Hey there Maverick.
Today marks the start of a new segment to the publication, The Maverick’s Guide.
Here I’ll share with you more of my life experiences and open up my world to you to help you expand your personal freedom.
I’m opening up my entire black book to you: Local contacts, where to stay, city secrets, logistics, must-dos + must-sees and more. All the tips & tricks a Maverick needs to maximise his experience.
This first edition has been inspired by my most recent trip top Argentina (April 2024) where I went ‘full Gaucho’, renting a car and driving the northern half of Argentina’s favourite ‘ Ruta 40’ (see below).
I kick off this segment by introducing you to my new favourite city: Mendoza, Argentina.
Mendoza, Argentina 🇦🇷
Fast Facts:
Population: 2 Million (includes suburbs).
Weather: Mediterranean climate, Hot summer (Dec-Feb), Coldish Winters (June-August), mainly dry conditions.
Optimal Times: March-April is ideal climate-wise. Additionally there are harvest festivals for the grapes this time of year.
Vibe: Phenomenal. Mendocinos are friendly people and the city is my ideal: Big, but not too big and immersed in nature with tree lined streets. As always, best if you speak Spanish, not so much ingles acá.
Safety: Safe. Occasional beggar if you like to eat outdoors as I do. I just ask how much they need and give. No dramas.
Where to say: I’m not a hostel man (Selina is an exception) nor am I a backpacker. I pay more to stay in better accomodation, or better said, better locations because:
That’s how money should be spent i.e: saves time (mine’s worth a lot) adds comfort & solves logistical nuisances.
Better zones = better vibe and people with whom I can vibe.
I can. If you’re worried about saving every penny then don’t travel, work more/build your income streams until you can travel without the financial stress.
I’m steadfastly against miserly conduct. So if you’re after hippy/cheap travel tips better to follow others you’ll no doubt see on X posing as ‘ lifestyle’ people whilst themselves being strapped for cash…
The action is in Arístides, a zone just outside the downtown, with the main street being Villanueva. Anywhere in this zone should be fine, close to Parque San Martín which is a great place to walk/ride and sip some maté to start your day.
Why Visit Mendoza?
Mendoza is known world-wide for its world-class wine. The ‘Malbec’ is the best known variety here and although originally a french grape, Michel Pouget had a stroke of genius bringing it to Argentina in 1853 where the ideal growing conditions have made it synonymous with its new homeland.
Peso Problems: To avoid getting smacked with a bad rate form official exchanges, you’ll want to find a local Cueva (money house) or Arbolito (person who offers to exchange). Whilst technically an illegal black market, it’s still how everyone exchanges in Argentina even with the peso having stabilised significantly thanks to the Milei government achieving a zero deficit in 2024. As such, I won’t leave you my local guy’s details here but DM me for an intro.
What to Do?
Here’s a suggested 5 day itinerary for Mavericks wishing to experience the best of this gorgeous city in short time:
Parque General San Martín- Assuming your tired on arrival, take a stroll through the beautiful park & explore the city (it’s bigger than you think).
Lujan de Cuyo - An absolute must. Now rested, go rent a bike for ~$8 and follow the well marked, exclusive bike lane to Lujan, be sure to go through Chakras de Coria. This was honestly one of the happiest days of my life, simply riding in the sun on an $8 bike.
Cerro Aconcagua - You’ll need to buy an entry ticket (online is a complete shambles but I learnt you can pay cash at the entrance) a bus ticket (or private transfer) from the city centre to Puente Del Inca and it leaves early (05:55) as it takes 4 hours to get to the national park. Pro tip: the buses sometimes show different names so check your ticket where it says ‘Se Annuncia’ which will show an alternative sign. Alternatively you can rent a car.
Winery tour: Bousquet & Salentein are the the top names, La Azul underrated, less pretentious, younger vibe. For those who struggle with Spanish, Salentein offer tours in English. As for Bousquet I have no idea as I toured with a group of lovely old Brazilian ladies so we spoke Portuñol ( it’s a real language).
*Maverick tip: book directly with the wineries and ensure you know what your booking covers i.e: lunch doesn’t include tours and there are strict start/end times so if you’re going from winery-winery you can miss out here. I had lunch in Salentein which was an exquisite (and excessive) 5 course meal with a different wine provided for each. I’m actually not much of an alcohol man so I literally just sipped each to say I’ve tried it. Wasteful? perhaps,
Cost =approx. $150 USD so you need to have some cash streams from dividend investing or selling options which I share with premium members.
Horseback riding through the Andes. Not something I did on this trip but I wish I had’ve. Guides take you through the ‘pre-cordillera’ mountain regions provided stunning scenery and finishing with an Asado Dinner. I’ve done similar in Bariloche and Medellín and will do this next time I’m back.
*Maverick Tip: Here I leave you my driver, Matias’ details. He and his father provide transport in the city. He’s honest and reliable - drop him a what’s app message and tell him Benjamin from Australia sent you: +54 9 2613 47‑0178
Getting There: Domestically there are flights from all major cities.
Internationally: Direct Flights available from Santiago De Chile. A quick 45 min flight over the Andes and…. ‘ya estás’.
Where To Eat: For a quality and reasonably priced Parrilla head to El Patio De Jesus Maria at the top of Villanueva. The owner is from Cordoba and will advise you on the best cuts and how they should be cooked.
In summary, I fell in love with Mendoza basically as soon as I arrived. The climate, size, nature and vibe of the city are perfect for me and I’ll be sure to be back.
Let me know what you think of the new segment.
Benjamin.