Lavalle Department, department located in the northeast of Mendoza Province in Argentina
Lavalle is an administrative department in northern Mendoza covering a large mostly flat area with sandy and salty soils. The region spans more than 10,200 square kilometers and contains several towns, farmland, and protected areas including the Telteca forests with ancient algarrobo trees.
The region was originally home to Huarpes indigenous people who lived from fishing in Lagunas de Guanacache and making baskets and reed boats. Spanish settlers arrived from the 17th century onward and established a church at Huanacache in 1610, leading to a blending of indigenous and Spanish cultures.
The name honors a hero from Argentina's independence struggle and was officially adopted in 1889. Strong Huarpes traditions remain visible in local celebrations and in how residents connect with water sources throughout the year.
Visitors should know the region is very dry with extreme summer and winter temperatures and strong north winds. Those exploring the area can find camping, horseback riding, and farm visits offering local food tastings and wine sampling.
The region is a major honey producer in Argentina and hosts an annual international honey competition drawing beekeepers and growers from afar. Two distinct climate zones - desert and irrigated land - produce different honey types with unique flavor profiles.
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