San Rafael is one of those destinations that perfectly combines nature, adventure, and excellent cuisine. Located in the south of the province of Mendoza, this city has become one of the most visited in the region thanks to its landscapes of mountains, valleys, and rivers, inviting both relaxation and outdoor activities.
In addition to being an ideal starting point for exploring natural wonders such as the Atuel Canyon and Valle Grande, San Rafael also boasts a strong winemaking tradition, with wineries producing excellent wines. It's a versatile destination: perfect for adrenaline seekers seeking adventure sports, but also for those looking to relax and connect with the tranquility of Cuyo's natural beauty.
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How to get to San Rafael
San Rafael is located approximately 230 km south of the city of Mendoza and more than 1,000 km from Buenos Aires, so arrival options vary depending on where you are departing from.
If you're traveling from Buenos Aires, you can choose to fly, which is the fastest and most convenient option. San Rafael Airport receives regular flights from Aeroparque, and the journey takes around two hours.
Another alternative is the bus, which takes between 14 and 16 hours. Of course, you can also arrive by car, which gives you the freedom to explore the route at your own pace, although the trip is long and should include stops.
From the city of Mendoza, the distance is much shorter.By car, the journey takes about 3 hours, following National Route 40 and then Route 143.
There are also daily buses, such as Iselin, Cata and Buttini, which connect both cities in a similar time and at an affordable cost, making it an excellent option if you don't have your own vehicle.
Map with attractions to see and do in San Rafael
What to do in San Rafael
San Rafael offers a wide variety of activities and landscapes to enjoy.
Atuel Canyon
Its greatest natural attraction is the Atuel Canyon, an incredible formation sculpted by the river over thousands of years. The tour offers views of rock walls with surprising shapes and culminates at the Valle Grande Reservoir, where you can enjoy water sports such as kayaking, rafting, or catamaran rides. It is, without a doubt, one of the most iconic views of the region.
What is the excursion to the Atuel Canyon like?
The Atuel Canyon tour usually starts early, around 8:30 a.m., and runs until 7:00 p.m. It's a long journey, but every stop is worth the views and experiences offered by this impressive natural landscape in San Rafael.
El Nihuil Reservoir and Fishermen's Club
The first stop is usually at a viewpoint on the way to El Nihuil Reservoir, from where you can already appreciate the dimensions of the canyon and the contrasting colors of the mountains. From there, continue to the Fishermen's Club, located on the left bank of the lake.
This property features a campsite, a grocery store, cabins for lodging, a restaurant serving traditional dishes, a swimming pool, and all the amenities you need for a relaxing day.
Atuel Canyon
The tour continues deeper into the Atuel Canyon, following the stretch between the El Nihuil Reservoir and the Valle Grande Reservoir. Along the way, you'll pass the Nihuil I, II, and III hydroelectric plants, which harness the power of the river to generate energy.
Throughout this part of the journey, the landscape is a spectacle in itself: canyons, rock walls, and geological formations with whimsical shapes that seem sculpted by nature.
The Submarine
The last viewpoint before reaching Valle Grande offers one of the most famous postcards of the tour: the view of the reservoir with the rock formation known as “The Submarine”, one of the icons of the Atuel Canyon. From there, the landscape opens up and gives way to the more touristy and adventurous surroundings of the area.
Valle Grande
Valle Grande is home to many of San Rafael's active tourism options. Here you can choose from rafting on the Atuel River, jet skiing, rappelling, ziplining, scuba diving, or simply relaxing on the beaches that line the reservoir's shores. There are also hydrotherapy options and quieter activities for those who prefer a more relaxed approach.
Parador at the Valle Grande Reservoir
In my case, with the group we decided to try a different activity called “cool river”, which consists of swimming in a section of the rapids. We had heard that rafting on the Atuel River isn't as demanding as other rivers in Mendoza, so we chose this option to experience the water in a more intense and direct way.
And honestly, it was the best decision: it's not dangerous, but the sensation of swimming through the river's waterfalls is completely different from doing it on a boat. It's an experience I recommend to anyone visiting the Atuel Canyon.
Please note: Due to the water crisis that has been occurring throughout the province of Mendoza for several years, the stretch of the Atuel River where these activities take place is dry during the summer. This is because the province must decide how to use the available water. In general, priority is given to vineyards, agriculture, and, of course, water for the population.
Los Reyunos
Just 35 km from San Rafael, Mendoza, lies the Los Reyunos Dam, one of the region's most picturesque destinations. Easily accessible via National Route 143, visitors are amazed by the impressive 134-meter-high dam.
From its viewpoint you get an incredible panoramic view of the surroundings, with turquoise waters that contrast with the mountains of the Sierra Pintada, creating a landscape worthy of a postcard.
The reservoir contains the Diamante River, which rises in the lagoon of the same name, fed by the melting snow from the high mountain peaks. This connection with the mountains gives it a constant flow and clear waters that make the place a true oasis in the middle of Mendoza's arid landscape.
On the shores of the lake and above the Diamond Canyon stands the Los Reyunos Fishing and Nautical Club, which offers a restaurant, apart hotel, camping and a complex of private cabins.
The entire setting is carefully integrated into the landscape, giving it a harmonious and attractive atmosphere for those seeking relaxation surrounded by nature.
What to do in Los Reyunos
The lake's waters maintain an average temperature of 20°C, making it an ideal place for swimming, sport fishing, and various water activities.
You can also rent boats, kayaks, sailboats, or windsurfers to fully enjoy the reservoir. And for those who prefer land-based activities, there are horseback riding, hiking, and mountain biking options in the surrounding area.
The Los Reyunos dam is, without a doubt, one of the most impressive landscapes in San Rafael. Its colorful surroundings, dominated by the Sierra Pintada mountain range, which changes color with the light, offer unique views from every angle.
It's a place well worth spending at least a full day there, whether for adventure tourism or simply relaxing by the lake and taking in the beauty of the Mendoza landscape.
How to visit Los Reyunos on your own
If you don't want to join an organized excursion, you can also visit the Los Reyunos dam on your own. This isn't the Fishermen's Club, where tours usually take you, but rather the access to the dam and an area where there are adventure tourism activity providers.
To get there from San Rafael there are two options by public transport:
- The first is a bus that goes directly to Reyunos, although it only has one departure per day during the summer season.
- The second, more frequent, is the bus that connects the city with Villa 25 de Mayo, located about 11 km from the dam. From there, you can continue on foot, by bike, or hire a taxi that takes you to the reservoir. In our case, we used the services of a local driver who took us there and back at a prearranged time.
Once at the dam, you can walk around the area, take photos, and enjoy the scenery at your own pace, without the pressure of a schedule.
A few meters from the main viewpoint there are several activity providers. We chose Kaike Turismo Aventura, which offers everything from catamaran rides on the reservoir to kayaking, canoes, ATVs, horseback riding, and even a giant zip line over the lake known as tirobangee.
Visiting Los Reyunos this way is an excellent option if you're looking for adventure tourism in San Rafael and prefer to manage your time without relying on an organized group.
Valle Grande: A San Rafael classic to enjoy on your own
Another must-see tour in San Rafael is a visit to Valle Grande , the reservoir at the foot of the Atuel Canyon, surrounded by mountains and nature that has become a true classic of the region.
It's not necessary to book a tour to get there: buses leave from the San Rafael terminal that drop you off very close to the reservoir, making it an accessible and easy option to enjoy on your own.
Once in Valle Grande, the possibilities are endless. You can opt for a quiet day, relaxing on the lakeshore, listening to music, and swimming in its cool waters, or try some of the water sports available in the area. Kayaking, paddleboarding, and jet skiing are just some of the options available, along with land-based activities like hiking and horseback riding.
Wineries and villages
For those looking for a more relaxing plan, San Rafael is also a land of wineries and vineyards. Many of them can be visited to learn about the winemaking process and, of course, enjoy tastings.
Also on the outskirts is Villa 25 de Mayo, a picturesque town steeped in history, with old houses and a very peaceful atmosphere.
Organized activities in San Rafael
Day trips from San Rafael
Enter the Witches' Cave in Malargüe
An excursion that is often offered from San Rafael is to visit the Witches' Cave in Malargue.
This cavern is located 65 km south of the city of Malargue. Ancient marine rocks called limestones house a huge cavity lined with strange mineral formations. Stalactites, stalagmites, columns, veils of various shapes and colors, and white, yellow, and brown corals.
Inside the Cave, you can take a guided tour, which takes you through dark corridors, up some stairs, and tells you about the characteristics of the place.
I visited the Witches' Cave on another trip to Malargüe, not from San Rafael, as it seemed like a rather long trip just to do this activity. But I do recommend going to the cave, wherever it is, since we rarely go so deep into a cavern of this size.
Since you're in the province of Mendoza, be sure to visit Malargüe, a place with volcanic landscapes and caves that will surprise you.
Go to Las Leñas
From San Rafael it is also possible to visit Las Leñas, one of the most important ski resorts in Argentina and a reference point in the province of Mendoza.
The high mountain landscape, its world-class slopes, and the valley's atmosphere make it a unique place both in winter, with the snow season, and in summer, when trekking and outdoor activities are possible.
Of course, keep in mind that the trip from San Rafael to Las Leñas takes about 3 hours by road, so it can be a fairly long day if you do the round trip. It's best to plan at least one night in the valley to enjoy it more leisurely or make a base in Malargüe to visit not only Las Leñas, but also other attractions in the surrounding area.
Visit the Nihuil Dunes
Another attraction in the surroundings of San Rafael are the Nihuil Dunes. While I haven't had time to explore them, they seem like a worthwhile visit.
They are accessed through Villa El Nihuil, 80 kilometers from the city of San Rafael. It is a large sandy desert formed by volcanic sand sediments.
The only way to navigate the dunes is via specialized vehicles such as dirt bikes, ATVs, and 4x4 trucks. It's easy to get lost due to the area's size and lack of landmarks, so it's recommended to go with a guide.
What is the best time to visit San Rafael?
San Rafael is a destination that can be visited year-round, but the best time to visit will depend on the type of activities you want to do.
If your idea is to enjoy adventure tourism and reservoirs, such as Valle Grande, Los Reyunos or the Atuel Canyon, the spring and summer months (October to March) are the most recommended. The weather is warm, with long, sunny days that allow you to take full advantage of outdoor activities like rafting, kayaking, horseback riding, or simply relaxing on the beaches along the banks of the Atuel River.
On the other hand, Autumn (April and May) is ideal for those who enjoy landscapes with reddish and golden hues, as well as cooler, more pleasant temperatures for touring the region's vineyards and wineries. It's also a good time for those looking for fewer tourists.
Winter (June to August) offers another side of San Rafael: cold days, clear skies and the possibility of combining the visit with getaways to the snow in Las Leñas, about 3 hours away. Although it's not the season for water tourism, the winter mountain scenery has a unique charm.
How many days to stay in San Rafael
The number of days you should spend in San Rafael depends largely on what you want to do, but generally speaking, the ideal is to stay at least 3 full days. That way, you'll be able to visit the main attractions without having to rush around.
On the first day, you can explore the city and take a leisurely stroll through its plazas, restaurants, and nearby wineries. The second day can be dedicated entirely to the Atuel Canyon and Valle Grande, which usually take several hours if you want to enjoy the trail, take photos, and do some activities at the reservoir. The third day is perfect for visiting Los Reyunos, Nihuil or Villa 25 de Mayo, depending on whether you prefer nature or history.
If you have more time, San Rafael can also be used as a base to explore other corners of Mendoza, such as the surrounding area of Malargüe, or simply to relax and enjoy the slower pace of the region.
Reflections on San Rafael, a special place for me
San Rafael holds special significance for me, as it was the first place I traveled alone, and there I discovered the world of hostels, meeting new people, and sharing experiences with travelers of all kinds. That sense of freedom and discovery gave my visit a unique meaning. Later, I returned in a different way, with different plans and perspectives, but always maintaining the charm this destination has to offer.
In addition to its unique value, San Rafael is an ideal getaway for a long weekend. Its proximity to the city of Mendoza makes it a perfect option to complement a visit to the province, and it also offers a variety of activities: adventure tourism, nature, and relaxation in reservoirs and wineries.
Genio me re contra ayudaste! no veo la hora de recorrer San Rafael
Genial que te haya sido útil. ¡Gracias por comentar!
Hola! Viajo en Enero a San Rafael y los últimos días en capital, me recomendas sacar con tiempo los pasajes o se puede hacer unos días antes ya en Mendoza? Gracias!
Hola Nadia! Si te referis a sacar los pasajes en bus entre San Rafael y Mendoza, si, esos los podes sacar unos días antes y ya esta. Hay varias empresas con varios servicios por dia, asi que de seguro vas a conseguir.
Hola Fernando tenemos planeado ir fines de diciembre a San Rafael que costo tiene para una pareja y un menor osea el día a día gracias.
Hola Fabian! Mira la respuesta a esa pregunta dependerá totalmente de lo que hagan alla. Me resulta imposible hacer una estimación de eso. No se de donde sos, pero los precios de comida y alojamiento están en promedio similares a los de Buenos Aires.
Gracias por la info! Me re sirvió 🙂
Gracias por el feed!!
Hola, muchas gracias por la info, viajo la ultima semana de febrero y la primera de marzo. Me comentaron que no en todos los lugares te dejan meterte al agua es asi? en que lugares si se puede ya que es lo que mas disfrutamos. Por otro lado, hay termas por alla? muchas gracias muy util toda la info