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Mendoza River Rafting in Potrerillos: Half-Day Whitewater Adventure in the Andes

Mendoza River Rafting in Potrerillos: Half-Day Whitewater Adventure in the Andes

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  2. Mendoza River Rafting in Potrerillos: Half-Day Whitewater Adventure in the Andes

Adventure Brief

Ride Andean whitewater on a half-day run of the Mendoza River in Potrerillos, where glacial melt turns the current playful in winter and punchy in summer. Expect Class II–III most of the year, rising to III/IV with big water—plus desert-mountain views, crisp air, and an easy city-to-river transfer.

4–6 hours (about 1 hour on the river)
moderate
Family Friendly

Keep the Adventure Going

More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders

No Experience Required

Dawn slides down the Andes as Route 7 leaves Mendoza and aims for the mountains. The road traces the Mendoza River, a silver ribbon flexing through ochre slopes, until the Potrerillos Dam flashes into view—a blue-green sheet backed by peaks and dry air that smells faintly of dust and jarilla. At the adventure base, guides cinch wetsuits, helmets, and life vests, running a clear safety briefing while the river mutters nearby as if impatient to get going. Minutes later, the raft noses into current and the Mendoza goes from background to main act, grabbing the tube and urging it forward.

Mendoza River Rafting in Potrerillos: Half-Day Whitewater Adventure in the Andes
Mendoza River Rafting in Potrerillos: Half-Day Whitewater Adventure in the Andes photo 1Mendoza River Rafting in Potrerillos: Half-Day Whitewater Adventure in the Andes photo 2Mendoza River Rafting in Potrerillos: Half-Day Whitewater Adventure in the Andes photo 3Mendoza River Rafting in Potrerillos: Half-Day Whitewater Adventure in the Andes photo 4Mendoza River Rafting in Potrerillos: Half-Day Whitewater Adventure in the Andes photo 5Mendoza River Rafting in Potrerillos: Half-Day Whitewater Adventure in the Andes photo 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Expect Class II–III most of the year and up to Class III/IV in summer (Dec–Feb) when snowmelt raises flows.

No. Guides provide a safety briefing and commands; you should be comfortable in water and ready to paddle.

River time is typically about 1 hour, within a half-day outing that includes transport and prep.

Key Highlights

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

4–6 hours (about 1 hour on the river)

Fitness Level

Good general fitness; comfortable sitting in an active position and paddling through waves; confident in water.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Andean condor
  • Culpeo fox

History

The Potrerillos Dam, completed in the early 2000s, stabilized the Mendoza’s flow for irrigation and power along a corridor once served by the Transandine Railway to Chile.

Conservation

Flows depend on winter snowpack and glacial melt; pack out trash, secure micro-items like snack wrappers, and give condors wide space if nesting.

Related Adventures & Guides

  • Explore more Mendoza adventures
  • Read our Mendoza travel guide
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Half-Day Rafting Adventure on the Mendoza River

Reserve your spot on the Half-Day Rafting Adventure on the Mendoza River today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.

Adventure Tips

Dress to get splashed

Wear a swimsuit or quick-dry base layer under the provided wetsuit and bring a warm change of clothes for after the river.

essential

Protect against high-altitude sun

UV is intense around 1,300–1,500 m—pack SPF 50, lip balm, and sunglasses with a retainer.

essential

Footwear matters

Closed-toe water shoes or sturdy sandals with heel straps grip wet rafts and protect toes on rocky banks.

warning

Plan for a later return

Summer flows often mean afternoon return shuttles; budget extra time to relax by the lake or grab lunch in Potrerillos.

info

Recommended Gear

Quick-dry swimsuit or synthetic base layer

Stays warm when wet under the provided neoprene and prevents chafing.

Essential

Closed-toe water shoes or strapped sandals

Secure traction on wet rafts and rocky shorelines.

Essential

High-SPF sunscreen and sunglasses with retainer

Strong Andean sun reflects off water; protect skin and eyes.

summer

Essential

Towel and warm change of clothes

Cold river temps make a dry, cozy post-raft layer essential.

winter

Essential