Discover San Rafael Department

In San Rafael Department, the landscapes of Cañón del Atuel, experiences at reservoirs, and historic cultural sites come together. You can combine guided hikes and rafting trips with a catamaran ride or hourly boat rental. The history of winegrowing is also part of the destination’s character. The different places and activities offer several ways to shape your stay around scenery, water, or culture.

Cañón del Atuel: Scenery and activities

The route through Cañón del Atuel runs for 50 kilometers from Embalse El Nihuil to a point downstream of Embalse Valle Grande. In Valle Grande, the canyon landscape unfolds between lush vegetation and the Río Atuel, which flows over its rocky riverbed. If you want to explore the landscape on foot, you can join guided hikes along trails through the mountains and the canyon’s rock formations.

The stretch of RP 173 through the canyon is on compacted gravel, is suitable for all vehicles, and should be driven at low speed. As road conditions can change seasonally, check them before setting out. Rafting trips in inflatable boats depart from Valle Grande on the Río Atuel; the routes are considered suitable for all audiences. This gives you a choice between a guided boat trip on the river and hikes in the canyon as different ways to experience nature.

Reservoirs and water sports

Los Reyunos is a reservoir with turquoise and green hues and striking rock formations. A one-hour guided catamaran ride across the reservoir is offered at Los Reyunos. Canoes and kayaks can also be rented there by the hour. This lets you choose between a scheduled guided trip and an hourly rental.

Windsurfing and kitesurfing are offered at El Nihuil. The area is considered one of the country’s best places for these wind-dependent board sports. Another waterside landscape is Laguna El Sosneado: the lake has crystal-clear water and is suitable for fishing. These options range from water-based activities to spending time on the lakeshore.

History, museums, and winegrowing

Villa 25 de Mayo is considered the historic heart of San Rafael Department. There, Fuerte San Rafael del Diamante is designated an Argentine National Historic Monument. Bodegas y Viñedos Arizu in Villa Atuel also holds this national heritage designation. These two named sites offer different ways to connect with the department’s historical heritage.

Museo Histórico Narciso Sosa Morales displays archaeological finds as well as objects relating to the region’s pioneers and Indigenous peoples. At Laberinto de Borges, the paths can be read from the air: they form the name Jorge Luis Borges and symbols from his work. Bodegas Bianchi offers another connection to regional history. The winery was founded in 1928 and is located in San Rafael’s historic winegrowing area; tourist tours include wine tastings at the foot of the tank.

El Sosneado and travel information

In El Sosneado, Cueva del Indio is an archaeological site associated with the ancestral cultures of this area. Ruinas del Hotel Termal El Sosneado include outdoor thermal pools. Check local access conditions before visiting. There is also a dated travel update: a notice dated August 31, 2026, reports that the first construction phase of the new passenger terminal at San Rafael Airport is in operation.

Discover more destinations: Rodolfo Iselin, Lavalle Department, Malargüe Department, San Rafael Department, Tupungato Department, Guaymallén, Maipú Department, General Alvear.

For the main travel overview: Mendoza.