Region Information

Cuyo ”sandy earth“ is derived from the Huarpe Indian term cuyum. The Cuyo region includes the provinces of Mendoza, San Juan, La Rioja and San Luis. The region lies on the rain shadow of the massive Andean crest, where 6,959m high Cerro Aconcagua is the highest peak in the whole American Continent. However, enough snowfall accumulates on the eastern slopes to sustain the rivers that irrigate the extensive vineyards of the lowlands, despite the dry climate. Because of these advantages, inhabitants of the province of Mendoza call their home “Tierra del Sol y del Buen Vino” (Land of the Sun and the Good Wine).

Mendoza: This city is one of the oldest in the country. Founded in 1561 and named after the Chilean governor García Hurtado de Mendoza. It is the provincial capital and sits at 761m above sea level at the foot of the Andes. It is the most important administrative and commercial centre in the region with an important state university and a growing industrial base supported by nearby oil fields. Earthquakes have often shaken the city, most recently in 1985. Mendoza lies very closely to the border with Chile and many daily buses drive over the very scenic route to Santiago de Chile. At Puente del Inca, just before the border, the natural stone bridge over the Mendoza river can be seen. From here at 2,720m above sea level trekkers and climbers can head north to the base of mount Aconcagua, south to the pinnacles of Los Penitentes or even further south to 6,650m high Tupungato, an impressive volcano partly covered by snow fields and glaciers. With its varied terrain and gentle climate, Mendoza province also offers outdoor recreation all year long. Possible summer activities include climbing, trekking, whitewater rafting, canoeing or fishing. In winter downhill skiing is a popular activity at Las Leñas.

San Rafael: This modern town is a commercial and industrial centre whose winemakers, particularly Suter, Bianchi, and Lavaque have earned a national and international reputation. About 60,000ha of the surrounding area are vineyards. Its irrigation ditches, just like in Mendoza, remind the visitor that the area is a desert, irrigated by the Atuel river.

San Juan, Valle de la Luna and Talampaya: The city is proud of its sunny climate and its clean, tree-lined streets. Nearly destroyed by an earthquake in 1944, the centre is well laid-out with a modern cathedral. The area is also famous for its wine. East of San Juan lies San Agustin del Valle Fértil. This small town with its artificial lake is gateway for exploring the Ischigualasto provincial park or better known as Valle de la Luna. The valley gets its name from the strange rocky figures which make it seem a lunar landscape. You can see the trunks of petrified araucarias and the skeletons of the oldest known dinosaurs which have been found there. Further north and in La Rioja province lies another important attraction of the area, the Talampaya provincial park. It is another collection of spectacular desert landforms. The Indians used to call this area “Dry River of the Tala”.