Cuyo Travel Guide
Plan your trip to Cuyo with this comprehensive travel guide. Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to eat, stay and more.
- Introduction to Cuyo
- List of Places to Visit in Cuyo
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Cuyo
- Best Things to Do in Cuyo: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Cuyo
- Food and Drink Scene of Cuyo
- Where to Stay in Cuyo: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Cuyo: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Cuyo
- Best Time to Visit Cuyo
- Do’s and Don’ts of Cuyo
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Cuyo: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Cuyo
- Where to Go Next from Cuyo: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Cuyo
Cuyo is a breathtaking region located in central Argentina, South America. Surrounded by the Andes Mountains, this region offers a plethora of natural attractions, outdoor activities, and culturally significant sites. Cuyo includes the provinces of Mendoza, San Juan, and San Luis.
List of Places to Visit in Cuyo
If you’re planning a trip to Cuyo, here are some of the must-visit attractions:
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Casa de Fader
- Museo Provincial de Bellas Artes
- Museo Histórico Sarmiento
- Puente del Inca
Natural Attractions of Cuyo: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Aconcagua Provincial Park
- Cerro de la Gloria
- Laguna del Diamante
- Sierra de las Quijadas National Park
Hiking/Biking Routes of Cuyo
Cuyo is a paradise for hikers and bikers with many trails from easy to challenging. Here are some of the popular trails:
- Quebrada del Durazno Trail
- Cerro Tunduqueral Trail
- Circuito de las Altas Cumbres Trail
- Río Mendoza Trail
Best Things to Do in Cuyo: Activities and Tours
- Wine tasting tours
- Hot springs
- Paragliding
- Rafting
Week-Long Itinerary for Cuyo
Day 1: Arrive in Mendoza, explore the city, and visit Casa de Fader.
Day 2: Wine tasting tour in Maipú, a town located just outside of Mendoza.
Day 3: Scenic hike or bike ride in Aconcagua Provincial Park.
Day 4: Visit Puente del Inca, a natural bridge, and relax in the nearby hot springs.
Day 5: Tour of the Sierra de las Quijadas National Park.
Day 6-7: Experience the San Juan province with an outdoor adventure like paragliding, rafting, or horseback riding.
Food and Drink Scene of Cuyo
Cuyo is most famous for its wine and beef. Here are some must-try dishes and beverages:
Must-Try Dishes
- Asado (barbecue beef)
- Empanadas (baked or fried pastrami pies)
- Locro (corn and meat stew)
- Humita (steamed corn dumplings)
Local Beverages
- Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Torrontés wine
- Fernet, an herbal liqueur
Where to Stay in Cuyo: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Cuyo offers a variety of accommodations from luxury hotels to affordable hostels. Here are some recommendations:
- Park Hyatt Mendoza (luxury)
- Hostel Alamo (budget-friendly)
- Casa de Uco Vineyards & Wine Hotel (luxury)
What to Buy in Cuyo: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Wine
- Alpaca wool products
- Handcrafted leather goods
Local Culture and Customs of Cuyo
Argentinians are known for their friendliness, hospitality and their love for meat. It’s imperative to respect their culture by being polite and thanking them for their hospitality.
Best Time to Visit Cuyo
The best time to visit Cuyo is between March to May and September to November when the weather is mild.
Do’s and Don’ts of Cuyo
Do:
- Try the local wine and beef
- Learn about the local culture and customs
- Explore the natural attractions
Don’t:
- Be rude or disrespectful
- Drink tap water
Safety and Health
Safety in Cuyo
Cuyo is a safe region, but it’s essential to keep an eye on your belongings to avoid petty theft.
Health in Cuyo
Argentinians pride themselves on their high-quality meat, a rarity in other parts of the world. It’s generally safe to eat meat here. Don’t forget to drink water only from a trusted source and check the ingredients of your food to avoid unintended allergic reactions.
Getting to Cuyo: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Cuyo
- Governor Francisco Gabrielli International Airport (Mendoza)
- Domingo Faustino Sarmiento Airport (San Juan)
Bus Stations Near Cuyo
- Mendoza Bus Terminal
- San Juan Bus Terminal
Other Options
- You can rent a car in Buenos Aires and drive to Cuyo (14-hour drive).
How to Get Around in Cuyo
The best way to get around Cuyo is by car unless you plan on hiking or biking trails.
Where to Go Next from Cuyo: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Bariloche
- Cordoba
- Valparaiso, Chile
Conclusion
Cuyo is an unforgettable destination, unique for its blend of natural attractions, fascinating cultures, and rich customs. Whether you’re an adventurer looking for outdoor activities or a wine connoisseur exploring new flavors, Cuyo has something for everyone. Plan your trip with the help of this comprehensive guide and get ready to create memories that will last a lifetime.