Running straight off a mountain face into mid-air is not an easy thing to do. Well, physically it's not that taxing but mentally it's pretty strange. But in order to paraglide - you have to do just that. Standing on the edge of Cerro Arco just outside of the city, with a 650m drop off the edge of the cliff, a kite behind you and your instructor attached to your back, you don't have much choice but to do as he says and 'run, run, run' until your legs are moving mid-air, like in a cartoon.

When you go rafting, the aim of is to keep yourself out of the water. River-boarding is quite the opposite. Fully submerged in the water, the aim is to keep your head out of the water. Not for those with a fear of drowning, but certainly for those who love a good splash and want to go that little deeper into the rapids, out of the boat and feel the full force of nature - at its wettest.

Some might argue that driving in Mendoza is a pretty extreme sport, but locals get their thrills from more than just burning their clutch. Please note that Wine Republic does not recommend participation in the following activities and takes no responsibility for injuries or loss of life if you choose to do otherwise.

Skiing the Andes is a once in a life time opportunity and Argentina Ski Tours offers all-inclusive, day ski trips to Penitentes (the local ski resort) located at the base of Mt. Acongagua (the tallest mountain in the Americas). Included in the day trip is transport, the newest ski gear, professional ski guides/instructors, lift tickets, meals and a cold beer on the way back to Mendoza.

They honor a 3:1 guest to guide ratio and cater to all ski levels. For those who have more than a day to ski, Las Leñas is the place. Four hours south of Mendoza, Las Leñas attracts professionals from all over the world and boasts some of the best off-piste skiing anywhere.