Best way to travel - B.A. to Mendoza

[slonapper]

Me and my cousin are planning to come to Argentina in the middle of february. We will fly into BS, and hang out there for a few days. We then plan to travel to Mendoza where we will enroll in a Spanish language program (we both know a little bit) and look for a job with one of the local winery's.

We want to be as frugle as we can, but would also like to see some countryside. I really wanted to travel by train, but i couldnt find much information on the rail system there, except that there are some train routes to Rosario, Cordoba, and a few others.

What would be the best way to travel to Mendoza, since trains dont look like an option. Bus would be fine if there arent a lot of intersting things to see between BA & Mendoza, however we would be open to a car rental if it is affordable and we can drop off the rental in Mendoza.

Any reccomendation on Hostels, or short term (2-3 months stay) rentals?

Any Spanish language classes or programs available in Mendoza that you would reccomend?

Thanks all