They characterise almost the entire continent, leaving some people in awe and others in peril. There is no mountain range quite like the colossal Andes. Gwynne Hogan explores the legends and tales of the Andes near Mendoza.

Bribed by a glistening twenty ounces of gold, a lowly mail courier was convinced to do the impossible: cross the Andes from Mendoza to Santiago de Chile on foot in late autumn.

Sometimes you just don't have enough time. If you only have a fleeting moment in Mendoza, what exactly can you achieve in 24 hours? Michael Holder takes us through the highlights of the city in an exhausting 24 hour whirlwind!

7.12am - Regardless of the day ahead, the alarm clock is always the most horrific sound audible to mankind. It's still dark and cold when I jump into the shower, but by the time I reach the café for breakfast, the sun has made a tentative appearance.

Arty Types: MAMM by Madeline Blasberg
If you're looking for modern art in Mendoza, you are literally going to have to go underground. Tucked away beneath the bustling, pigeon-swarmed Plaza Independencia, sits this tiny art gallery featuring a varied collection of modern Argentine art. Built as an emergency hospital for earthquakes, it's a slightly dingy space, but the rotating exhibitions, concerts and theatre keep it interesting.
Museo Municial de Arte Moderno de Mendoza . Plaza Independencia, Tues – Sun, 9am to 8pm. $8 or $5 students/OAPs, free Wednesdays

The List 2010 Winner: EAC was our top pick last year and still remains another favourite for its attractive multi-level space with quirky international exhibitions. 

The List 2011: Our top tips and recommendations for a mountain escape, weekend away, spa retreat and a hike.

Mountain Escape: Andes Tour, Trout and Wine, by Michael Holder
Visiting all of the significant places nearby in the Andes mountains in just one day makes this tour a must for anyone short on time in Mendoza. Or indeed anyone interested in sitting back in a minibus while a local English-speaking guide takes you through awe-inspiring sights such as Portrellos Dam, Puente Del Inca and of course the big one they call the White Sentinel - Mount Aconcagua. Oh, and there´s wine and an asado thrown in for good measure too. Trout and Wine, Espejo 266, (261) 425 5613 or (261) 15 5413 892, www.troutandwine.com

Had enough of parades and beauty pageants? Amanda Barnes has some suggestions to escape the crowds.

A Wine tour on Horseback

Horses, barbecue and wine seem to embody the image of Argentina for most gringos like me. So when I heard of a horse trek through the vineyards stopping off at a winery and then heading back for an asado (Argentine barbecue) – it seemed like the perfect gaucho-meet-gringo day out.