Parque General San Martín is the most important park located in the heart of the city of Mendoza. It has become an icon of the province and is part of its most precious heritage. Designed by the architect Carlos Thays, it combines the best of 19th-century English and French landscaping. It is also one of the largest urban green spaces in the country, covering 307 cultivated hectares and 17 kilometers of paths.

Created in 1896, its design defies the characteristic arid climate of the province. This park boasts a true forest heritage with more than 300 species native to North America, Asia, Europe, and Australia. Its vastness makes it the largest artificial park in South America.

Origin of the Park

The initiative to create a park of this kind came from Emilio Civit, the Minister of Public Works and Services of the province, with the aim of creating a green lung for Mendoza. Originally, it was called "Parque del Oeste" (Western Park) and only changed its name in 1947. Over the years, improvement works have been carried out in this green space to achieve aesthetic perfection.

An Extensive and Special Place

The park encompasses cultural, historical, social, artistic, and sports emblems. These include the gates, the Horses of Marly, the Fountain of the Continents, the Rose Garden, the lake, the Malvinas Argentinas World Cup Stadium, the Frank Romero Day Greek Theater, Cerro de la Gloria, the former zoo, the Playas Serranas building, the Eva Perón School Home, the National University of Cuyo, sports clubs, and entities.

The Gates

One distinctive feature of Parque San Martín is the enormous gates at the entrance. They were purchased in 1908 in Glasgow, Scotland, and first arrived in Buenos Aires before reaching Mendoza by train.

The gate ensemble consists of three leaves made of wrought iron and cast iron. Each leaf weighs approximately three tons. Originally, there were five leaves at the entrance, including two smaller ones for pedestrians, which were locally made in Mendoza. They remained until 1940 when they were removed.

Flora and Fauna

Various species of hydrophilic plants (associated with the course of the Mendoza River), halophytes (in the drainage area), and psammophytes (in the north) can be found. The predominant wild vegetation is characteristic of the phytogeographic province of Monte, including jarillas, junquillos, zampas, and jumes, among others.

In terms of fauna, you can encounter some native birds of Mendoza: condor, crowned eagle, seven knives (a type of bird), yellow cardinal, and southern flamingo.

Additionally, you may spot the gray fox, fenced rabbit or cuis (a type of rodent), capybaras, guanacos, lizards, and many more.

Our recommendation is to rent a bicycle and explore the park, especially in spring when you can witness the vegetation in its full glory in this "GREAT GREEN LUNG."