Mendoza - Argentina's Most Livable City

They say the Mendoza is the most pleasant city in Argentina. And it really is a beautiful little oasis in the desert. If it weren't for the crazy drivers, plethora of stray dogs, and mate (pronounced mah-tay) tea everywhere, one would think they were in Europe. The city is organized around several central plazas, complete with lots of fountains and street performers, and the sidewalks are wide and filled with outdoor seating and huge leafy trees, which are fed by a complex system of ancient aqueducts.

Its a great place for walking, not so good for driving or riding a bike as an average of 300 people a year in Mendoza die from car accidents, many of which involving bikers. It has a great pedestrian street, called Sarmiento (above with the red fountain) busy with locals and tourists alike enjoying the pleasant weather. The city of Mendoza has the definite feel of a college town with around 5 different universities and tons of language institutes. There are about a 100,000 residents and a gazillion restaurants, specializing in steaks, pastas, pizzas and a more ham sandwiches than one could ever want.