As of September 7, 2016, the International Airport "Governor Francisco Gabrielli," located just 20 minutes north of the City of Mendoza, will be closed until December 7 due to runway maintenance. While Mendoza’s principle airport will be temporarily shut down for renovations during these 3 months, there are various alternatives available to reach this classic Argentine destination.
Mendoza AirportMendoza Airport / Image Source

Arriving to Mendoza during renovation - your alternative options

Aerolineas Argentinas will be offering a one-time option to move your trip up free of charge from August 7 to September 6.  If you want to postpone your trip you will be able to do it between the dates of December 8 to December 22 only. Remember, if you change your schedule again, you will be subject to additional charges. If neither of those options work and you are unable to take advantage of this offer, here are 4 alternative airports to help you reach Argentina’s wine capital:

San Luis Airport (LUQ)

Also known as Brigadier Mayor César Raúl Ojeda Airport, it is located in the San Luis province of Argentina. Distance to Mendoza City: It is a 3-hour drive to Mendoza. Combined flying and driving time from Buenos Aires is five hours. First take RN147 for 17 minutes until you reach RN7, then from there it is a straight shot.

Domingo Faustino Sarmiento Airport (UAQ)

Located in San Juan province. Distance to Mendoza city: This ride is slightly shorter than the one from LUQ, with a roughly two-hour commute. Combined flying and driving time from Buenos Aires is just under four hours. If you're coming from here, take RN40 all the way to Mendoza.

San Rafael airport (AFA)

Conveniently located in the Mendoza region. Distance to Mendoza City: It is a 2 hour and 40-minute drive. Combined driving and flying time from Buenos Aires is 4 hours and 25 minutes.To arrive into the City of Mendoza, follow RN143 for an hour until you reach San Carlos, then you will take RN40 all the way to your destination.

Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL)

Arguably the best route for those of you planning a dual trip to Chile. After arriving at the airport in Santiago, a bus can be caught that will take you right across the border. Distance to Mendoza City: Travelling by car, you can take RN7 to Mendoza and arrive in 5 hours. Flying and driving time combined is seven hours. Please note that round-trip shuttle services will be paid for by the Government from each individual airport to the bus terminal in Mendoza. If you would like to book a shuttle service from the bus terminal in Mendoza, you can do so for only $26. For more information please contact us at info@argentina4u.com.

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Although your travel time may increase, the airport closing shouldn’t dissuade you from visiting Argentina’s most famous wine region. A glorious province, Mendoza still has much to offer those who choose to come here. To encourage you to take this trip, we have prepared for you a special deal of 15% off our best rated city tours. For the private wine tours, we will be giving you 10% off. Remember, this promotion will be available during this time only. 10-15% off some of our most popular Mendoza tours and activities*!

Sightseeing in Mendoza 

Mendoza province is located in the Cuyo region of Argentina and is certainly a hotspot for some beautiful sightseeing. From the Aconcagua Mountain to Los Reyunos Dam, you are sure to have an enchanting time enjoying the natural wonders of this area. The city of Mendoza is the capital of Mendoza province and is widely known as the heart of Argentina’s wine country. On our updated Argentina4u site, you will be able to explore Mendoza in depth - some of our best tour catalogues include: Wine experience, wine routes, day tours from Mendoza and more. All of these tour options will have the special 10-15% discount.* For those of you who should choose to forego the trip to Mendoza, alluring alternatives include a stop in Salta. If you still want a taste of our delicious Argentine wine, be sure to check out our High Altitude Wine Tour. For more information on your trip to Mendoza be sure to contact us with any questions or concerns. Enriching your trip to Latin America starts with Argentina4u! *Discount not applicable on products that are already on promotion or packages.

By Camille King, English News Contributor to Daytours4u