Luján De Cuyo: Mountains, Water and Culture

Potrerillos lies in the heart of Luján de Cuyo, at the foot of the Cordón del Plata and on the banks of the Río Mendoza. Water and high mountains together shape the view of this destination: the Dique Potrerillos covers around 1,500 hectares and regulates the flow of the Río Mendoza. River, lake and mountains provide the setting for a range of activities. When planning your trip, it is worth first considering whether you mainly want to spend time by the water, explore the mountain landscape or visit local sights.

Mountain Landscape and Water

The Cordón del Plata encompasses high mountains, glaciers, rivers, streams and springs that supply water to the Río Mendoza watershed. Cerro El Plata reaches 5,968 meters above sea level; other peaks in the range rise above 5,000 meters. Around Potrerillos, the heights of the Andes meet the waters of the Río Mendoza watershed.

Potrerillos is accessible via two major roads: National Route 7 and Provincial Route 82. You can factor this into your trip planning along with the different activities available in the area—from the reservoir and rivers to trekking and culture.

Activities at Dique Potrerillos

Activities at Dique Potrerillos include rafting, trekking, rappelling, mountain biking, horseback riding, kayaking, climbing, canopy tours, sailing, windsurfing and canoeing. The Río Mendoza, the lake and the tranquil streams also offer opportunities for fishing and kayaking. The waterways and reservoir therefore provide activity options of their own, with a wide range of additional activities available at the Dique.

If you would rather focus on a specific trekking route, the Campamento Las Veguitas trail is located in Parque Provincial Cordón del Plata. The route is 4.3 kilometers long and is rated as easy. This makes it possible to plan a hike with a specified distance and difficulty, while the activities at the Dique offer a different focus.

The Túnel Cacheuta–Potrerillos also connects two valleys and offers panoramic views. It adds a route through the area to the ways of taking in the mountain landscape: here, the focus is on valleys and views, while the trekking route has a set length and difficulty level.

Bridge, Views and Culture

The Puente Colgante de Cacheuta is a 140-meter-long pedestrian bridge. It connects buildings in the town on both sides of the Río Mendoza. Crossing the bridge offers views of the surrounding mountain landscape. You can also take a plunge into the depths from the bridge, followed by a 20-meter-long pendulum swing on a rope.

The Museo Provincial de Bellas Artes Emiliano Guiñazú – Casa de Fader offers a different kind of visit, with permanent exhibitions from its collection as well as temporary exhibitions. The D.O.C. Luján de Cuyo is another regional highlight; it was the first of its kind in the Americas.

When planning your trip, it helps to distinguish between the options: water sports and fishing are available at the waterways mentioned above, the Campamento Las Veguitas route offers a specific trekking option, and the bridge and museum focus on views and exhibitions. Consider which of these interests you want to shape your stay when looking for a hotel in Luján De Cuyo.

Discover more destinations: Luján De Cuyo, Bajo Lunlunta, Las Compuertas, Eva Perón, Puente Del Inca, Los Penitentes, Agrelo, Cacheuta Spa, Guido.

View the broader travel guide: Mendoza.