Things To Do
in Tunuyán

Tunuyán is a small city in Mendoza province at the heart of Argentina's Uco Valley wine region, known for high-quality Malbec and boutique bodegas. The town combines a relaxed provincial atmosphere with easy access to Andes foothills, rivers and scenic vineyard landscapes. Visitors come for wine tourism, outdoor activities (horseback riding, rafting, hiking) and farm-to-table cuisine.

Tunuyán is a convenient base for exploring wineries, sunsets over the mountains and the agricultural rhythms of Mendoza.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Explore Tunuyán's Historic Center
morning
:

Begin your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café savoring Argentine pastries. Stroll through the charming streets of Tunuyán's historic center, admiring colonial architecture and quaint shops. Visit the main plaza to experience the local atmosphere and perhaps catch a morning market.

afternoon
:

Enjoy a traditional Argentine lunch at a family-owned restaurant featuring regional specialties. Spend the afternoon visiting the Museo Histórico y Arqueológico for insights into the region's heritage. Take a relaxing walk along the Tunuyán River, enjoying the peaceful natural surroundings.

evening
:

Dine at a local parrilla, sampling expertly grilled meats paired with Mendoza wines. Experience a cultural evening by attending a folk music performance or local dance show. Conclude the day with a refreshing stroll under the stars in the plaza.

day 2
Wine Tasting in the Uco Valley
morning
:

Head out early to a renowned vineyard in the Uco Valley for a guided tour. Learn about grape growing and winemaking processes unique to the region. Sample fresh white wines while taking in stunning views of the Andes.

afternoon
:

Enjoy a gourmet lunch at the vineyard’s restaurant, featuring farm-to-table ingredients paired thoughtfully with local wines. Visit a second winery to compare varieties and deepen your appreciation for Uco Valley's terroir. Take a scenic drive through the picturesque vineyards and mountain landscapes.

evening
:

Return to Tunuyán for a relaxed dinner at a cozy bistro offering innovative cuisine. Unwind at a wine bar sampling reserve labels and engaging with passionate sommeliers. Embrace the quiet charm of this small town as night falls.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$10-15
🍷Bodega tasting / bottle of local wine$8-25
Coffee and pastry$2-4
🚌Local bus fare / short taxi$0.50-5
🚗Car rental (daily)$40-80

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • World-class wineries and proximity to Uco Valley vineyards
  • Beautiful mountain and vineyard scenery ideal for photography
  • Relaxed provincial atmosphere with authentic local culture
  • Good base for outdoor activities in the Andes foothills
  • Limited nightlife and entertainment compared with larger cities
  • Public transport is limited for exploring outlying wineries—car recommended
  • Services and specialist dietary options can be sparse in smaller establishments
  • Seasonal closures: some bodegas and activities slow down in low season
  • "Hola, ¿cómo estás?" - Hi, how are you?
  • "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
  • "La cuenta, por favor." - The check, please.
  • "¿Me puede recomendar una bodega?" - Can you recommend a winery?
  • "Gracias, muy amable." - Thank you, very kind.

Places to Visit in Tunuyán

Visit one of these nice places.

Vineyard terraces and bodegas

Rows of vines with the Andes as a backdrop provide classic vineyard shots—early morning or late afternoon light is best.

Tunuyán River banks

River canyons and rocky banks offer dramatic water-and-cliff compositions, particularly after winter melt or spring rains.

Andes foothills / miradores

Local viewpoints above town capture panoramic vistas of Tunuyán, vineyard patches and the mountain range at sunset.

Plaza San Martín and Avenida San Martín

Photograph daily life, colonial facades and people enjoying cafés; good for street and portrait photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Tunuyán

Tunuyán’s cuisine is rooted in Mendoza’s wine culture and Argentine staples: excellent grilled meats (asado), empanadas, seasonal produce and regional desserts. Wine is central—Malbec and other varietals from Uco Valley pair with almost every meal. Many bodegas offer farm-to-table menus emphasizing local vegetables, olive oil and artisanal cheeses.

Tunuyán Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Asado (Argentine barbecue)

Grilled beef cuts cooked over wood or charcoal; find it at parrillas in town or as a bodega lunch option — best with Malbec.

Must-Try!

Empanadas mendocinas

Regional style empanadas often with beef, onion and spice; available at bakeries and markets for a quick bite.

Dulce de leche and regional desserts

Sweet pastries and ice creams flavored with dulce de leche and local fruits; enjoy at cafés and heladerías.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Mercado Municipal / Feria local

Small municipal market stalls and weekend fairs sell fresh produce, cheeses, empanadas and baked goods — great for tasting regional ingredients and picking up picnic supplies.

Street cafés and panaderías

Morning bakeries serve medialunas, facturas and coffee; afternoon kiosks often sell empanadas and sandwiches.

Climate Guide

Weather

Tunuyán has a semi-arid climate with low humidity and large diurnal temperature ranges—hot, sunny summers and cool winters. Precipitation is relatively low and concentrated in the warmer months; spring and autumn are mild and comfortable, making them popular travel seasons.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

A friendly greeting and a single cheek kiss (or a handshake) are common—use formal titles (Señor/Señora) in first encounters or older people.

Punctuality

Social events are often relaxed about start times; for tours and reservations be punctual to avoid missing bookings.

Conversation topics

Argentines are sociable and enjoy talking about food, family and football; approach politics or local controversies respectfully and listen to local views.

Respect local spaces

When visiting vineyards or farms, follow staff guidance, stay on marked paths and avoid picking grapes or produce without permission.

Safety Guide

Safety

Tunuyán is generally safe for tourists, but petty theft like pickpocketing can occur—keep valuables secure, use hotel safes and stay aware in crowded places. When exploring rural or river areas, check conditions, travel with a guide if unfamiliar, and let someone know your plans. Always use licensed transport for night travel and avoid dark, isolated streets.

Tipping in Tunuyán

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In restaurants a tip of around 10% is customary for good service; rounding up in cafés and leaving small change for bar staff is appreciated. For guides and drivers, small tips are common if service is satisfactory.

Payment Methods

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted at hotels, larger restaurants and bodegas; small businesses and markets may prefer cash (Argentine pesos). ATMs are available but can charge fees—notify your bank and carry some cash for remote excursions.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Hot, dry days with cool nights; ideal for vineyard visits but expect strong sun—use sunscreen and stay hydrated. Afternoon thunderstorms can occur in high summer (Dec–Feb) but are less common than in humid climates.

Autumn

Harvest season (february–april) brings busy bodegas, grape-picking events and spectacular vine colors; milder temperatures make it one of the best times to visit.

Winter

Cooler days and chilly nights; some mountain activities (higher-altitude skiing) are possible further into the Andes, while Tunuyán itself is quieter—perfect for cozy wine tastings.

Spring

Flowering vineyards and warming temperatures; outdoor activities pick up and the landscape is green after spring rains—great for hiking and photography.

Nightlife Guide

Tunuyán at Night

Tunuyán’s nightlife is low-key compared with big cities: pleasant wine bars, bodegas with evening events, small live-music venues and a few casual pubs. Most social life centers around late dinners, wine tastings and weekends when restaurants and bars stay open late; for clubs and a larger scene, travelers often head to the city of Mendoza.

Hiking in Tunuyán

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Andes foothills trails

Network of unmarked and guided trails in the lower Andes offering moderate hikes, great viewpoints and opportunities to observe local flora and fauna.

Vineyard walking routes

Gentle walks through and around vineyards in the Uco Valley—ideal for photography and learning about viticulture.

River canyon walks

Short hikes along sections of the Tunuyán River and nearby canyons; routes vary in difficulty and are best done with local guidance when water levels are high.

Local mirador trails

Short climbs to nearby viewpoints above Tunuyán for panoramas of the valley and Andes—great at sunrise or sunset.

Airports

How to reach Tunuyán by plane.

Governor Francisco Gabrielli International Airport (El Plumerillo) - Mendoza (MDZ)

The main airport serving Mendoza province, located near Mendoza city. Tunuyán is roughly a 1–1.5 hour drive depending on traffic; buses and private transfers connect the airport with Tunuyán.

San Rafael / Subregional Airports

Smaller regional airports operate seasonal or limited flights; ground transfers from these can be considerably longer. Most international visitors will use Mendoza (MDZ).

Getting Around

Walkability

The town center is compact and easily walkable—most shops, cafés and plazas are within a short stroll. Exploring vineyards and attractions outside town usually requires a car, bike or guided transfer.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local Argentine residents

Majority of the population are Argentines of European and local heritage working in agriculture, services and tourism.

Seasonal agricultural workers

During harvest seasons many seasonal workers come to the valley to help with grape picking and winery operations.

Expat and tourist community

A smaller but visible group of foreign visitors and expatriates involved in wine, hospitality and tourism activities.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

Argentina’s most popular sport; local clubs and passionate supporters are part of daily conversation and community life.

Horseback riding and polo

Equestrian traditions are strong—horseback rides through vineyards are a popular recreational activity and polo is practiced regionally.

Cycling

Road cycling and mountain biking are common among locals and visitors, with scenic routes around the valley and foothills.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Tunuyán is generally light compared with major urban centers, though weekends and harvest season can bring busier roads around popular bodegas. Public transport is limited to local buses and regional coaches; renting a car or arranging driver-guided tours is the most convenient way to visit dispersed wineries and natural sites.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Tunuyán.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are available but limited compared to larger cities; bodegas and restaurants often accommodate with salads, grilled vegetables, pasta and cheese dishes—ask in advance.

Vegan

Vegan choices exist (salads, simple vegetable mains), but it helps to notify restaurants ahead and bring snacks if you have strict needs.

Gluten-free

Awareness of gluten-free diets is growing; many establishments can prepare gluten-free options if requested, but cross-contamination can occur.

Allergies

Carry clear Spanish notes describing allergies and confirm ingredients at restaurants; smaller places may have limited ingredient transparency.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Tunuyán has local clinics and a municipal health center for routine care and minor emergencies; for specialized treatment or major emergencies travelers are typically referred to larger hospitals in the city of Mendoza. Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is recommended.

Discover Argentina

Read more in our Argentina 2025 Travel Guide.

Argentina Travel Guide