Potrerillos is the most popular adventure destination in Mendoza, located just 60 km from the capital city (1 hour by car) on Route 7 toward Chile. The Potrerillos reservoir, with its turquoise waters surrounded by mountains, is the perfect setting for water sports and outdoor activities. The Mendoza River offers class II to IV rafting, and the surrounding hills are ideal for trekking, horseback riding and paragliding.
Getting there — distances & times
| From | Distance | Flight | Bus | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York (JFK) | 8300 km | 11 h + 2 h layover | — | — |
| Madrid (MAD) | 10200 km | 13 h + 2 h layover | — | — |
| Buenos Aires (EZE) | 1050 km | 1 h 45 | 14 h | 11 h |
| Santiago (SCL) | 370 km | 55 min | 6–8 h | 5 h |
| Córdoba | 670 km | 1 h 10 | 9 h | 7 h |
| San Juan | 170 km | — | 2 h 30 | 2 h |
| Bariloche (BRC) | 1140 km | 1 h 50 | 18 h | 14 h |
Month-by-month climate
| Month | Temp. | Rain | Crowds | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 18° / 33°C | 25 mm | Hot & dry summer | |
| Feb | 17° / 31°C | 30 mm | ||
| Mar | 14° / 28°C | 20 mm | Harvest season | |
| Apr | 10° / 23°C | 15 mm | ||
| May | 5° / 18°C | 8 mm | ||
| Jun | 2° / 14°C | 5 mm | ||
| Jul | 2° / 14°C | 8 mm | Ski Las Leñas | |
| Aug | 4° / 17°C | 8 mm | ||
| Sep | 7° / 21°C | 12 mm | Vineyard bloom | |
| Oct | 11° / 25°C | 15 mm | ||
| Nov | 14° / 28°C | 20 mm | ||
| Dec | 17° / 31°C | 25 mm |
Over the past few years the area has become a full-fledged adventure-tourism hub with a growing infrastructure: mountain refuges, campgrounds, cabins and restaurants overlooking the reservoir. It is the perfect counterweight to a wine-tourism trip — after several days of bodegas, a day of adrenaline in Potrerillos resets your energy.
Activities and prices in Potrerillos
- Rafting (Mendoza River): from USD 40 per person -- 2-3 hours, class II-IV
- Kayaking: from USD 92 per person -- individual navigation with guide
- Horseback riding: from USD 40 per person -- 2-3 hours through hills
- Paragliding: from USD 125 per person -- tandem flight with instructor
- Trekking: free -- self-guided trails with reservoir views
- Zip-line: from USD 25 -- crossing over the canyon
- Cacheuta Hot Springs: 20 km away -- from USD 40 with excursion
- Season: October to April (rafting), year-round (trekking, horseback riding)
Rafting -- The star of Potrerillos
Rafting on the Mendoza River is the most popular activity in the area. The river drops out of the Cordillera through a mountain canyon with class II to IV rapids. There are two main options: the gentle stretch (class II-III, suitable for families with kids age 12 and up) and the intense stretch (class III-IV, for adventurers). The season runs October to April, with the best water levels between November and February thanks to Andean snowmelt. The price includes full equipment, a certified bilingual guide and photos of your run.
Kayaking on the Mendoza River
For a more personal experience, individual kayaking on the Mendoza River (USD 92) lets you navigate at your own pace with a guide alongside. It is more demanding than rafting because you steer your own boat — you need a bit of fitness, but no previous kayaking experience is required.
Horseback riding through the foothills
Horseback rides from Potrerillos (from USD 40, 2-3 hours) wind through trails between hills with sweeping views of the reservoir and the Cordillera. Criollo horses are docile and no prior experience is needed. Most rides finish with mate and empanadas as a traditional reward.
Paragliding over the Andes
Tandem paragliding from Potrerillos (USD 125) delivers extraordinary panoramic views of the foothills, the reservoir and the distant vineyards. With a perfect 10/10 rating on Civitatis, it is one of the best-rated experiences in the entire region. Flights last 15-25 minutes and photos and video are included.
Free trekking trails
Potrerillos has a network of self-guided trekking trails at varying difficulty levels, all free of charge. The most popular ones hug the reservoir with views of the turquoise water and the surrounding peaks. No permit or guide is required for the basic routes.
How to get to Potrerillos
Potrerillos is 60 km from Mendoza on Route 7 — about 1 hour in your own car on a perfectly paved road. Organized excursions include hotel pickup. If you rent a car, free parking is available at the bases of the adventure operators.
Where to sleep in Potrerillos
If you want to stay overnight, Potrerillos offers lodging options with spectacular views:
- Camping: from USD 5-10 per person/night with basic services.
- Cabins: from USD 50-80 per night for two people.
- Mountain lodges: from USD 100-150 per night with reservoir views.
