The price only includes transportation, it is not a tour, but rather a hop-on / hop-off service by a bus company.

Im trying to do the whole thing for <$100 with maybe 2-3 wineries tops. Curious how to do the blue market thing though;)

Read these threads: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/argen...ge-cuevas.html

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/argen...ange-rate.html

Will save you a bunch when in Argentina ^

I went with Trout and Wine (on TravelinSperry's reco!), and would also recommend them. You won't be able to get the price under $100pp though, even with blue market factored in. If you deduct the cost of a very nice lunch (could easily be a nice dinner) when mentally accounting for the price of the wine tour itself, you might be able to get close though. We had 3 winery tours + wine with lunch at a 4th.

In early December I plan to fly into Santiago, take a bus to Mendoza and then rent a car for a week and drive around the area, returning to Mendoza. Any suggestions as to a car rental company or what areas I should cover? Gracias!!

I will leave the Itinerary up to others. However, please note: Car rentals are rather pricey in and around Mendoza from my personal experience. I have access to different agencies and preferred rates. I had sticker shock when I saw the prices compared to what we have grown to expect in the USA.

As to the Bus, I like Andesmar, fun route too. You can purchase your ticket online (on their site) If you like the first row of seats on the upper level are coveted and very nice (book in advance if you want them Especially in December)

Safe travels..

Car rentals are pricey but the blue rate will help mitigate the cost somewhat (be sure to pay Pesos upon return). I rented from Budget in Argentina... decent enough car/price (best I could find). But why limit your search? Price out all the primary agencies, EuropeCar, Budget, Avis, Hertz, etc. There is a road next to the Sheraton where all 4 companies are located (aside from the a/p of course).

For Mendoza, if one wants to truly enjoy winery visits I think driving is a bad idea. Best to hire someone like Miguel Sanz, its money very well invested.

I was in Mendoza and used an alternate company to Mr Sanz (who was also recommended by Gaucho).

Who did you use? I'm heading there in a few weeks..

We used Miguel Sanz in April and had a great time. His english skills are only lacking in written communication. He toured us for two days.

Scroll up on this page of the thread and you'll see who I used. Enjoy your trip, Mendoza is a lovely area!!

Glad you used Miguel and all went well. Thanks for reporting back !!!!

^ ^ ^

I travel to MDZ quite often. There are many providers of services to Tour the Area. Wine Tasting Tours, Adventure Tourism, River Rafting, Hot Springs etc. In light of that, perhaps we can start a Wiki or another Sub Thread in the Argentina Foum that could help expose the vast array of these services.

As we can see. Mr. Sanz receives kudos from the Board. However, there are others. Why don't you post you personal experience for all of us to share. Mendoza is going through a Big Change as Many Wineries are Discovering that Wine Tourism is a Growing Business. Let's share our knowledge, so others can gain. I invite the First Post, and look forward to the information. Thanks and Safe Travels

Thanks. Found your link, that company looks like a good option.