THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Test your paddling skills on the Mendoza River near Potrerillos—an accessible half-day rafting run through vineyard-lined canyons and rocky riffles. Guides provide full safety gear and instruction; strong flows in summer can push the rapids into Class III–IV.
Test your paddling skills on the Mendoza River near Potrerillos—an accessible half-day rafting run through vineyard-lined canyons and rocky riffles. Guides provide full safety gear and instruction; strong flows in summer can push the rapids into Class III–IV.
You push off from the riverbank and the Mendoza River immediately makes its presence felt—cold current threading between weathered boulders, the current daring you to lean into the paddle. Vine-covered slopes and the first ribs of the Andes flank the corridor; white water breaks into the raft and laughter follows.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Tokio Viajes · Potrerillos, Mendoza
You push off from the riverbank and the Mendoza River immediately makes its presence felt—cold current threading between weathered boulders, the current daring you to lean into the paddle. Vine-covered slopes and the first ribs of the Andes flank the corridor; white water breaks into the raft and laughter follows.
The Mendoza River traces a geologic corridor carved by Andean runoff and glacial melt, its flows shaped by the Potrerillos reservoir upstream. Potrerillos itself grew around irrigation and hydropower projects in the 20th century; today the river corridor supports adventure guides and weekend escapees from Mendoza city. Local guides blend mountaineering know-how and river skills, and many operators use neoprene suits and inflatable rafts suited to variable flows.
Expect roughly 8 miles (13 km) of downstream rafting with predominantly Class II rapids, rising to Class III–IV during summer high water. The route crosses rocky riffles and sheltered pools, offering close views of vineyard terraces and scrub oak slopes. Short briefings teach basic strokes, rescue position, and wet-exit techniques—no previous experience required, but a moderate fitness level helps.
Practical notes: wear quick-dry clothing and closed water shoes, bring sun protection and a reusable water bottle, and be prepared for a full morning or afternoon including pickup from Mendoza and transport to Potrerillos. Operators provide wetsuits, helmets, and life vests; lockers and showers are usually available at base camp. Weather and river levels dictate safety decisions—operators may reschedule or refund if conditions become unsafe. For an invigorating stretch of the Mendoza River, this half-day run balances scenic payoff with hands-on white-water exposure.
moderate.
6–7 hours.
Moderate cardiovascular fitness and the ability to sit, brace, and paddle for periods of active rowing; basic swimming skills recommended
No—guides provide instruction for paddling, safety positions, and wet exits; however a moderate fitness level helps you handle longer paddle stretches.
Minimum age is 12; minors must be accompanied by a responsible adult and follow guide instructions.
Operators monitor conditions and may cancel, reschedule, or offer a full refund if safety is compromised due to high water or storms.
Yes—professional neoprene suits, helmets, and life jackets are provided, plus lockers and showers at base camp.
The Potrerillos basin was reshaped by 20th-century dam and irrigation projects that transformed Andean runoff into hydroelectric power and irrigation for Mendoza’s vineyards.
Groups and operators emphasize ‘leave no trace’ principles; stick to marked access points to minimize bank erosion and avoid introducing invasive species to the river.
Tokio Viajes operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
You push off from the riverbank and the Mendoza River immediately makes its presence felt—cold current threading between weathered boulders, the current daring you to lean into the paddle. Vine-covered slopes and the first ribs of the Andes flank the corridor; white water breaks into the raft and laughter follows.
You push off from the riverbank and the Mendoza River immediately makes its presence felt—cold current threading between weathered boulders, the current daring you to lean into the paddle. Vine-covered slopes and the first ribs of the Andes flank the corridor; white water breaks into the raft and laughter follows.
The Mendoza River traces a geologic corridor carved by Andean runoff and glacial melt, its flows shaped by the Potrerillos reservoir upstream. Potrerillos itself grew around irrigation and hydropower projects in the 20th century; today the river corridor supports adventure guides and weekend escapees from Mendoza city. Local guides blend mountaineering know-how and river skills, and many operators use neoprene suits and inflatable rafts suited to variable flows.
Expect roughly 8 miles (13 km) of downstream rafting with predominantly Class II rapids, rising to Class III–IV during summer high water. The route crosses rocky riffles and sheltered pools, offering close views of vineyard terraces and scrub oak slopes. Short briefings teach basic strokes, rescue position, and wet-exit techniques—no previous experience required, but a moderate fitness level helps.
Practical notes: wear quick-dry clothing and closed water shoes, bring sun protection and a reusable water bottle, and be prepared for a full morning or afternoon including pickup from Mendoza and transport to Potrerillos. Operators provide wetsuits, helmets, and life vests; lockers and showers are usually available at base camp. Weather and river levels dictate safety decisions—operators may reschedule or refund if conditions become unsafe. For an invigorating stretch of the Mendoza River, this half-day run balances scenic payoff with hands-on white-water exposure.