Godoy Cruz can be explored through a range of interests: a six-kilometre cycling route leads to Parque Estación Benegas, while museums, religious architecture and historic wineries offer further insights. The city’s gastronomic districts provide another focus. When planning your stay, you can give different weight to exercise, culture and meal breaks, depending on which aspects of Godoy Cruz you’d like to discover.
Cycling Route, Bike Rental and Parque Estación Benegas
The cycling route in Godoy Cruz is six kilometres long and connects Parque Estación Benegas with the border with Capital at Calle Moreno. Its length and endpoints provide a clearly defined route if you plan to make cycling a focus of your stay.
Another bike option is En la Bici, a public, free and sustainable bike-sharing system for residents and tourists. There are stations in Mendoza and Godoy Cruz. Bikes can be picked up at one station and returned to the nearest station to your destination. Registration requirements may change.
Parque Estación Benegas serves as a sports and recreation park and is also a venue for artistic events such as concerts and craft fairs. The Estación de Niñas y Niños is located in the park. It offers families theatre performances, interactive games and various workshops, including painting. The park thus brings sporting and cultural activities together.
Museums, Architecture and Wine History
The Museo Ferroviario de Godoy Cruz presents the history of the railway in the province of Mendoza and in Godoy Cruz. It focuses on the development of different railway lines, stations and services, with particular attention to the Ferrocarril Trasandino. Those interested in transport history will find a way to explore the region’s past here.
Parroquia San Vicente Ferrer is one of the most representative religious places of worship in Godoy Cruz and is now located at Lavalle 60. Iglesia San Vicente has three naves inside—a feature characteristic of classical French Gothic architecture.
The history of wine can also be read in the buildings. Bodega Caro is located in the centre of Godoy Cruz, in an 1884 building with distinctive exposed-brick architecture. On the site of the historic Bodega Arizu, which operated there for almost a century, stands an architectural complex designated National Historic Heritage. A historic tour tells the story of this emblematic winery and other wine-making families of Godoy Cruz.
Centro Patrimonial ArtÃstico Cristoforo Colombo presents contemporary art interventions and performances, alongside free workshops. The programme of activities and workshops may change. On 11 May 2017, Cine Teatro Plaza was declared Departmental Heritage of Godoy Cruz.
Murals and Meal Breaks
The Encuentro Latinoamericano de Muralismo y Arte Público has been held in the Department of Godoy Cruz since 2009. Its eight editions to date have left more than 250 murals. In addition, municipal ordinance 6119/12 recognises Godoy Cruz as an open-air museum. The murals give art its own public dimension, alongside the activities at Centro Patrimonial ArtÃstico Cristoforo Colombo.
Avenida San MartÃn and San MartÃn Sur are the gastronomic districts of Godoy Cruz, making them good places for a meal break. The options range from prepared dishes and international cuisine to simple, quick meals. This variety makes it easier to choose a break that fits your day’s plans, whether you have time for a full meal or prefer something simple.
Activities in the Department of Godoy Cruz
The municipal Special Nature Conservation Zone in the Piedemonte is located in the Department of Godoy Cruz, the wider travel destination. At elevations of 1,200 metres above sea level and higher, mountain biking, mountaineering, hiking, trekking, birdwatching and recreation are possible, provided the activities pose no risk to the ecosystem.
For the wider travel overview: Department of Godoy Cruz.
