📍 Argentina

CUYO ARGENTINA: WINE VALLEYS AND DESERT MOUNTAIN WONDERS

Wine roads climb toward the Andes, deserts glow ochre, volcanic peaks pierce cloudless skies. Discover Cuyo, Argentina's wild frontier.

≈ 10
Days
0
Km
10
Stops
📖 6 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Taste Mendoza wines facing the Andes, discover desert silence at Barreal and explore Talampaya's red canyons. Cuyo region brings wine, desert and mountain together.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Mendoza

Mendoza - Photo 1Mendoza - Photo 2
2 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Mendoza city center with parks, gardens, and tree-lined plazas
2
Wine tours and vineyard visits in the surrounding countryside
🎯

Activities

→
Wine tasting at renowned bodegas
→
Stroll through leafy streets with irrigation channels
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River rafting and paragliding in surrounding countryside
2
Day

Puente Del Inca

mountain bridge inca stone

Puente Del Inca - Photo 1Puente Del Inca - Photo 2Puente Del Inca - Photo 3Puente Del Inca - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Aconcagua, the highest mountain in the Americas at 6,960 meters
2
Puente del Inca natural rock bridge over Rio de las Cuevas
3
Cristo Redentor de los Andes monument at 3,800 meters on Chile border
🎯

Activities

→
Scenic drive through gorgeous glacial valleys and steep mountainsides
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Photograph the colorful rock bridge and remains of old spa house
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View glistening glaciers and explore hiking trails
+1 Optional activities
3
Day

Barreal

desert silence dune expanse

Barreal - Photo 1Barreal - Photo 2Barreal - Photo 3Barreal - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Barreal charming valley town on banks of Rio de los Patos
2
El Leoncito National Park with Sierra del Tontal mountain range
3
Views of Mercedario, the eighth-highest Andean peak at 6,720 meters
🎯

Activities

→
Star gazing in El Leoncito under guaranteed clear skies
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Hiking trails past hidden waterfalls and streams
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Explore historical and paleontological sites along ancient Inca road system
+1 Optional activities
4
Day

Ischigualasto

dinosaur fossil stone park

Ischigualasto - Photo 1Ischigualasto - Photo 2Ischigualasto - Photo 3
3 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Ischigualasto Provincial Park, Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon)
2
Painted Valley with extraordinary rock formations
3
Cancha de Bochas black rock spheres
4
Distinctive formations: The Sphinx, The Submarine, The Mushroom
🎯

Activities

→
Walk on moon-like crumbling white dusty ground
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Visit the museum with dinosaur fossil discoveries
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Photograph otherworldly desert landscapes
5
Day

Talampaya

canyon rust stone sculpture

Talampaya - Photo 1Talampaya - Photo 2
2 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Talampaya National Park in the Argentine Monte ecoregion
2
Amazing canyons and sandstone sculptures
3
Petroglyphs at Puerta del Canon dating back millennia
🎯

Activities

→
Guided tour into the inner depths of Talampaya gorge
→
Explore archaeological and paleontological sites
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Learn about landscapes shaped millions of years ago
6
Day

San Rafael

wine river valley town

San Rafael - Photo 1San Rafael - Photo 2San Rafael - Photo 3San Rafael - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 6
🔍

Discover

1
San Rafael city with Diamante River coursing through
2
Wineries in the surrounding countryside
🎯

Activities

→
Explore bustling plazas, cafes, and restaurants
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Wine tasting at local bodegas
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Stroll tree-lined streets providing shade
7
Day

Canon Del Atuel

gorge turquoise river wild

Canon Del Atuel - Photo 1Canon Del Atuel - Photo 2Canon Del Atuel - Photo 3Canon Del Atuel - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 7
🔍

Discover

1
Canon del Atuel narrow canyon with fantastic rock formations
2
Valle Grande expansive reservoir
🎯

Activities

→
River rafting and canoeing down Atuel River rapids
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Hiking and mountain biking through the canyon
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Horse riding along canyon trails
+1 Optional activities
8
Day

Las Lenas

ski resort alpine peak

Las Lenas - Photo 1Las Lenas - Photo 2Las Lenas - Photo 3
3 photos
Day 8
🔍

Discover

1
Las Lenas ski resort, largest skiable area in South America
🎯

Activities

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Skiing and snowboarding on pistes for all levels (winter)
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Hiking, horse riding, and rock climbing (summer)
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Enjoy restaurants, hotels, and mountain scenery
9
Day

La Payunia

volcanic cone red desert

La Payunia - Photo 1La Payunia - Photo 2La Payunia - Photo 3La Payunia - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 9
🔍

Discover

1
Reserva Provincial La Payunia with over 800 volcanoes
2
Payun Matru, Payun Liso, and Santa Maria volcanoes
🎯

Activities

→
Explore one of the most volcanic places on Earth
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Travel through desolate black lava landscapes
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Experience otherworldly scenery stained by ash and lava
10
Day

Laguna Del Diamante

mountain lake salt mirror

Laguna Del Diamante - Photo 1Laguna Del Diamante - Photo 2Laguna Del Diamante - Photo 3Laguna Del Diamante - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 10
🔍

Discover

1
Laguna del Diamante at 3,300 meters in volcanic caldera
2
Maipo stratovolcano reflected in shimmering waters
🎯

Activities

→
Photograph diamond-shaped volcano reflection in lake
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Observe flamingo flocks in hyper alkaline waters
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Visit between December and March only

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🛡️ Travel advice - Argentina

Check official recommendations

UK Foreign Travel Advice →

❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Spring (September-November): Mild temperatures, blooming flowers, excellent for wine regions and outdoor activities, shoulder season pricing.

Summer (December-February): Peak tourist season, warm weather, perfect for Patagonia, highest prices, book accommodations early.

Fall (March-May): Harvest season in wine regions, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, excellent for Buenos Aires and cultural activities.

Winter (June-August): Ski season in Andes, perfect for northern regions (warm and dry), Buenos Aires cultural season, tango shows peak.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 8 and 12 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in Argentina?

From tango in Buenos Aires to Patagonian glaciers and world-famous steaks and wines. Experience gaucho culture, stunning Andes peaks, and vibrant cities with European flair. Iguazu Falls and diverse landscapes from tropics to Antarctica create endless adventures. Argentina combines passionate culture with natural wonders and culinary excellence.