Is Mendoza Safe? What You Should Know
Is Mendoza safe? Petty theft, where to stay, going out at night, wine and driving, altitude and sun: honest advice from someone who lives here.
Mendoza is not a place where I think you need to walk around scared. But you should use some common sense, especially with your phone, bag and where you choose to stay.
The risks tourists are most likely to notice are petty theft, traffic, the mountain environment and — after a day of wine tasting — getting behind the wheel.
Keep an eye on your things
Pickpocketing and opportunistic theft do happen.
I’d be a little more careful in busy areas such as Arístides, ferias and events, and around the city centre, especially Avenida San Martín and Las Heras. The more people around you, the easier it is for someone to take advantage of a distracted tourist.
Keep your phone and wallet somewhere secure, don’t leave your bag hanging on the back of a café chair, and don’t walk around with your phone in your hand without paying attention.
This is also the advice from Mendoza’s tourist police: stay in busy, well-lit areas and keep valuables out of sight.
Where you stay matters
This is something I would actually pay attention to when booking accommodation.
Mendoza has many perfectly pleasant areas, but I wouldn’t choose accommodation in Las Heras — particularly further north — if you don’t know the city.
I’d also be careful about accommodation in Godoy Cruz beyond the Corredor del Este / Boulogne Sur Mer area.
That doesn’t mean every street there is dangerous. These are large areas with very different neighbourhoods. It’s simply that, as a visitor, there are easier places to stay where you can walk around comfortably and don’t need to think about the neighbourhood quite so much.
You may find cheaper shops and some great local prices in these areas, but I wouldn’t choose them as a first-time tourist base.
Going out at night
Mendoza has a great evening atmosphere, especially around Arístides and the city centre.
Stick to busy, well-lit streets, especially when walking home late. If you’re unsure about the area, take a taxi or ride-hailing service rather than wandering around looking for your accommodation.
And don’t assume that because one street feels lively, every street nearby is the same.
Wine + driving
This one is simple:
If you’re going wine tasting, don’t drive.
A wine day can mean several tastings, lunch and a few hours in the sun. You may feel perfectly fine and still not be fit to drive.
Take a tour, book a driver, or have someone in the group stay completely sober.
Your holiday is not the time to test your alcohol tolerance.
The mountains are a different kind of safety issue
Mendoza city sits at around 750 metres, but some of the places you’ll visit in the Andes are much higher.
If you’re heading towards Aconcagua or the Chilean border, take altitude seriously. Drink water, protect yourself from the sun and don’t ignore a headache, nausea or feeling unwell simply because you think you need to “push through.”
Mountain roads also deserve your full attention. If you’re driving, take your time.
And the sun…
Mendoza is dry, sunny and often deceptively intense.
Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and water aren’t optional accessories here.
Especially when you’re spending hours outside at a winery or heading into the mountains.
So, is Mendoza safe?
I’d say come and enjoy it — just don’t switch your common sense off because you’re on holiday.
Keep your belongings close, choose your accommodation carefully, be sensible at night, don’t drink and drive, and respect the mountains.
That’s the kind of safety advice I’d give a friend coming to visit me.