Pocito between vineyards, mountains and tradition

Vineyards, mountain views and regional traditions shape the experiences that make Pocito an appealing destination. Along the Ruta del Vino, you can learn how wine and sparkling wine are made, then sample the products. If you’d like to include nature and culture in your stay, you’ll also find viewpoints, museums, festivals and a regular market offering different ways to explore the area.

Experience wine and discover regional production

The Ruta del Vino combines insights into winemaking with experiences on site: it includes underground cellars and large stainless-steel tanks. Walks among the vines offer views of the mountains of Pocito. The tasting that follows is also part of the experience.

Another distinctive feature of wine production in Pocito is Bodega Las Marianas/Finca Camuñas. The old winery in the Departamento de Pocito has a history spanning more than 100 years and produces wines and sparkling wines in limited batches. If you’re interested in local wine culture, these details give your stay a specific focus: this is about production, history and small batches, not just the taste in the glass.

Mountain views and nature experiences

Cerro Valdivia is considered geological heritage of the Province of San Juan. It offers panoramic views of the Precordillera and Valle de Tulum. This makes the mountain a striking natural highlight for anyone who wants to discover the landscape during their trip. For planning an activity, one past event is described specifically: as part of Semana Santa 2024, a free guided trek on Cerro Valdivia was included in the programme. Participants had to register at the Casa de Turismo y Cultura.

Baño de la Lechuza also combines nature and activity. This natural site is located in the Sierra Chica de Zonda; its rock formations were created by erosion over thousands of years. The hills around Baño de la Lechuza are considered suitable for trekking. The Cabalgata al Baño de la Lechuza features free performances by various folk musicians at the destination.

Culture, festivals and places to explore

A replica of the Statue of Liberty stands in Pocito’s main square. It was made by the same French foundry that worked with sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi. This detail also makes the square interesting to travellers with an interest in art and its history.

The Casa de Turismo y Cultura in Pocito includes two different types of museum. The permanent museum displays cultural artefacts from Pocito. The travelling museum, in turn, gives various artists the opportunity to present their work. The annual patron saint festival in honour of Saint Barbara is also held there; Barbara is the patron saint of the municipality. Together, the museum, statue and festival represent different aspects of local cultural life.

Tomaticán and regional products

The Fiesta Provincial del Tomaticán programme includes a Tomaticán cooking competition, as well as various tastings and food trucks. Tomaticán is a typical dish of the Cuyo region, made with eggs, tomatoes and onions. The first edition began in 2024; following its success, another edition was proposed as a provincial festival. This is an interesting culinary detail for planning your trip, but it is not a confirmed date for a future edition.

A regular source of information about regional produce is the Feria Agroproductiva de Pocito. It takes place on the second Saturday of every month in Plaza De La Libertad. Products on offer include organic fruit and vegetables, sweets, preserves, baked goods, cured meats, wine, nuts and olive oil. The market therefore offers a wide selection of foods and products that showcase Pocito’s agricultural and culinary offerings.

Getting there and choosing where to stay

The Departamento de Pocito can be reached from the city of San Juan via several routes. These include National Route 40, Alfonso XIII, Avenida Intendente Joaquín Uñac and Calle Chacabuco. When choosing your holiday rental, you can start by considering which experiences you’d like to shape your stay: winemaking and tastings, scenery and trekking, culture or regional food. This way, your choice of accommodation can reflect your interests rather than a single excursion destination.

More destinations: Villa Aberastain; Departamento Calingasta, Departamento Albardón, Departamento Valle Fértil, Departamento Iglesia, Santa Lucía, Departamento Caucete and Departamento Jáchal.

See the overview of destinations in the region: San Juan.