Visit Cuyo - Argentina

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 The 6,959 m high Aconcagua - “stone sentinel” in the Indian language – the highest peak in the Western Hemisphere, towers over its surroundings. Its steep slopes are renown and respected by mountain climbers from all over there world, who undertake the challenge of reaching its imposing peak, as condors soar over their heads. Mendoza is 95 Km away from Uspallata, which in turn is 80 Km away from Penitentes winter resort. Leaving Puente del Inca behind, we reach Paso de la Cumbre and the Cristo Redentor tunnel that links Argentina with Chile. The Southeast wall of the Aconcagua can be seen from this place.

Mendoza and San Juan , Argentine Wines The glaciers of the Andes mountains supply the water which irrigates the fruit orchards and vineyards where the famous Argentine wines are made. 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. Thermal Spas There are thermal spas in Santa Teresita (La Rioja), La Laja and Pismanta (San Juan),Cacheuta, El Challao and Los Molles (Mendoza), Balde and San Gerónimo (San Luis).