Around the city of Mendoza on the easternflank of the central Andes, the 'Land ofSunshine and Good Wine' is gourmet country: there are several high quality estancias and vineyards offering sophisticated food and wine sampling in a tranquil countryside setting. Mendoza is a pleasant city and the gateway to one of the most scenic and accessible mountain passes to Chile and its capital, Santiago. But it is the vineyards that provide the biggest draw and we feature some of our favourite properties here and in the Salta region.It's hard to beat luxurious Cavas Wine Lodge (right), an innovative property whose individual adobe suites have their own plunge pool and roof terrace with superb views over the Andes. Guests have the opportunity to dine at a choice of local wineries and restaurants during their stay.Other charming lodges include Finca Adalgisa and Club Tapiz, both of which are situated amid the vineyards just outside Mendoza, and the small and friendly Lares de Chacras. Each makes a good base from which to explore the region on optional excursions we can arrange in advance.Further north in the canyon country around Salta (pp154-155) is the remote Colomé vineyard (above), with views across gardens of lavender to glistening ice-capped Andean peaks. Sample fine wines and delicate cuisine, relax by the pool and explore the estate on foot or horseback. From here it's a spectacular drive through the Calchaquíes Valleys to elegant Patios de Cafayate.The vineyards around both Mendoza and Salta are ideal for independent exploration by hire car.See page 163 for more details of self-drive route suggestions.The wine country of the west 156 Argentina

Andean crossing to Santiago 14 days, 11 nightsBuenos Aires 2 nights, Iguazú 2n, Buenos Aires 1n, Mendoza 2n, Santiago 2n, Valparaíso 1n, Matetic winery 1n.Day 1 Fly from the UK to Buenos Aires. Accommodation at the central Caesar Park Silver. Days 2&3 At leisure to explore, with a guided tour of the historic centre. Tango show with dinner. Days 4&5 Fly to Puerto Iguazú and explore the walkways which meander around the vast network of waterfalls that cascade over the plateau edge. Excursion to the Brazilian side of the falls. Accommodation at recently-refurbished, hill-top Hotel Panoramic, with stunning forest views. Day 6 Fly back to Buenos Aires. Days 7&8 Fly to Mendoza; 2 nights at Hotel Lares de Chacras. Tour of local wineries included. Day 9 Cross the Andes through the picturesque mountain pass and on to Santiago, Chile. Accommodation in Hotel Atton el Bosque for two nights. Day 10 At leisure in the capital. Optional city tour or excursion to Santa Rita winery. Day 11 By road to the Pacific coast and the port of Valparaíso with one night at lovely Casa Higueras, a converted mansion on one of the hills overlooking the city. Day 12 Transfer through fertile farmland to the vineyards of the boutique Matetic winery. Dine and spend the night at the friendly guesthouse La Casona (p140). Day 13 Transfer to Santiago airport and fly to the UK arriving day 14. Prices from £2,062pp based on two sharing, excluding transatlantic flights. Daily departures from the UK how about?» Expanding this itinerary to visit the canyon country and wine routes around Salta (pp154-155). » Riding or relaxing on one of the estancias near Buenos Aires or Córdoba (pp152-153). » Continuing on into Chile with a visit south to the lake district (p141) or north to the Atacama desert (pp138-139) or even to Easter Island (p147).ARGENTINAURUGUAYBRAZILIguazú FallsMendozaSantiagoBuenos Aires...ValparaísoCHILE. calchaquíes valley wine route See yourself as a bit of a wine buff? Or just want to explore glorious scenery speckled with vineyards? The Calchaquíes Valleys loop is one of Argentina's finest road trips with frequent, dramatic changes in scenery. You'll savour both the landscapes and the wines of the region, with an overnight stay in vineyard-neckleted Cafayate, and 2 nights at the prestigious colonial-style Estancia Colomé (left), which has vines of French Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon and a variety of leisure amenities and activities. Return to Salta via the blood-red Obispo Gorge with a night at the remote 17th century village of Cachi en route. 020 8747 8315 / journeylatinamerica.co.uk bookings, consultant advice and additional information 157 Cavas Wine Lodge is a superb hotel. It should be strongly recommended to anyone travelling near Mendoza. The best hotel we have ever stayed in! JN, Milton Keynesestancia colomÉCAVAS WINE LODGE