Green valleys, imposing mountains and deep ravines are the highlights of this region where the Andes reach their maximum expression at the mythical Mount Aconcagua, the highest peak of the whole American continent.
Cuyo means "country of deserts" in Mapuche language. Named after the arid land that lies next to the high mountains. Today, Cuyo is also "the land of the sun and the good wine". The region boasts a perfect weather and diaphanous sky, rarely clouded. Its cities and productive areas are irrigated by channels and ditches. Artificial irrigation, along with the perfect conditions, have rendered possible the development of an important wine production. Visiting some wineries, admiring the green surrounding vineyards and tasting some good wine are a 'must' for anyone visiting the region.

Cuyo was first inhabited in ancient times, and since then has served as the stomping ground for both Incan travellers and Spanish Conquistadors. Naturally these groups left a lasting mark on the Cuyo landscape: the Incas with relics and Spanish with cities. Sadly, these cities have lost their colonial charm because of strong earthquakes and now sport quite a modern physic.

The main city in the region is Mendoza, followed by San Juan, La Rioja, Catamarca and San Luis. All of them capital cities to the provinces of the same name.