Cuyo Region

Cuyo - “desert country” in the Indian language - is the region of the high peaks, the snow-covered volcanoes, and the large wilderness spreading from the Andes mountain range and foothills to the steppe.
The visit to Ischigualasto - Talampaya Natural Parks, is a true journey to the dinosaurs era. Ischigualasto, also known as “Valle de la Luna” (Moon Valley) because of the amazing diversity of forms and colours of its landscape shaped by erosion, is one of the world’s most important paleontologic sites. The Talampaya River Canyon reveals amazing multi-shaped layers in its high red walls. Pink flamingos, Andean ducks, “vicuñas” and “guanacos” cohabit freely in parks and natural reserves, while condors fly over the area.

The region displays the full splendour of the Central Andean Range. The Aconcagua (6.959 m) is the highest peak in the Western Hemisphere, and its steep slopes are renown and respected by mountain climbers from all over the world.
In the valleys of La Rioja, Mendoza and San Juan, among leaves of grapevines, farms and wineries, visitors can go along the Wine Road, an attraction of international renown.

Provinces: La Rioja, San Juan, Mendoza, San Luis

Activities in the Cuyo Region

Adventure Tourism
High peaks (Aconcagua, Mercedario, Tupungato) and snow fields are ideal for mountain winter sports, while foothills are suitable for hang-gliding and paragliding. Canoeing and windsurfing can be practiced in reservoirs and lagoons, while rafting takes place in the Mendoza, Diamante, Atuel and San Juan rivers. In the Barreal El Leoncito plateau, an uncommon sport - known as "carrovelismo" – (windsurfing on tricycles with sails) is also practiced. Mendoza has important winter resorts (Penitentes, Vallecitos and especially, Las Leñas). La Rioja, Mendoza, and San Juan offer horseback rides to see guanacos and vicuñas.

Sport Fishing
The clear cold waters descending from the Andes Range and forming natural streams and lakes allow for the growth of rainbow and brown trout. You can also fish pejerrey and trout in the region’s rivers and reservoirs. Season: after seasonal ice break-up and thaw.

Fiestas, Trips, and Leisure
National Wine Harvest Fiesta held in Mendoza by the end of February, and Carnivals in La Rioja. There are casinos in La Rioja, San Juan, Mendoza, Las Leñas, San Rafael, San Luis, Potrero de los Funes, Villa de Merlo and Villa Mercedes. There are also interesting visits to wine cellars.

Thermal Spas
There are thermal spas in Pismanta (San Juan), Santa Teresita (La Rioja), Cacheuta, El Challao and Los Molles (Mendoza).