Tunuyán is a small city in the Andean foothills of western Mendoza Province. It is the heart of the Uco Valley viticultural area and wine connoisseurs come to the area to visit some of the nearly 40 local vineyards.
Understand
[edit]The city has a population of just under 50,000 residents (2020).
With average temperatures of 14 °C and elevations of 900 to 1200 meters with more than 200 days of sunshine per year, vintners find the conditions right for growing wine grapes. Grape varietals are predominately Semillon (a white grape) and Malbec (a red grape that makes Argentina's most widely exported wines). Other varietals include Bonarda and Barbera, both red grapes. Many wineries welcome visitors with vineyard tours and tastings of the local wines. Often, on-site restaurants offer dishes paired with specific wines.
Get in
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The nearest airport with commercial flights is in Mendoza.
From Mendoza, several bus companies operate comfortable, modern buses directly to Tunuyan. The most frequent buses are offered by Iselin or Andesmar, each with several buses per day. The 1-hour ride will cost about US$8.
- 1 Terminal de Omnibus. Busy bus station with a grim waiting area and filthy rest rooms.
Get around
[edit]Wineries are typically in rural areas and are unlikely to have convenient public transport. A bicycle is a good option for getting between nearby wineries, but most travelers will find it easier to rent a car. Just be careful about wine consumption and keep yourself and local residents safe.
See
[edit]- 1 Plaza Gral. San Martin, Echeverria. Pleasant central park with shade trees, benches, and a large play area for children.
Do
[edit]- Whitewater rafting - the Tunayan River has rapids up to Class III
- Cycling - the terrain in the Uco Valley is flat and main roads are paved and well maintained though rural roads are often gravel surface. There are several bike shops in town along San Martin.
- 1 Anfiteatro Municipal, H. Cuadros 1251, ☏ +54 2622 42 2193. Outdoor amphitheatre that hosts concerts, festivals and cultural events.
Wineries
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Buy
[edit]Eat
[edit]- 1 Arauco, Julio Argentino Roca 620, ☏ +54 9 2622 52 1428. Tu-Su 20:00 - 02:00. Cozy upscale country inn ambience with friendly service and an international menu that emphasizes beef. Extensive wine list and suggested pairings of dishes with compatible wines. AR 50,000.
- 2 El Gallego, San Martín 1575, ☏ +54 2622 60 1457. Tu-Su 12:00 - 15:30, W-Sa also 20:30 - 00:00, closed M. Unassuming restaurant famous for its milanesa. Finish off dinner with a rich, creamy flan. AR 25,000.
Drink
[edit]Sleep
[edit]- 1 Hostal del Sol, San Martín 651, ☏ +54 2622 42 4396. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 10:00. Modest hostel with clean rooms, covered off-street parking, and a tasty breakfast of coffee, orange juice, and toast with jam and cheese. US$65 (2026).
- 2 Finca del Rio, Av. Costanera 891, ☏ +54 2622 66 9242. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 11:00. Comfortable riverfront property on the edge of town with clean rooms and friendly hospitality provided by the owner and his mellow cats and dog. Large outdoor swimming pool available. Full country breakfast.
- 3 Hotel Tunuyan, San Martin 1248, ☏ +54 2622 42 2134. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. Moderate hotel with clean rooms. Continental breakfast of cold cuts, bread and coffee. Off-site parking is available across the street and up the block.