Tupungato Department

Tupungato is a department located in the province of Mendoza, Argentina. The cabecera (departmental capital), Tupungato, is located approximately 70 km (43 mi) south of Mendoza city, in the Valle de Uco.

Tupungato Departamento Tupungato
Department
location of Tupungato Department in Mendoza Province
Coordinates: 33°15′S 69°15′W
Country	Argentina
Established	November 8, 1858
Founded by	?
Seat	Tupungato
Government
• Mayor	Gustavo Soto, UCR
Area
• Total	2,485 km2 (959 sq mi)
Population  (2001 census [INDEC])
• Total	28,539
• Density	11/km2 (30/sq mi)
Demonym	tupungatense
Postal Code	M5561
IFAM	MZA018
Area Code	02622
Patron saint	?
Website	www.tupungato.mendoza.gov.ar

Its name comes from the Tupungato volcano (at 6,570 metres, one of Argentina's highest peaks). The volcano's name is said to mean "star viewpoint" in the Huarpe language.

The department is approximately 1,200 metres above mean sea level, and comprises 2.485 km² (1.6% of the provincial total). According to the 2001 census [INDEC], the total population of the department was 28,539 with a density of 11.48 inhabitants per km².

The region is mainly dependent on agricultural production, with vineyards being its most important produce, representing 30% of the planted lands. Other regional products are fruit (mainly peach) and garlic. The wine industry, however, is particularly relevant due to the constant investments and intensive labour occupation. Recent developments in the Argentine economy have further fuelled the Argentine wine industry, attracting foreign investors and tourists to the region.