, you can have days of fun here. Certain short courses on rising can keep you busy.
The horse rides take you through Vineyards, olive groves and rivers and you just sit on a horseback and relax, and feel lost in your surroundings.
After touching the foot of the Andes Mountains, you can finish the ride with mouthwatering delights such as Asado lunches with great salads and grilled meats.
You may be able to find many places which will offer you the tours on the horse backs and claim many things which according to them they offer uniquely but this is best horse ride that you can have.
The route itself is very unique. You can combine all the aspects of a horseback wine tour with all the other aspects at very exceptional prices.
The route for Cabaltas takes you through the vineyards, the rivers and then to the foot of the mountain Range.
There are also many local shops her and you can take your pick from the many choices of traditional crafts and things here.
Of course, you have to show your bargaining capacities here. Also, the horses are suited to all the riders here.
So you may choose the horse that seems harmless to you.
This place is excellent for children because of the safety measures that have been taken to ensure that your little child is safe with the horses.
With all the helmets and safety gear in place, you sure know that you are in safe hands.
Carina e Vinedos and Bodega
This is one of the best in this city. There are many Bodega tours in Maipu and this one is generally shown as the second location.
Mainly organized by the tour operators, this tour takes you through the originality of the city and teaches you the basics of their history.
A small family owned Bodega; many tourists who come here are often accompanied by the owners. There is no one better to help you with the place then the owner himself. A French man, who located to Mendoza, owns this place.
You can actually go to this place just to visit him once.
Such jovial and good sense of humour that he would have you in splits! He encourages you to explore the place by yourself leaving you at ease and comfort.
The best part is the wine tasting of course; the basic reason why so many people visit this place. Also, the ride is very short and you would have no difficulty in finding the place.
You can also opt for higher levels of wine tasting, and if you really want to know what it means, you need to check out the higher levels.
What everyone likes about this place is that they do not force you to buy the wines. There is no pressure on you.
So you just go, take a tour, taste a wine and buy it if you like it. Even better, you are more than welcome to stay with them for as many days as you like.
Carina e Vinedos and Bodega is more of those exclusive places which produce lesser number of bottles in a year but the quality and the aroma of the wine is more important to them.
Bodegas Lopez
About 20 minutes by a train, this Bodegas Lopez is one find. Founded in 1898, it is a large production facility and has a very nicely appointed restaurant on the second floor.
Presenting the most spectacular views of the Andes Mountains, this restaurant is one of its kinds. You can enjoy a late brunch or a lazy meal at very little expense.
Efficient services and awesome wines make this place a delight for those who like good food.
There is also a free tour for the winery and the bottling facility and if you wish to spend more time here, you can happily tag along with many groups and enjoy the tour.
Considered to be a fantastic and considerate, this wine tour is a bit different from the others.
It is filled with fun and humour and has a lot that you can enjoy.
Even if you do not speak Spanish, you would not have any difficulty in understanding the directions and the histories of wine making in Maipu, because the people there are quite fluent in English.
The facility and the staff are world class and the ‘Lopes Reserve’ is exclusively sold here. While you wait for your turns, the waiting room has treasures of many books that you can read.
The best is renting a bicycle at any of the stores here and you would have your own share of fun. Apart from giving you free mobility, cycling in Maipu is interesting.
Lots of things which you would not be able to see in the bus or in a car, can be easily spotted when you are riding a Bike or a cycle! The trains here function on a system of a red card and no money.
So if you wish to travel by the trains, you can but red card first and then wipe it where ever you go.
Whatever be the fare of your travel, it would automatically get deducted from the card balance. Buying a Map of Maipu will also make it easy for you to find your own way.
Museo del Vino
An old and a fantastic museum, to see the vineyard grape growing and the process of wine making, this museum has a rich history and lineage behind it.
In fact understanding the history of wine making in Maipu is very important for all the other activities that you have here too.
Well preserved and maintained, this museum is dedicated to the history of Maipu, with different tools both ancient and modern which are parts of this industry now.
There is also an old wine production display here which explains the difficulties of wine production at that time.
It is definitely recommended to have your reservations in place before you make a visit, but even if you reach suddenly and have no reservations, Museo del Vino would be more than happy to welcome you and provide you the best guest facilities.
The guides are well versed with the intricacies of the historical facts and will keep you totally occupied for the time that you spend here.
There are also some parts where you can smell even the aroma of the wine while it is being fermented.
Also, whatever money you have spent in buying the tour tickets can be accommodated in the total when you buy wines here.
Olivicola Laur
Laur is one of the most favourite places of many people here. If you are someone who visits Maipu frequently, you want still want to visit this place every time you are in Maipu.
A lot of money has been added in to the estate for making it a world class location. A private tour of the factory will introduce you to the magic oil- Olive oil.
Considered to be the best for beauty and health, this Olivicola Laur tour makes you value olive oil more than what you could imagine.
A detailed session of the cold press to extract oils is quite interesting and they offer product tasting as well.
Balsamic Vinegar is another product that they are manufacturing and they are aging 15 year old vinegar with the first bottles to be marketed in 2025.
If you in are in the area, then a visit to this place is a must.
The main attraction of this place is the interactive staff who tries doing everything to make you feel important and also offer personalized attention to each one present there. Not for a moment would be left alone or feel unattended.
Known as boiled wart, the Ugni Blanc, as it is commonly known here, is another upcoming product that they are generating awareness for.
Caramelization, increasing the sugar levels by evaporation, given the dark characteristic of vinegar and aromas and sterilization of the product are shown to everyone.
A huge battery has been installed where all this happens in magnificent barrels which have a seasoning period of upto 12 years.
The amazing thing is that their, goal of achieving the best in the industry goes beyond the commercial aspirations of the firm. So you would find nothing but the best here.
Is Maipu worth visiting?
The answer is Yes. Maipu is worth visiting. This is because it is such a magical place
full of beauty and adventours.
Make sure you visit the following stunning place:
Potrerillos Dam
A very nice area with a picturesque landscape, this places perfect for all the outdoor activities that might interest you.
With trekking, photography, water sports, rafting and biking, you should not wait to get to this place and make it the first tour of your visit.
You can also spend many days here a ta stretch and there is a huge availability of lovely houses and hotels which can be rented at nominal prices.
Water rafting called the Argentine rafting is an exclusive offering here and they also provide you with all the supplies that you may need while you are rafting in the clear waters here.
The rubber suits, safety gear, the rappels, all are in good condition and well worth a try. The area also has a cozy restaurant and would always welcome you to the aromas and fragrances of freshly cooked food.
If you are looking for a short city escape, then this is the place to be in.
The Potrerillos Dam is one awesome place of an enjoyment.Having a guide to help you around the area is a good idea since the signs and the directions are all in local language.
There are some good walking stretches where you can just be mesmerized by the scenic beauty of the place and have a nice long walk.
Ever seen the movie “the lord of the rings”?Well this place is just like that.
Museo Nacional del Vino y la Vendimia
Also translated as the Argentine National Museum of Wine and Viniculture, this museum is located in the heart of the city.
Two early beautiful 19thcentury homes house this museum which has its own charm and grace.
The two houses belong to the most successful Wine entrepreneurs of Argentina and you would not believe that kind of modesty and kindness they display in their interactions with you.
The founders of bodegas Giol, there is an excellent tour of the museum in the offering and lasts about 30 minutes.
Descriptive narrations about the winemaking history of Maipu will astound you and you would now be able to understand the effort that goes in to wine making.
It is not that easy as it sounds.
Both the houses that house the museum were built in the 20th century using the materials that had been shipped from Europe.
Apart from the displays inside the Museo Nacional del Vino y la Vendimia , the architecture of this address is as amazing as it can be.
The tale of the two winemakers is a sad story and the air around had a fragrance of sadness and despair, a regret for the lost former memories and success stories.
Perhaps what is even more surprising is that just a few miles away there is also a boom of the winemaking industry.
Popular Places to Visit in Maipu
Kumelkan Spa
Maipu will captivate you. It has seen many uprisings and many down falls of some of the most famous people around.
Let’s just hope that the people along with the help from the government help to make it as majestic as it used to be.
If interested in good day spent pampering yourself, you should be getting in the Kumelkan Spa. Beautiful and heritage, define this place completely.
While you enjoy the sun lines streets, a relaxing massage and beauty treatments at this modern sap, will refresh you from the within.
Maipu is a traveler’s paradise and you can really transform your inner self here.
While the spa boats of an impressive line of remedies and treatments, this place is too good, if a great pampering massage is on your idea bucket list.
Add to tit the cleanliness of the place and you would want to be inside the whole day.
The steam and sauna are very effective completely fulfilling the purpose they had been designed for.
Maipu is simple and small, yet can accommodate your choices and tastes completely. Yu never feel foreign to this place no matter what passport you care carrying.
The place is quite safe actually. With a lesser populations as compared to the other cities, this place is a heaven.
Pretty untouched by modernization and quite in love with nature, Maipu is one destination that you have to see once in your lifetime.
Pack your bags and book yourself a nice package. This is where you should be.