Discover Tunuyán from two very different perspectives: in the town, an open-air environmental learning space and a historic parish take center stage; in the wider destination of the Department of Tunuyán, wine, history and active pursuits add to the picture. Plan your accommodation search around the places you actually want to visit.
BioRío and outdoor nature education
BioRío in Parque Lombardía is a free, open-air environmental interpretation space. It introduces visitors, students and families to local flora, fauna and ecosystems. The educational walks can be self-guided or taken with a member of the environmental directorate’s technical team. This lets you explore the topics independently or choose a guided visit. Admission to BioRío within the park is free; check current accessibility before your visit.
Parroquia Nuestra Señora del Carmen
Parroquia Nuestra Señora del Carmen is in the center of Tunuyán. Construction began in 1882, and the church was inaugurated in 1885. The parish houses a Spanish statue more than 450 years old, known as “el Cristo roto.” Nuestra Señora del Carmen is the patron saint of the parish and the Department of Tunuyán. Architectural history, a historic statue and religious heritage come together in one place. If you would like to include religious history in your visit to the town, the parish offers a concrete point of reference alongside BioRío’s focus on nature.
A look at food in the department
In the Department of Tunuyán, Mercado de La Estación offers agroecological products, dried fruits and baked goods, as well as a pasta factory, preserves and wine shops. There are also dairy products, cured meats, a greengrocer, a plant nursery and a grocery store. The range brings together different food products and specialist shops, offering several points of interest if food is one of your travel interests.
The wider destination of the Department of Tunuyán
Portillo de Piuquenes lies between the departments of Tunuyán, Tupungato and San Carlos and covers 314,600 hectares. You can cross the Andes via Paso Portillo Piuquenes on horseback or on foot. Other activities in the department include alpine-style climbing in Cajón de Arenales and trekking at Cerro Punta Negra. The options differ in focus: crossing, climbing or trekking.
Parque Temático Sanmartiniano tells the story of General José de San Martín’s return to Argentina in 1823 through a biographical route. The park is also home to the educational program “Viaje por la historia y naturaleza de los Chacayes.” It has been run in the department since 2019 and welcomes hundreds of children, teachers, mothers and fathers each year. The park’s visitor area is free to enter; it is located in Manzano Histórico on Ruta Provincial 94.
Museo Municipal Retorno a la Patria has four themed halls; visits can be guided or self-guided. Monumento Retorno a la Patria was declared a National Historic Monument on November 13, 2019, by Decree 769/2019.
Wine, tours and folk music
In Los Sauces, in the Department of Tunuyán, Bodega Enzo Bianchi offers a vineyard walk, a winery tour and a wine tasting. Tours take place from Thursday to Monday and on public holidays, with a confirmed reservation made in advance. As operating details may change, check the conditions before your trip. The history of Bodega Hinojosa began in 1940, when Don Silvestre Hinojosa bought the family winery Dumit. It is one of the longer-established family wineries in Valle de Uco.
Every February, the La Tonada National Festival takes place in Lombardia Park, on the Río Tunuyán. The festival celebrates folk music and draws thousands of people. If you would like to include it in your travel plans, check the specific event dates in advance.
Discover more destinations: Potrerillos, La Consulta, Las Lenas, Los Árboles, Uspallata, Villa Nueva.
Go to the wider travel overview: Mendoza.
