Tunuyán Department: Andes, History and Wine
Accommodation in Tunuyán Department
Tunuyán Department brings together historical discoveries, experiences in the Andes and insights into wine production. You may be interested in museums and a San Martín-themed park, want to focus on active pursuits such as trekking or climbing, or plan a visit to a winery. These different interests give your trip its own direction—and help you choose the right holiday rental or accommodation for your stay in the department.
Vast landscapes and routes through the Andes
Portillo de Piuquenes lies between the departments of Tunuyán, Tupungato and San Carlos and covers an area of 314,600 hectares. The crossing of the Andes via Paso Portillo Piuquenes can be made on horseback or on foot. This gives you two different ways to experience it. If you are interested in a trip focused on active pursuits, there are also two other named destinations: climbing in the alpine style takes place at Cajón de Arenales, while trekking is offered at Cerro Punta Negra. The activities are clearly distinct: alpine climbing here, trekking there, and a choice between horseback and walking routes for the Andes crossing.
Discover San Martín and natural history
At Parque Temático Sanmartiniano, a biographical route about San Martín recounts General José de San Martín’s return to Argentina in 1823. The park is open to visitors free of charge. The subject offers families a tangible historical connection: the educational program “Viaje por la historia y naturaleza de los Chacayes” has been run in Tunuyán Department since 2019 and welcomes hundreds of children, teachers, mothers and fathers every year.
The Museo Arqueológico y de Ciencias Naturales focuses on the Indigenous past and native flora and fauna. If you want to bring history and nature together in a museum visit, you can find both here. The Museo Municipal Retorno a la Patria offers a different focus: its four themed rooms can be explored on guided or self-guided visits. Depending on your interests, you can choose between a biographical trail, archaeological and natural history exhibits, and a museum with four rooms.
The Monumento Retorno a la Patria also has a historical connection to San Martín. On 13 November 2019, it was declared a National Historic Monument by Decree 769/2019. The historical connection of the theme park, the museum exhibits and this designation offer distinct points of interest for a culture-focused trip.
Wine and folk music
At Bodega Enzo Bianchi, the visitor experience includes a walk through the vineyard, a guided tour of the winery and a wine tasting. Tours are offered from Thursday to Monday and on public holidays, with a confirmed reservation made in advance. If you plan to include this activity, take into account both the stated days of the week and the requirement for a confirmed reservation.
Another glimpse of local culture awaits at the La Tonada National Fest. Held every February at Lombardia Park on the Río Tunuyán, it brings together thousands of people to celebrate folk music. Alongside wine-related activities, music and an annual festival are therefore other distinct interests to consider when planning your trip.
Whether your trip is shaped more by activities in the Andes, history, nature, wine or folk music can help determine which holiday rental you choose in Tunuyán Department. Other places to explore include Vista Flores, Colonia Las Rosas, Los Sauces and Estancia La Pampa.
For the broader travel overview: Mendoza.
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