Cuyo Region: Geography, Economy, and Culture

Cuyo Environments

Subregions

Front Range

This consists of high mountain ranges of up to 6,000 meters above sea level, separated by river drainage systems.

Main Range

The highest peaks are located east of the continuous line of high peaks. The height decreases progressively towards the south. Permanent snow exists at high altitudes. Its slopes are covered with boulders that slip into the valleys, creating alluvial fans. At the base of these fans, water emerges as springs, forming prairie wetlands.

Precordillera of La Rioja, San Juan, and Mendoza

It consists of a series of parallel ranges with flat summits separated by narrow valleys. Active earthquake faults are present at the eastern edge. The precordillera shapes the hydrography of the area, forcing streams descending from the mountains to converge into three main collectors: the Jachal, San Juan, and Mendoza rivers.

Piedmont

This plain lies to the east and merges with the Pampean Plain. Rainfall is scarce, and vegetation is xerophytic. Oases exist along irrigation channels. Land fragmentation and tree planting mitigate the effects of wind. The rest of the area is sparsely populated, with settlements concentrated around shallow groundwater sources or mining sites.

Economic Activities

Agroindustrial Activity

Method of Administration

Producers in this area work directly with the help of their families, hire wage laborers, or contract farm managers who perform all tasks. Some companies manage all aspects of the complex.

Main Crops

The largest crop of Cuyo is the vine, making wine production crucial. The region's economy is heavily dependent on the grape harvest. Workers from other regions participate in the harvest, which is celebrated in the National Harvest Festival. Cuyo produces 90% of the country's wines, mostly for the domestic market. Pomace is used to produce products like alcohol, and the stalks serve as fertilizer.

Livestock

Cattle breeding is extensive due to the scarcity of natural pastures. Small dairy farms operate near centers of dairy consumption. The rest of the livestock activity occurs in the south, where rainfall is higher and breeds and pastures are better. This activity focuses on calf raising.

Mining

The region's geological potential and mining investment laws have contributed to growth in this sector after years of stagnation. Projects operate on both sides of the international border. Cuyo has two oil and gas basins. Another prominent mineral is uranium, which fuels the Atucha and Embalse nuclear reactors.

Tourism

Mendoza and San Juan attract significant tourism due to their natural beauty, winter sports opportunities, and adventure tourism.

Circulation

Two main corridors exist: National Route 40, passing through San Juan and Mendoza, connects to the Northwest and Patagonia regions via the Precordillera; and National Route 7, part of the bi-oceanic corridor.