Mendoza, the capital of its Argentine province, is strategically nestled at the foothills of the Andes, serving as a popular hub for adventure travelers and a gateway to Aconcagua, the Western Hemisphere's highest peak. It is globally recognized as South America's largest wine-producing region and one of the eleven Great Wine Capitals, drawing enotourists to its numerous wineries and contributing significantly to the olive oil industry. Founded by Pedro del Castillo on March 2, 1561, the city's historical development relied on a sophisticated irrigation system, inherited from the indigenous Huarpe people, which still waters its 100,000 street trees today.
Mendoza played a pivotal role in Latin American independence, serving as José de San Martín's base for armies liberating Chile and Peru. After a devastating earthquake in 1861 killed at least 5,000 people, the city was meticulously rebuilt by 1863 with innovative urban designs featuring wide streets and plazas, specifically engineered for seismic resilience. Today, as Argentina's fourth-largest metropolitan area, Greater Mendoza thrives as a dynamic regional center, balancing its rich history and cultural attractions with its booming tourism, wine, and commodity sectors.