Godoy Cruz Department: Wine, Culture and Nature
Accommodation in Godoy Cruz Department
In Godoy Cruz Department, traces of wine and architectural history come together with art, religious sites and activities in the foothills. This offers a range of interests to choose from when planning your trip: you can explore cultural history, discover a wine route, or enjoy nature and outdoor activities.
Cultural history and notable places
Cine Teatro Plaza began operating as a cinema in 1946. Centro Patrimonial Artístico Cristoforo Colombo offers a different perspective on local cultural history; it was declared a cultural heritage site by the advisory council of Godoy Cruz Department under Ordinance No. 5751/09. When it opened, it was the first art gallery in Godoy Cruz. Its opening program included contemporary art interventions, performances and free workshops.
Buildings and individual details also tell stories of earlier times. The clock at Comisaría Séptima dates from 1880. After restoration, it was able to ring again after eight years of silence. The former Bodega Tomba was built by Antonio Tomba starting in 1885; part of the complex’s brick wall is still visible on Rivadavia and Avenida San Martín. Bodega Escorihuela was founded in 1884 by Don Miguel Escorihuela Gascón and is the oldest still-active building in Greater Mendoza.
Parroquia San Vicente Ferrer is one of the most representative religious buildings in Godoy Cruz and is now located at Calle Lavalle 60. Another cultural landmark is Biblioteca + Mediateca Pública Municipal Manuel Belgrano at Calle Antonio Tomba No. 54. It preserves a large part of the department’s cultural and historical collection and is considered well worth a visit.
Wine route and local offerings
The guided wine route in Godoy Cruz begins at Bodega Caro and continues to the Cavas and the Sala de Arte. If you plan to include this activity, it is advisable to check the current itinerary before your visit. Wine tastings are available at Godoy Cruz’s municipal wineries by prior arrangement.
The Fiesta Provincial de la Cerveza also brings together drinks and food. Its beer and food area offers a variety of beers and dishes; each edition also includes options for people with celiac disease. The specific offerings may vary from one edition to the next. This event and the wine route offer different perspectives on food and drink and local culture, without implying that they are the same experience.
Foothills, trails and activities
The foothills of Godoy Cruz are a natural area at the foot of the high mountains. Mountain biking, mountaineering, hiking, trekking, birdwatching and recreational activities are permitted in the municipality’s Special Nature Conservation Zone, provided they do not pose a risk to the ecosystem. This condition is part of choosing an activity: enjoying nature here goes hand in hand with respecting the protected area.
For cyclists, the Godoy Cruz bike path offers a clear route: it is six kilometers long and connects Parque Estación Benegas with the boundary of Capital Department at Calle Moreno. Parque Estación Benegas serves as a sports and recreational park; it also hosts artistic performances and craft markets. The bike path thus provides a cycling connection, while the park offers a distinct place for sports, recreation and events.
At the El Damasco outpost, visitors can enjoy hiking, trekking, trail running and mountain biking, among other activities. Families can find something different at Estación de Niños y Niñas: located in the center of Parque Estación Benegas, it offers theater performances, interactive games and various workshops, including painting classes.
El Calvario also combines religious sites with a visitor-friendly complex. The entire area extends across the boundary into Luján de Cuyo; the section belonging to Godoy Cruz includes Stations of the Cross, a chapel and depictions of Christ that visitors can see. Godoy Cruz therefore offers different ways to explore the area side by side: cycling, nature activities, family attractions and a visit centered on religion.
Discover more destinations: Godoy Cruz, Maipú Department, General Alvear, San Rafael Department, Guaymallén Department, Lavalle Department, Malargüe Department, Santa Rosa Department.
Go to the main travel overview: Mendoza.
