Buenos Aires to Santiago

This topographical map of Argentina shows the diversity of landscapes found across Cuyo (surrounding Mendoza), with both flat plains and the highlands of the Andes found in the region.

Mount Aconcagua in Mendoza is the highest mountain in the Americas, reaching 6,962 metres high.

The Cuyo region encompasses the provinces of San Juan, San Luis and Mendoza (shown in green).

Mount Aconcagua on the edge of Cuyo is the highest peak in the Americas, standing at 6,962m.

The Precordillera, or foothills of the Andes, in Cuyo are utilised for growing grapes, as shown in this satellite image.

The vineyards of Cuyo are visible as the green patches amongst the brown semi-desert on this satellite image of the region.

Even some of the highest peaks in Cuyo are covered in vineyards to take advantage of the porous soil, variable temperatures and high altitude.

The vineyards of Cuyo are planted at altitudes of higher than 1,000m. This is said to be good for the grapes, producing better quality wine.

Cuyo's high altitude, geology and climate make it a suitable environment for cultivating grapes for wine.

Cuyo stretches west into the Andes; the western extreme of the region reaches heights of upwards of 6,000m.

The Precordillera, or foothills of the Andes, is covered with vineyards which are clearly visible from the air.

The west of Cuyo is mountainous, reaching high into the peaks of the Andes Mountains.

Modern Mendoza was designed and built in one go after the 1861 earthquake destroyed most of the old city.

Mendoza is a modern city designed to withstand the power of earthquakes that shake the region regularly.

Mendoza has broad streets which allow for easy evacuation in the case of an earthquake.

This seismic hazard map shows the areas most at risk from earthquakes. Cuyo can be seen as the area of pink with the red spot east of Santiago.

This diagram illustrates the tectonic activity that causes Cuyo's earthquakes, as the Nazca Plate (left) is pulled beneath the South American Plate (right).

Rubble covers the streets after the 1971 San Juan earthquake in Cuyo.

Earthquakes in Cuyo are caused by the movement of the Nazca Plate beneath the South American Plate.

This seismicity map shows all the large earthquakes to have hit Chile and Argentina since 1900. Cuyo contains a cluster of red and green dots, indicating its most severe earthquakes.

Mendoza's capital city was rebuilt after the devastating 1861 earthquake with measures put in place to minimise damage to the city from further earthquakes.

The Cuyo city of San Juan was devastated by a large earthquake in 1971. Many of Cuyo's cities have suffered earthquake damage.

Map illustrating the epicentre of one of the largest earthquakes to hit Cuyo in recent years, the 5.5 magnitude quake that rocked San Juan in 2010.

Mendoza City, the capital of Mendoza Province, is frequently shaken by earthquakes. The city was rebuilt after the 1861 earthquake that devastated the city.

Map indicating the wine regions of Argentina. Mendoza is the largest and most productive of all of Argentina's wine regions.

Cuyo produces a number of grape varieties, but is best known for its Malbec, Criolla Grande and Cereza.

Mendoza is the largest wine-producing region in Argentina, producing two-thirds of the nation's wine.

Wine tourism in Cuyo has developed rapidly, as people come to the region for the beautiful landscape and to sample the excellent wine.

Cuyo produces 80% of all of Argentina's wine. It is the only producer of the Malbec grape in Argentina.

The harvest queens throw bunches of grapes to the crowd during the Mendoza Grape Harvest Festival Parade.

The pageant is one of the most important elements of the Vendimia festival, to choose a queen of the harvest from one of the 18 departments of Mendoza Province.

Cuyo's wineries reach into the foothills of the Andes with the mountains providing a beautiful backdrop to the vineyards.

Elaborate performances and light displays characterise the final shows of the Vendimia festival in Mendoza each year.

Mendoza's Grape Harvest Festival sees performances from each of the province's 18 departments throughout the month-long celebration.

Cuyo and Mendoza are blanketed with vineyards stretching high into the foothills of the Andes.

The queens of the Vendimia festival wave to the crowds during the final parade of the month-long celebration.

Mendoza is known for its vineyards and particularly the Malbec grape. Mendoza is the only region in Argentina to produce Malbec wine.

Wine casks mature in the cellar of one of Mendoza's many wineries.

Mendoza is home to three-quarters of all the operating wineries in Argentina.

Vineyards line the Precordillera, or the foothills of the Andes. The high altitudes and porous soil provide the perfect conditions for grapes to grow.

Cuyo wine is some of the finest in Argentina and is highly prized around the world.