On this excursion to the Atuel Canyon and San Rafael, we'll discover one of the most stunning natural areas of the Argentine province of Mendoza.
Atuel Canyon and Valle Grande Trip
We'll pick you up at your hotel in Mendoza at the indicated time and hit the road towards the south of the province.
After a 3-hour drive of 235 kilometers (146 miles) through the Uco Valley, we'll arrive in San Rafael. After visiting the city, we'll go to the famous Valle Grande reservoir, a large lake that receives its waters from the Atuel River. There you'll have free time to take pictures, stroll along the shore of the lake, have lunch on your own or take a raft ride down the Atuel River or a catamaran ride on the Valle Grande Dam Lake.
Then we'll head into the Atuel Canyon. We'll discover how the force of the water and the wind have created the most breathtaking rock formations: El Lagarto, Los Viejos, Los Monstruos, the Enchanted City, El Mendigo, Los Jardines Colgantes...
Next, we'll go to El Nihuil Dam, which forms two artificial lakes that generate electricity. Its sheer size is jaw-dropping!
Finally, from the El Nihuil dam, we'll drive the 285 kilometers (177 miles) back to Mendoza, which will take about 3.5 hours. We'll arrive at the hotel 14 to 16 hours after pickup.
Pickup
The tour includes hotel pickup in downtown Mendoza. If you're staying more than 2 kilometers from the city center, the guide will get in touch with you to establish a meeting point.
Itinerary Adjustments
Please note that due to a landslide on part of the Atuel Canyon road, the itinerary will be modified until approximately July. We'll spend less time here, but, to compensate for this inconvenience, we'll take you to see the impressive Los Reyunos Dam, which is fed by the Diamante River and forms a 750-hectare (1,853 acres) lake.
