Uco Valley travel guide
The Uco Valley is one of the great wine-growing areas of the province of Mendoza, at the foot of the Andes, and brings together the departments of Tupungato, Tunuyán and San Carlos. Its high-altitude vineyards, contemporary wineries and open mountain landscape, with Cerro Tupungato as the reference point, set it apart from the zones closer to the city. In a programme it works as an extension of Mendoza for those seeking high-level wine tourism and quiet lodgings among the vines.
Season by month
When to travel- Peak season
- High season
- Shoulder season
- Low season
What to do in the Uco Valley
- Wineries and lunch in the valley approx. 9 h A full day from Mendoza with lunch; contemporary wineries with the cordillera straight ahead.
- High-altitude wines A dry valley at the foot of the cordillera with large temperature swings: part of what gives its wines their character.
- Cerro Tupungato It guards the valley and anchors the landscape; on a clear day it is seen from much of the valley.
- Blending wine with the winemaker A private experience for small groups, in which the client puts together their own blend.
- On horseback or by bicycle among the crops Outdoor rides among vineyards and crops, with the cordillera on the horizon.
- El Manzano Histórico A site tied to General San Martín, among the attractions the provincial government highlights; a cultural pause in a winery day.
Neighbourhoods in Uco Valley
- Tupungato, Tunuyán and San Carlos The three departments, from north to south; distances between them are considerable and covered by vehicle.
Where to eat in the Uco Valley
- Lunch among the vineyards Tables at an estate or winery overlooking the vines and the cordillera; booked in advance.
Who to offer it to
When to go
The valley is dry, sunny and marked by large temperature swings, and it can be visited well almost all year round. The harvest, from late summer into autumn, is the liveliest moment; spring brings budding vineyards and mild days. Winter is cold and dry, with snow-capped peaks behind, and some wineries adjust their hours or visits.
How many days
Two nights as an extension of Mendoza allow one winery day with lunch and another, more relaxed one; three if the programme has a strong wine and food component. A day trip from the city is possible, but the distances within the valley limit how much can be seen.
What not to miss
The contemporary wineries and their tastings, with lunch among the vines; Cerro Tupungato as a backdrop; blending wine with the winemaker; and rides on horseback or by bicycle among the crops. The three departments of the valley, from north to south, are Tupungato, Tunuyán and San Carlos.
What to offer and why
Two nights at an estate or vineyard hotel: one winery day with a long lunch and another, freer day with a horse or bicycle ride. Three nights if the client is travelling for wine and gastronomy. It is the quiet stopover that contrasts with the city of Mendoza.
When to book
Demand concentrates in the harvest, from late summer into autumn. Always check availability in advance and, in that period, as far ahead as possible. A winery with its own restaurant or a private blend with the winemaker is booked even further ahead.
Practical and operational
The valley is a little over an hour by road from the city of Mendoza, whose airport is the gateway. Distances between wineries and lodgings are considerable, so plan a vehicle with a driver or guide. Visits are by prior booking; in winter some wineries adjust their hours.
How we arrange it
We coordinate winery visits, lunches and transfers with local operators and establishments. Wineries and restaurants work by prior booking and distances within the valley are considerable, so we confirm well in advance and plan a vehicle with a driver or guide.
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Booking & policies
Are the prices shown net or retail?
Rates are net (wholesale) and reserved for travel agencies and tour operators, who sign in to see them and add their own margin. Public visitors see a reference “from” price, indicative and subject to availability; the net rate is never shown outside the B2B Portal.
What happens after I book?
When you book, we receive your booking and start working on it: it shows as “In process” and we let you know of every update. Vouchers are sent once payments have been received.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellations are governed by the conditions stated in each quotation. The standard conditions are: more than 30 days before arrival, the deposit is non-refundable; 30 to 15 days before arrival, 50% of the total price is charged; less than 15 days before arrival or a no-show, 100%. They may vary on peak dates and depend on the policy of each hotel and service. Certain destinations — Patagonia, the Amazon region and high-demand dates in peak season — apply stricter terms, stated in the quotation. Conditions stated in the quotation and accepted by the agency at booking take precedence over the general schedule in Clause 7.1 of the Terms.
Can dates or passenger names be changed after booking?
Amendment requests must reach RUMBO LIBRE at least 72 business hours before the service begins. Changes are managed subject to availability, and any resulting rate difference applies. For private services, a name change may require re-issuing the booking at the current rate.
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