Mendoza boasts two main river basins ideal for rafting, each with its own distinct character. The Mendoza River, which originates in the Andes Mountains and flows down to the Potrerillos Reservoir , is the most popular choice due to its proximity to the capital city and the variety of sections it offers throughout the year. Further south, the Atuel River, which flows through the Atuel Canyon near San Rafael , offers a less technically demanding descent but with a landscape of canyons and sheer cliffs that few rivers in the region can match.
Where to go rafting in Mendoza depends largely on what kind of experience you're looking for: technical rapids and long trips on the Mendoza River, or a more accessible and scenic outing on the Atuel River .
This guide reviews the places to go rafting in Mendoza , the technical aspects that you should know before getting on a raft, which excursions are suitable, the access routes to each river and the questions that are most frequently asked among those planning their first trip.
Technical aspects of rafting on the rivers of Mendoza
Rivers are classified according to an international scale from I to VI , where I indicates a calm current and VI a practically unnavigable section. The Mendoza River, in its recreational section, typically features Class II to III rapids, which can reach Class III+ during the peak snowmelt months, between December and March. During this period, the flow increases considerably. From April to September, the water level drops and navigation becomes calmer.
The Atuel River, on the other hand, remains at a Level II level year-round in the Valle Grande area , making it a more predictable option. No prior experience is required for any of the excursions, although swimming ability and active participation in paddling are essential, as rafting is, above all, a team sport.
The guides are usually internationally certified in whitewater rescue, and the trips are accompanied by a safety kayak . Standard equipment includes a wetsuit, boots, life jacket, helmet, and paddle.
Rafting excursion on the Mendoza River from Potrerillos
The rafting excursion in Potrerillos, Mendoza , is the most popular choice for those staying in centrally located hotels. It includes transportation and a safety briefing at the operations base, next to the dam. From there, the half-day excursion departs from Los Árboles Camp and covers approximately twelve kilometers in summer and eight in winter, with Class II and III rapids that can be navigated in about an hour .
There is also a full-day trip, available only in summer, which starts in Cerro Negro and covers approximately 30 kilometers downstream , with rapids reaching Class III and III+ , as well as a stop for lunch on the riverbank. The minimum age is usually nine years old for the half-day trip and fifteen for the full-day trip.
Canopy and rafting combo in Potrerillos
Another way to make the most of a single day in the area is to combine rafting and zip-lining on the same trip . The day begins with rafting on the Mendoza River, with Class II rapids ideal for a first-time experience. It continues with a zip-lining circuit of approximately 1,400 meters, divided into several stages , at a height of 60 meters, offering views of the Potrerillos Valley and the Cordón del Plata mountain range.
The entire activity, including transfers, usually lasts about ten hours and does not require prior experience in either discipline, although it does require a medium level of physical fitness.
Routes and access points to the rivers of Mendoza for rafting
To reach the rafting area in Mendoza, Potrerillos, the usual access from the capital is via National Route 40 and then National Route 7 , a journey of about seventy kilometers to a town located 1,377 meters above sea level.
The Mendoza River in this section is large and open, with a flow that varies considerably between seasons: in summer it carries sediment and forms high-intensity waves, while in winter the lower level reveals submerged rocks . Companies based on Route 7, before the dam, offer twelve-kilometer tours with a maximum elevation of 1,400 meters and an easy to moderate difficulty level, using self-bailing boats designed for snowmelt.
Rafting in Uspallata, Mendoza , has another unique feature: several agencies based in this mountain town organize sixteen-kilometer trips, approximately one hour and fifteen minutes of actual navigation on the Mendoza River, with transportation included from the operational base to the embarkation point. It's an alternative for those staying in the Uspallata area who prefer not to travel to Potrerillos to enjoy the activity.
West of the capital, in the Las Compuertas and Cacheuta area, about forty minutes from Mendoza, operates the Betancourt de Mendoza rafting company , with over three decades of experience on the Mendoza River and a lodge with swimming pools, barbecue areas, and cabins along the riverbank . Rafting in Cacheuta, Mendoza, is often combined with a visit to the Termas de Cacheuta hot springs park , allowing for a relaxing afternoon after the adventure.
Meanwhile, rafting on the Atuel River is concentrated in San Rafael, accessible via Provincial Route 173 , which connects the city with the Valle Grande and El Nihuil dams, a total distance of eighty-five kilometers. The main attraction of rafting in San Rafael is the canyon landscape, with walls reaching up to two hundred and sixty meters in height. The difficulty level is low, making the sport suitable for almost anyone, including children as young as four or five, depending on the company.
How much does rafting cost in Mendoza?
The price of rafting in Mendoza depends on the river, the duration of the trip, and whether it includes transportation from the city . Short, one-hour trips on the Mendoza River are usually more affordable than full-day excursions, which include lunch and several hours of paddling.
On the Atuel River, because the routes are shorter and less technically difficult, prices tend to be lower, although it should be noted that most companies in that area do not offer their own transport from San Rafael.
Is it necessary to know how to swim or have prior experience?
No prior experience is required on either river, but swimming skills are mandatory . Before each descent, the guides explain basic paddling techniques and safety protocols, and accompany participants with a support kayak throughout the trip.
What is the best time of year for rafting?
On the Mendoza River, summer offers the highest flow and most intense rapids, while between April and September navigation is calmer due to the lower water level. The Atuel River, on the other hand, maintains a low difficulty level year-round, so it can be enjoyed in any season without significant variations.
From what age can children participate?
On the Atuel River, most companies accept participants from four or five years old , given the low level of difficulty of the route. On the Mendoza River, the minimum age is usually between six and nine years old for short sections , and rises to fifteen years old for more demanding trips , such as full-day excursions or Class III+ sections.
What should I bring on the day of the excursion?
It's advisable to bring a swimsuit, closed-toe shoes that can get wet, a change of dry clothes, and a towel for changing afterward. Technical equipment, such as wetsuits, helmets, life jackets, and paddles, is provided by the companies at the base of operations. Sunscreen is also recommended, and depending on the season, a light jacket for after getting out of the water.