Potrerillos is Mendoza's premier adventure destination, and rafting on the Mendoza River is its star activity. Just 60 km from the capital city (1 hour by car), the Potrerillos reservoir and its surroundings offer a spectacular natural setting for water sports, with waters descending from the Andes through a canyon of imposing mountains.
The Mendoza River offers stretches of class II to IV, meaning there are options for both beginners (families with children from age 12) and experienced adventurers. The rafting season runs from October to April, with the best water levels between November and February when Andean snowmelt feeds the river with force. Rafting companies operate with certified guides and top-quality equipment, making this a safe and thrilling experience.
Quick facts: Rafting in Potrerillos
- Location: Mendoza River, Potrerillos (60 km from Mendoza)
- Price: from USD 40 per person
- Duration: 2-3 hours on the water (half day total)
- Difficulty: Class II-IV (options for everyone)
- Minimum age: 12 years (gentle stretches), 16 years (intense)
- Season: October to April
- Includes: full equipment, bilingual guide, photos
- Combine with: Cacheuta hot springs (20 km away)
The rafting experience
The adventure begins with a safety briefing and gear distribution: wetsuit, helmet, life jacket and paddle. A certified guide steers the raft through the Mendoza River canyon, navigating rapids with names like "La Lavadora," "El Tobogan" and "Las Olas." Between rapids sections, there are calm stretches where you can enjoy the mountain scenery and jump into the water for a swim.
The most popular stretch is class II-III, suitable for beginners and families. More adventurous visitors can opt for the class III-IV stretch, longer and more intense. Both experiences include photos and videos that can be purchased at the end.
Other activities in Potrerillos
- Kayaking: from USD 92. Individual river navigation with a guide.
- Trekking: trails with reservoir and mountain views. Free.
- Zip-line: crossing over the canyon with spectacular aerial views.
- Horseback riding: rides through the Potrerillos hills from USD 40.
- Paragliding: tandem flights from USD 125 with Andes views.
How to get to Potrerillos
Potrerillos is 60 km from Mendoza city on Route 7 heading toward Chile. You reach it in 1 hour by car. Most organized excursions include transport from your hotel. By rental car, the route is perfectly paved and signposted.
What to bring rafting
- Swimsuit under your clothes
- Shoes that can get wet (no flip-flops)
- Water-resistant sunscreen
- Towel and dry change of clothes
- Waterproof phone case
- A willingness to get completely soaked
Comparing rafting with other Mendoza adventures
- Rafting vs horseback riding: Rafting is more intense and physical. Horseback is more contemplative. Same starting price (USD 40). Best combo: ride in morning + raft in afternoon.
- Rafting vs Cacheuta hot springs: Rafting is adrenaline; hot springs are pure relaxation. Only 20 km between, so the perfect day combines both.
- Rafting vs Aconcagua day trip: Aconcagua is contemplative (full day in bus). Rafting is active (half day). With 3+ days in Mendoza, do both.
Recommendations by traveler type
- Families with kids (12-15): Class II rafting in the reservoir. Calmer, no big rapids. USD 40 per person.
- Adult beginners: Class II-III, most popular stretch. 2-3 hours of fun without risks. USD 40-55.
- Experienced thrill-seekers: Class III-IV, longer stretch (4 hours), big waves. USD 70-90.
- Birthdays/bachelor parties: Rafting + asado combos for groups of 8-12. USD 60-80 per person.
