My son is marrying a lovely young woman from Mendoza, Argentina in April 2011. We, of course, will be attending the wedding. This is my first international trip and I have to admit I'm a little nervous. I could use any advice/help at all to make the most of our trip. We will stay in Mendoza for 5 days and then flying to Buenos Aires for 4 days. I have so many questions...where to stay...what to do in both Mendoza and Buenos Aires. I keep lookng at the Park Hyatt in Mendoza. Other family members are staying at Villagio Hotel Boutique. We have not met our future daughter-in-law's family yet. Her mother does not speak English and I do not speak Spanish. Help!

There's nothing to be nervous about, I'm sure Mendoza will be wonderful. The Park Hyatt looks great, or if you're looking for another 5 star, Hotel Sheraton Mendoza is another option. Wine tours, horseback riding, hiking, biking, fishing, rafting, and skiing are all popular possibilities in Mendoza. In Buenos Aires you should learn to Tango! As for trying to communicate with your future daughter-in-law's family perhaps try Rosetta Stone or get a handy pocket dictionary for simple phrases.

Enjoy your trip and the wedding!

You'll be fine, the bride's parents will make sure you have a great time in Mendoza.

April is a wonderful time to come to Argentina, being our early fall. What are your exact dates? Holy Week (April 16 through 24) is NOT a good time to travel here. Sort of like your Thanksgiving week, you know. If the wedding is during that week, you need to reserve everything ASAP.

If you need further help, maybe the groom can help? Or e-mail me to albertovgalloATyahoo.com if you wish.

I would recommend learning a few simple spanish phrases for your meeting with the brides mother. Work out what you want to say and get someone to translate for you. The above poster avrooster may be able to help - his Spanish is almost as good as his English- lol!

Thank you for the replies. The wedding is on April 9. We will arrive April 5 and stay until April 15. I'm going shopping this weekend for my dress for the wedding. What is appropriate for mother of the groom...same as the US?

I´m not sure about what would be appropriate in the US and I imagine that could change, depending on many factors, but I'd say yes, just dress as you would for your son´s wedding back home and you´ll be fine.

You know, of course, that while you are in Mendoza you are going to have a party every evening?

Don´t worry and just relax, anticipating the wonderful time you'll have at your son´s wedding.

Just remember that Argentineans tend to dress very nicely, sometimes it can be casual, but an elegant casual. Although it had been said a thousand times in forums in Argentina tennis shoes are only used for anyone over 20 years mostly to play tennis. Even if you go to visit let us say wineries casual elegance is expected.
Mendoza is a lovely city, however you must be alert, the huge plaza in front of the Hyatt should be avoided if possible, walk around it. At least when we were staying there we were told that.

I don't think I mentioned that the reception is at Bodega Septima. The pictures that I have seen are lovely and I am very excited for the all night long party!

We just came back from Buenos Aires and Mendoza. You can check out our trip report. I have to say that I noticed women dress a little more conservatively there than in the states. Also, it appeared to me that lots of women wear casual (sun) dresses more than shorts. I'm not sure what it's like in April but the nights cooled down more in Mendoza than in BA.

Celebrated my birthday with my son and our future daughter-in-law last night. She has now suggested that we spend all of our time in Mendoza and not go to Buenos Aires. She feels that we will busy with the wedding the few days before and then we should plan some day trips in Mendoza after the wedding. Now I'm sure what to do. Suggestions?

What if you do both? Three days in Mendoza and three days in BA? Or perhaps you can stay a bit longer?

Have you set up your ticket so you can fly into Mendoza and out of Buenos Aires? That will save time, and allow you to see both?

Wow! Airfare from US to Argentina is very expensive! Should I go ahead and book or hope that the price comes down a little bit? Traveling in April.

From where in the US are you coming, Mother of the groom?

Baltimore, Maryland (BWI airport)

What are you thinking of as expensive? I see this on Orbitz for $770 total, including taxes and everything:
IAD-SCL (Santiago) leaving April 5, EZE-IAD leaving April 15.

Mother of the Groom, I have two daughters living in Bs As and go often, try for tickets
this wholesaler : Vista Sudamerica they are located in Miami where I live but I suppose will make no difference where you are. [email protected] www.vistasouth.com, usually they have good prices and will help you to organize your trip. Once we flew LAN to Santiago, Santiago Mendoza, then Mendoza Bue, Bue back home. almost for same money that a simple ticket Miami Buenos Aires Miami....ask them....
If I were you I would take the opportunity to visit Buenos Aires, this is a very cosmopolitan, exciting city, to be there, so close and not to visit it seems a sin. Good luck.

Hi Mother of the Groom!

My fiance and I are gettting married in Mendoza, Argentina on March 31, 2012 and we just booked our reception at Septima too! My finance's family is from Argentina so I have been fortunate to have lots of help from them but any travel tips you can pass along I would greatly appreciate it. We are planning on going for 2 weeks. I have never been to Argentina so lots to learn and do!! Enjoy your trip and son's wedding. I look forward to any feedback you can give.

Dear ARWedding,

Are you still looking for recommendations on Mendoza? I have lived here for awhile and would love to pass you some information. Let me know!

Congratulations on your wedding!