I was wanting to visit BA for a week and take a side trip to Mendoza. The flights are so expensive so I thought flying to Santiago from BA and renting a car to drive to Mendoza would be an option but I have no idea if that is a plausible idea.

I was thinking of going in December, will that be a good time for Mendoza?

Take a bus and wake up in Mendoza the next morning. If you are on a budget, that is the way to do it.

How long would it take. I am not on a strick budget and wouldn't I need a car when I wa there?

It depends on what you want to do, but taking a bus and THEN renting the car in Mendoza seems to me the more logical option.

how far the 2 cities are.
only 6/7 hours by coach. good ride, beautiful scenery. price u$s 20/25.-
no sense to take the plane to connect them.
regards,
milla

Hi kimm108 ,to drive between Mendoza and Santiago the question is not how many kilometers but what is in between. Of course the reply is the mighty ANDES. This is no routine driving. It is a very interesting drive but you will be better of in the hands of someone that knows the area. Many years back there was a wonderful service besides de buses, this were town cars that took up to 3 passangers and got you door to door. I do not know if this exists anymore at any rate buses are excellent. Only set back is that pax are inspected by customs of both sides and usually as I recall it takes sometime.

Kimm 108:


I agree with Milla and Graziella5b reply's . Take a bus, rest and enjoy your 6-7 hour trip from Santiago to Mendoza.

I am visiting Chile and Argentina next month and have a similar question. Is it best to fly or drive to Mendoza from Chile? I will be in Vina de Mar and would love to see the country but am wondering about the weather and road conditions to cross the Andes. From Mendoza we're headed back to Santiago and plan to board a plane to Temuco to ultimately arrive in Pucon. Please help, I'd really appreciate some guidance!

Hi if you have time, driving is exciting and views are tremendous. But again take a bus, drivers should be experienced drivers. This is not a piece of cake. Flying also is exciting, the Andes are magnificent.}
I guess it a question of personal choosing and time.

if you have time, there is nothing better than crossing the Andes on a bus.
You can`t enjoy it in the same way from the plane.
If you had told me driving in the middle of patagonia for hours i would have said not. but spending 6 hs there is completely different. The ride Santiago Mendoza/Mendoza Santiago is spectacular cheap and short.