The Best Places to Watch the Sunset in Mendoza

This 19th-century feat of landscape architecture is one of the jewels of the city of Mendoza. Immaculately maintained, the park is luscious and charming and the sunset can be viewed from around the Regata Lake, a large body of water from where you can see the majestic outline of the Andes behind the tips of the trees that line the lake. Bring a picnic, find a nice spot and settle in to enjoy a perfect day in the park.

South America’s highest peak is located in Mendoza, so this is a unique place from which to watch the sunset. Although you don’t need to be an expert climber to make your way up the slopes of this mountain, it helps if you want to get to greater heights. If you reach Camp 2 on the Normal Route, if the sky is clear you are almost guaranteed a mind-blowingly beautiful Andean sunset.

One of the most popular hikes in Mendoza, Cerro Arco is an easy climb that is popular with families and anyone wanting to undertake some light trekking in the area. It is also a great place to watch the sunset, but make sure you are properly equipped to get back down, as night falls quickly.

Cerro Arco

A typical sunset on Cerro Arco | © Nicolas Di Santo / Flickr

Mendoza is full of beautiful vineyards from which to observe the sunset, but Bodega Septima in the Luján de Cuyo wine region offers one of the most spectacular views. The vineyards stretch on for miles, and the bulk of the winery fades into the background as the Andes beyond turn different shades of blue and grey as the sun goes down behind them. There is perhaps no better place in the region to take in all of the best things that Mendoza has to offer: wine, mountains, and more wine!

One of the highest points in the city, the Terraza Jardin Mirador is located on the top floor of the city’s municipal government building. Although not open to the public at all times, the city occasionally puts on events that people can attend, and from here the sun can be seen as it goes down over the city. Every Thursday in summer, the city government hosts a music and wine night, where you can enjoy some music, some local wine (obviously) and spend the sunset with friends old and new.

Terraza Jardin Mirador

The area of Potrerillos has some of the best hiking trails in the province, and many of them surround the lake that is created by the Potrerillos Dam, where an amazing sunset can be seen. The lake reflects the trees that ring it and the snowcapped peaks of the Andes sit solidly behind the tree line, giving you a layered landscape that morphs and changes as the darkness falls. There are lots of trout in the dam if you fancy a spot of fishing.

Potrerillos Dam

A Wild West sunset in Potrerillos | © Agustín Ruiz / Flickr

Blanco Encalada is a pretty area located in the foothills of the Andes in the Lujan de Cuyo wine region. Local tour operators organise special horseback riding excursions to see the sunset from the rocky foothills; the trip takes two hours at a leisurely pace. Wash the sunset down with some locally produced Malbec provided by your guide, and head back in the evening after the sun has said goodnight.

Luján de Cuyo