Sight guide · Mendoza · Argentina
Visiting Parque General San Martín
Laid out by landscape architect Carlos Thays from the 1890s, this park of more than 300 hectares has a rowing lake, a rose garden, a football stadium and thousands of trees on what was once dry scrub.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Pictured: Mendoza · Photo: Silviaanac, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Parque General San Martín is a park in Quinta Sección and Arístides Villanueva, Mendoza. Allow 2–3 hours; it is free. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Park
- Area
- Quinta Sección and Arístides Villanueva
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- free, outdoors, kids and nature
- Best months
- April and September–October
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About Parque General San Martín
Laid out by landscape architect Carlos Thays from the 1890s, this park of more than 300 hectares has a rowing lake, a rose garden, a football stadium and thousands of trees on what was once dry scrub. Its ornate wrought-iron entrance gates on Avenida Emilio Civit are a city landmark.
Tip: Rent a bike near the main gates and ride the loop around the lake and up towards Cerro de la Gloria.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 2–3 hours.
- Cost: Free — no ticket needed for the main area.
- Book ahead: not needed; you can simply turn up.
- Where: Quinta Sección and Arístides Villanueva, leafy residential streets and the city's main bar strip near the park.
Best time to visit Parque General San Martín
Parque General San Martín is outdoors, so weather matters most. The driest, most comfortable months are:
- April: 22°C (72°F) highs, about 3 rainy days, busy crowds.
- September: 20°C (68°F) highs, about 2 rainy days, quiet crowds.
- October: 25°C (77°F) highs, about 3 rainy days, moderate crowds.
When to visit Mendoza has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Our 3-day Mendoza itinerary visits Parque General San Martín on day 3, together with Cerro de la Gloria and Museo de Ciencias Naturales Juan Cornelio Moyano.
- No. 4 of the 14 sights in our Mendoza things-to-do list.
- Day 3 of the 5-day plan.
- Listed in free things to do in Mendoza.
- A family favourite in Mendoza with kids.
Near Parque General San Martín
Also in Quinta Sección and Arístides Villanueva, so you can walk between them:
- Cerro de la Gloria — 1 hour, free
- Avenida Arístides Villanueva — an evening, low cost
- Museo de Ciencias Naturales Juan Cornelio Moyano — 1–1.5 hours, low cost
If you like Parque General San Martín
- Plaza Independencia — Microcentro, 45 minutes
- Maipú wineries by bike — Maipú, Full day
Staying near Parque General San Martín
Stay in Quinta Sección and Arístides Villanueva ($$) to walk here: leafy residential streets and the city's main bar strip near the park. All areas to stay in Mendoza.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Parque General San Martín?
Plan 2–3 hours. With Cerro de la Gloria nearby, it fits a half-day in Quinta Sección and Arístides Villanueva.
+Is Parque General San Martín free?
Yes, it is free to visit.
+When is the best time to visit Parque General San Martín?
April and September–October for the most comfortable weather. Rent a bike near the main gates and ride the loop around the lake and up towards Cerro de la Gloria.
+Do I need to book Parque General San Martín in advance?
No: it is free to visit, so you can decide on the day.
+Is Parque General San Martín good for kids?
Yes, it is one of our family picks in Mendoza. Mendoza works well for families who like the outdoors: a huge park with a lake, Andes road trips, thermal pools and rafting for older children.