Atuel Canyon and San Rafael Trip

On this excursion to the Atuel Canyon and San Rafael, we'll explore one of the most remarkable natural areas in the Argentine province of Mendoza.

Atuel Canyon and Valle Grande Trip

Your journey begins with a pickup at your hotel in Mendoza at the arranged time, followed by a drive south through the province.

After a scenic 3-hour drive covering 235 kilometers (146 miles) through the Uco Valley, we will reach San Rafael. Following a brief visit to the city, we will head to the well-known Valle Grande reservoir, a large lake nourished by the Atuel River. Here, you will have some free time to take photographs, wander along the lakeshore, have lunch on your own, or enjoy an optional raft ride down the Atuel River or a catamaran ride on the Valle Grande Dam Lake.

After our time at the reservoir, we'll venture into the Atuel Canyon, where you'll witness how the water and wind have sculpted stunning rock formations like El Lagarto, Los Viejos, Los Monstruos, the Enchanted City, El Mendigo, and Los Jardines Colgantes.

We'll then proceed to El Nihuil Dam, which creates two artificial lakes for electricity generation, showcasing impressive dimensions!

Lastly, we’ll travel back to Mendoza, covering the 285 kilometers (177 miles) in about 3.5 hours. Expect to return to your hotel approximately 14 to 16 hours after the pickup.

Pickup

The excursion includes hotel pickup in downtown Mendoza. For those staying more than 2 kilometers from the city center, the guide will contact you to arrange a suitable meeting point.

Itinerary Adjustments

Please be aware that due to a landslide on part of the Atuel Canyon road, the itinerary will undergo modifications until roughly July. While this may reduce our time here, we will compensate by visiting the impressive Los Reyunos Dam, fed by the Diamante River, which forms a 750-hectare (1,853 acres) lake.