Tupungato Department: Vineyards, Mountain Landscapes and Discoveries

Mountain landscapes and wine shape the travel experience in Tupungato Department. The vineyards lie at an elevation of more than 1,200 m; at the same time, the department is defined by the Tupungato volcano, one of the highest peaks in the Americas at more than 6,500 m. There are also trails through the valley, wine tastings, regional cuisine and cultural sites. Depending on whether you would like to focus your trip on landscapes, outdoor activities, cuisine or history, there are different discoveries to be made.

Mountain Landscapes and Trails Through the Valley

The La Carrera–San José–El Peral Circuit runs along the Camino de los Cerrillos. From the Ruta Provincial 86, you can reach Tupungato and take in views of the valley stretching out at the foot of the mountain range, whose peaks are snow-covered year-round. The Camino de la Carrera is also considered a scenic route; access is via the Ruta Provincial 89. Tupungato’s routes can be explored by car, on foot or by bicycle, offering different perspectives on the valley. You can choose whether you would prefer to experience the landscapes on a drive, on a hike or by bicycle.

For a specific hike, Senderismo de Montaña is a moderately strenuous route leading to the confluence of the Las Tunas and Santa Clara rivers at an elevation of 2,250 m. This tour offers a clearly defined destination for anyone who wants to make a hike a central part of their plans. The stated moderate difficulty and elevation provide concrete guidance for planning your day, without implying a hiking time.

Getting There and Experiencing Different Landscapes

Several roads offer different routes in and perspectives. The Ruta Provincial 89 is another access route to Tupungato and connects the town with Potrerillos, Las Vegas and El Salto in the Department of Luján de Cuyo. The road passes through foothill landscapes featuring impressive estancias and cultivated land. The Ruta Provincial 99 runs through the Gualtallary area; heading east, it connects with the Ruta Nacional 40.

Wine, Tastings and Regional Cuisine

Tupungato’s vineyards lie at an elevation of more than 1,200 m. Their wines are considered unique, intense and elegant, and stand out around the world today. The urban Tour de Vinos takes visitors along Tupungato’s central streets and includes wine tastings and food pairings. It also introduces several sites of heritage interest in the Ciudad district. The tour combines wine-related experiences with insights into local cultural heritage.

There are also different ways to enjoy the region’s flavours: at Sabores de Tupungato, participants prepare their own five-course regional menu using locally produced ingredients, guided by a local chef. Masi Tupungato offers a vineyard visit with a tasting of three Masi Tupungato wines, or, alternatively, a wine tasting accompanied by several types of cheese. Bodega Sophenia offers guided winery tours with a range of wine-tasting options. You can weigh up a cooking experience, a wine tasting or a visit with several tasting options, depending on your culinary interests.

Culture and Special Experiences

Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus began at the Capilla Sagrado Corazón de Jesús around 1905. Since then, the chapel has been a centre of pilgrimage and prayer for many worshippers and devotees. The Museo del RIM 11 Grl. Las Heras “Subof. P. Domingo Escárate” displays objects, photographs and historical documents, as well as tracing the development of the weapons and uniforms of the RIM 11 “Tnte. Grl. Gregorio de Las Heras” Mountain Infantry Regiment. Those interested in religious history or military history will find two clearly distinct cultural subjects to consider when planning their holiday.

Astrotourism in Tupungato is aimed at the general public, astronomers, amateurs and photographers. Another experience is the Camino de Los Cerrillos, which can be travelled along the Ruta Provincial 86 on nights with a full moon. In the El Peral district, a campsite offers the opportunity to camp and enjoy a nature experience in Tupungato.

As a destination within the department, you can also discover Tupungato. Other destination pages: Malargüe Department, San Rafael Department, Guaymallén, Guaymallén Department, Godoy Cruz Department, San Carlos Department and General Alvear.

For the broader travel overview: Mendoza.