Potrerillos
Mendoza’s mountain lake: a turquoise reservoir ringed by the Andes, one hour from the city. The province’s rafting capital and adventure-sports base.
The Potrerillos dam pools the Mendoza River between the foothills and the Cordón del Plata range, in Luján de Cuyo. Around the village and the lake you’ll find the province’s biggest concentration of active tourism: rafting, kayaking, horseback riding, trekking and ziplining in summer; in winter it’s the gateway to the snow at Vallecitos.
Things to do in Potrerillos
- White-water rafting on the Mendoza River: the classic. Beginner-friendly floats and livelier stretches depending on the season — flow peaks with the snowmelt (November to February).
- Kayaking, SUP and windsurfing on the lake, with a steady afternoon breeze and an unbeatable mountain backdrop.
- Lake beaches and picnics: the shoreline has public-access spots for a day by the water.
- Trekking and horseback rides: short foothill outings or full-day programs toward the Cordón del Plata.
- Ziplining and rappelling circuits above the canyon, run by several local operators.
- In winter, Vallecitos: a small, historic mountain base in the Cordón del Plata about 25 km uphill — snow and first mountaineering experiences.
Getting there from Mendoza
- By car via Route 7: the international highway to Chile skirts the reservoir — the fastest way (≈ 1 hour to the dam).
- By car via Route 82: the scenic alternative through Cacheuta and the Mendoza River canyon. Ideal for combining with the hot springs.
- By bus: regular Expreso Uspallata services from Mendoza’s main terminal to Potrerillos village.
- On a tour: the rafting day trip with hotel pickup is the best-selling adventure product in Mendoza.
Combine it with Cacheuta or the High Andes
Potrerillos is 15 minutes from the Cacheuta hot springs along Route 82 — rafting in the morning and thermal pools in the afternoon is the perfect one-day combo. Continue west on Route 7 and the High Mountain circuit begins: Uspallata, Puente del Inca and the Aconcagua viewpoint.
Frequently asked questions
What can you do in Potrerillos in one day?
The typical plan: rafting or kayaking in the morning, lunch in the village, then a beach afternoon by the lake or the hot springs at Cacheuta, 15 minutes away. Local operators rent all the gear.
How do I get there from Mendoza city?
By car via Route 7 (about 1 hour) or the scenic Route 82 through Cacheuta. By public transport, Expreso Uspallata buses leave from Mendoza’s main terminal.
Do I need experience (or to swim well) for the rafting?
Not for the tourist runs: they’re guided, with helmet and life jacket, and there are stretches suitable for beginners and families. The operators listed below are licensed by the Mendoza tourism board.
When is the best time to go?
For rafting, the snowmelt season (November to February) brings the most exciting flow. For the lake and beaches, summer. In winter the action moves up to the snow at Vallecitos.
Can you camp or stay overnight?
Yes — the village has cabins, small inns and licensed campgrounds around the lakeshore. Book ahead in high season and on long weekends.
Licensed operators in Potrerillos and around
Operators registered with the Mendoza tourism board for rafting, kayaking, horseback riding, trekking and more: