The Return monument
On the hill.
Basilicofresco — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Diegoarielvega — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Preyes — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Ccarosio — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Basilicofresco — CC BY-SA 4.0
El Manzano Histórico, the «Historic Apple Tree», is a village and reserve in the Andean foothills of Tunuyán in southern Mendoza, among clear streams and snow-capped peaks. Its name comes from the tradition that General José de San Martín, hero of independence, rested here under an apple tree in 1823 on his way back from his campaign in Chile and Peru through the nearby mountain pass, which the naturalist Charles Darwin crossed some years later. To mark it, the large stone monument «Return to the Homeland» stands on a hill, reached by broad steps, with views over the valley and mountains. The reserve, enlarged in 2012, stretches between the Tupungato volcano and Laguna del Diamante, with trails along the streams and among poplars, and horse rides. Entry is free, a day out from Mendoza, about two hours by car. Mountain weather changes fast, so bring warm clothes.
On the hill.
Clear water.
On the horizon.
Junction of Provincial Routes 89 and 94, Tunuyán department, Mendoza
Tradition says San Martín rested under an apple tree here in 1823 returning from his campaign in Chile and Peru.