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Raft a cold, glacial section of the Mendoza River from Potrerillos, then finish with an authentic riverside asado. This full-day outing blends Class II–III+ rapids, expert guides, and a hearty Argentine barbecue.
Raft a cold, glacial section of the Mendoza River from Potrerillos, then finish with an authentic riverside asado. This full-day outing blends Class II–III+ rapids, expert guides, and a hearty Argentine barbecue.
You step off the transfer and the Andes push up around you—raw rock, pale glacier runnels, and a river that seems to be daring you to move faster. The Mendoza River here works like clockwork: cold glacial melt shooting through a rocky gorge, building into chop and predictable Class II–III+ rapids in summer. Paddles dip, shouts carry, and the raft surges downstream toward the wide mirror of the Potrerillos Reservoir.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Azul Latina Travel · Potrerillos, Mendoza
You step off the transfer and the Andes push up around you—raw rock, pale glacier runnels, and a river that seems to be daring you to move faster. The Mendoza River here works like clockwork: cold glacial melt shooting through a rocky gorge, building into chop and predictable Class II–III+ rapids in summer. Paddles dip, shouts carry, and the raft surges downstream toward the wide mirror of the Potrerillos Reservoir.
This is a region carved by ice and time. The river originates high in the Andes, feeding irrigation systems that shaped Mendoza’s vineyards and towns. Potrerillos Reservoir was created to regulate that meltwater for agriculture and flood control; today its dammed basin frames the sportier stretches downstream. Locals mix mountain culture and gaucho cuisine, so it’s no surprise the day finishes with a traditional asado—meats grilled over woodfire beside the river.
Expect a practical, full-day flow: a safety briefing and kit-up at base, an initial 8–12 km run (roughly 1 hour depending on flow), a riverside lunch, then a longer 20 km descent (about 2 hours) before returning to base. Guides supply wetsuits, neoprene booties, helmets, lifejackets, paddles and dry bags; they run the technical lines and brief on commands so paddlers of moderate fitness can ride the rapids safely.
Plan for cold water even in summer, layers on arrival and fast-drying clothes on the river, and leave time for photo stops at viewpoints above Cerro Negro. Hydrate early, follow guide instructions, and treat the riverside as both playground and fragile ecosystem.
moderate.
4–6 hours (river time ~3 hours; full-day with transfers ~8 hours).
Moderate fitness recommended; you should be comfortable paddling for bursts and swimming if shoved from the raft.
Participants should have moderate fitness; specific age or minimums are set by the operator—booking requires passenger details and may limit very young children.
Yes—full wetsuits, neoprene booties, dry jackets, helmets and life jackets are included with the tour.
This full-day rafting is available seasonally from December through March, when river flows are suitable and organizers run the program.
Yes—the operator can accommodate vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free requests if noted at booking.
The Mendoza River is fed by Andean glaciers and has long supported irrigation for Mendoza’s vineyards; the Potrerillos reservoir was built to regulate meltwater and protect downstream valleys.
Operators emphasize leave-no-trace practices—pack out all waste, avoid soaps in the water, and stick to established launch points to protect fragile riverbanks.
Azul Latina Travel operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
You step off the transfer and the Andes push up around you—raw rock, pale glacier runnels, and a river that seems to be daring you to move faster. The Mendoza River here works like clockwork: cold glacial melt shooting through a rocky gorge, building into chop and predictable Class II–III+ rapids in summer. Paddles dip, shouts carry, and the raft surges downstream toward the wide mirror of the Potrerillos Reservoir.
You step off the transfer and the Andes push up around you—raw rock, pale glacier runnels, and a river that seems to be daring you to move faster. The Mendoza River here works like clockwork: cold glacial melt shooting through a rocky gorge, building into chop and predictable Class II–III+ rapids in summer. Paddles dip, shouts carry, and the raft surges downstream toward the wide mirror of the Potrerillos Reservoir.
This is a region carved by ice and time. The river originates high in the Andes, feeding irrigation systems that shaped Mendoza’s vineyards and towns. Potrerillos Reservoir was created to regulate that meltwater for agriculture and flood control; today its dammed basin frames the sportier stretches downstream. Locals mix mountain culture and gaucho cuisine, so it’s no surprise the day finishes with a traditional asado—meats grilled over woodfire beside the river.
Expect a practical, full-day flow: a safety briefing and kit-up at base, an initial 8–12 km run (roughly 1 hour depending on flow), a riverside lunch, then a longer 20 km descent (about 2 hours) before returning to base. Guides supply wetsuits, neoprene booties, helmets, lifejackets, paddles and dry bags; they run the technical lines and brief on commands so paddlers of moderate fitness can ride the rapids safely.
Plan for cold water even in summer, layers on arrival and fast-drying clothes on the river, and leave time for photo stops at viewpoints above Cerro Negro. Hydrate early, follow guide instructions, and treat the riverside as both playground and fragile ecosystem.