Mendoza is a city in the west of Argentina. It has about 111.000 inhabitants, plus 848 660 in its metropolitan area, making it the fourth-largest conurbation in Argentina. The city was founded in 1561 by Pedro del Castillo. Here José de San Martín organized the army with which he won the independence of Chile and Peru. In 1861 a severe earthquake destroyed the city and killed at least 5000 people. The city was rebuilt, and included new antiseismic urban designs, with large squares and wider streets and sidewalks than any other city in Argentina.

Mendoza is on a major road between Argentina and Chile. It is a frequent stopover for climbers heading up Aconcagua (the highest mountain in the Western Hemisphere) or for other mountaineering, hiking, horseback riding, rafting, and outdoor activities. In the winter, skiers come to the city for its easy access to the Andes.

One of the main industries of the Mendoza area is wine making. The grape harvest is marked each year by the Vendimia festival, taking place in early March, in which 17 beauty queens are nominated.