Between the majestic Cordillera Frontal mountain ridge, or Cordón de Plata (Silver Cord), to the west, and the foothill slopes to the east, extends the quivering but refreshing, immense and spectacular Ucos valley, a region that comprises the departments of Tupungato, Tunuyán and San Carlos, to which travelers can arrive from Ciudad de Mendoza by the Ruta Nacional Nº 7 and by the Nº 40.

It is a region with moderate temperatures during the southern hemisphere's summer, and a rainfall average swinging between 180 and 190 mm. The vegetation is squat and leafless. It has been forested with poplars, willows and conifers around the dikes, and bordering the streams and canals.

The valley, as a whole, shows mountainous landscapes with multiple fruit tree fields that form a colorful mosaic rutted by the Rio Tunuyán river and brooks; and clean and transparent springs surrounded by the magic of the Huayquerías.

Right after entering the Ruta Nacional Nº 7, travelers perceive the aroma of the apples, pears and peaches, along with fine grapes' vineyards standing besides the best groves, all which give place to the production of ciders, juices and essences on industrial establishments of great importance.

POTRERILLOS (SMALL PADDOCKS)

In this town starts the great circuit to negotiate the Ucos valley. It is 49 kilometers away from the Ciudad de Mendoza by the Ruta Nacional Nº 7.

It is a natural oasis where travelers can enjoy an splendid microclimate, with temperatures 5º C lower than those found in Ciudad de Mendoza during the southern hemisphere's summer. It is crossed by the wide water course and is forested with extensive poplar groves that give the place a singular characteristic during the southern hemisphere's autumn.

TUPUNGATO

It can be reached by taking the Ruta Nacional Nº 40 from Mendoza, up to the Ruta Nacional Nº 86 crossing, in the Zapata locality. But it can also be reached by the Ruta Nacional Nº 7, up to Potrerillos, and from there on by the Ruta Provincial Nº 89.

In either case, Tupungato is the entrance door to the Uco valley, and the service center for an area characterized by prosperous farms and ranches as well. On this fertile corridor, the vegetable cultivations and the fruit trees plantations are predominant and form a polychrome series of checkerboards over the fields.

The town is guarded by the El Plata hill to the north and the Tupungato volcano to the west, which confer a particular physiognomy to the place. The area is irrigated by many rivers and streams whose banks are made good by its inhabitants for rural activities.

Its origin dates back to the year 1612, when the first Jesuit mission, La Arboleda, was established in the area. Many years later, by the end of the 18th century, started its commercial and social consolidation with the construction of the Fuerte San Carlos fort. In 1858 it is entitled a Villa (Town).

The 7,445 inhabitants' town has been structured along the Av. General Belgrano, a road that concentrates the commercial activity and the bars and restaurants as well.

A pedestrian walk in the above mentioned road, allows strollers the admiration of the old mansions built by the Italian immigrants at the beginning of the 20th century; and from there, the appreciation of the surrounding new urban spaces.

Its parish church venerates the Virgen de Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro, Patrona de Tupungato, whose image, originally arriving to the La Arboleda oratorio, comes from Cusco (Peru) and is more than 300 years old.

The local festivities and traditions are present at Tupungato during the Fiesta de la Vendimia (Grape Harvest Fiesta), which is organized in all of Mendoza's departments. There is also the Gran Carnaval de Antaño (Great Old Days Carnival) and the Latin American motorbike Super Cross.

The town offers good lodging alternatives (hotels, hostels and villas), restaurants, commerce and financial activities, camping areas and every necessary thing travelers may need to enjoy a comfortable and unforgettable nice visit.

The villas and some tourist operators offer guided tours for climbing, trekking, fishing, and flora and fauna observation. Horseback rides, with night stops at the sierra posts, and excursions to the Parque Provincial Tupungato park can also be arranged.

Monasterio Del Cristo Orante (Monastery of the Praying Christ)
Posed in a landscape inviting to prayer, this Catholic monastery offers the faithful a space for spiritual retreat. There are numerous people from all over the country coming to pay a visit. Craftsmanship can be purchased as well.

Cuchillos (Knifes)
It is the core line of one of the most successful excursions starting from Tupungato. 13 years ago the Karup da Silva family started a small artisan knife factory. Stainless steel for the blades and black lapacho for the handles. It is located five kilometers south of the town, through route 92.

Through the Zapata road, travelers get a chance to know important sawmills, garlic packing facilities and farms where excellent fruit trees and vineyards are grown. After a six kilometer ride, for instance, one finds the Gianquinta store where an excellent and extraordinary wine, bottled in damajuanas (big rounded bottles), is sold.