Discover Las Compuertas

Las Compuertas offers several perspectives on the Río Mendoza: a historic trail brings the river’s history and uses to life, ruins of an early hydroelectric facility lie in the riverbed, and adventure activities include rafting, trekking and a mountain biking tour. There is also Bodega Maal, which invites you to discover its wines and experience the landscape. When planning your trip, you might consider whether to focus more on history, activity, or wine and scenery.

Water Engineering History on the Río Mendoza

The historic Toma de los Españoles and Hidroeléctrica Blanco Encalada trail in Las Compuertas is an easy route. Its focus is the history and use of the Río Mendoza. The trail is therefore a good suggestion for anyone who wants to learn about the river’s historical significance as well as enjoy outdoor activities during their stay. The name Toma de los Españoles also appears in the history of water engineering in Las Compuertas.

The name Las Compuertas is associated with the historic waterworks Dique Toma de los Españoles. It was built toward the end of the 18th century at the initiative of the then governor and intendant, Rafael de Sobremonte, and was previously called Toma del Inca. This history gives the place a specific connection to water engineering: the river is not just a feature of the landscape, but also the setting for structures associated with its use.

The Río Mendoza riverbed also contains ruins belonging to a predecessor structure of the first hydroelectric power plant installed in Mendoza, called Álvarez Condarco. The reference to a predecessor structure places these ruins in a distinct historical context. Anyone interested in the development of hydroelectric power can see them as another aspect of Las Compuertas’ water engineering history; they should be distinguished from the history of Dique Toma de los Españoles.

Active Experiences and Discoveries

Las Compuertas offers a range of outdoor activities. Montañita Rental Bike offers a mountain biking tour, and Xnoccio Aventura offers trekking. Betancourt Rafting offers rafting on the Río Mendoza. When planning your trip, you can choose between a mountain bike tour, trekking and an activity on the river. Each option has a different focus; which one best suits your trip depends on how you want to spend your time in Las Compuertas.

Bodega Maal offers another perspective. It invites you to discover its wines and experience the landscape of Las Compuertas. Its construction is also part of its story: as much discarded material as possible was reused in its construction. The aim was to create an aesthetic and functional ensemble with its own identity. For visitors interested in wine and design as well as activities, the winery offers another reason to discover Las Compuertas.

Parque El Mirador was renovated and equipped with tables, benches and barbecue grills. These specific features define the park’s facilities and distinguish it from the water engineering, wine and outdoor activity experiences described above. Together with the various activities, they show how a trip can be planned around different interests without trying to fit every experience into a single outing.

Choose Las Compuertas as a Holiday Destination

The Las Compuertas district can be reached via Provincial Route 82. If you are looking for a holiday rental, you can first decide which of the place’s features described here matters most for your trip: its water engineering history, one of the activities on offer, or a visit to Bodega Maal. These options offer specific ideas without requiring you to limit your stay to a single theme. For families travelling together in particular, it is helpful to discuss in advance whether historical discoveries, outdoor activities, or wine and scenery are the priority.

If you would like to compare other destinations as you plan your trip: Agrelo, Luján De Cuyo, Bajo Lunlunta, Eva Perón, Cacheuta Spa, Los Penitentes and Puente Del Inca.

Return to the main travel overview: Luján De Cuyo.