Canon del Atuel
A River Canyon Of Eroded Sandstone And A Chain Of Reservoirs South West Of San Rafael, The Main Outdoor Destination Of Southern Mendoza · San Rafael, Mendoza
The Canon del Atuel is a canyon cut by the Atuel river through coloured sandstone south-west of San Rafael, and it is where much of Argentina goes for a river holiday in the southern half of Mendoza. The canyon road follows the river for tens of kilometres, partly on gravel, between rock towers eroded into shapes with names like the Lion, the Museum and the Nun, past campsites, cabins and swimming spots, and through a chain of dams and reservoirs used for power and irrigation. The lower stretch at Valle Grande has catamaran trips on the reservoir and is the country's busiest rafting river, with gentle rapids suited to first-timers and families. Upstream, the road climbs to the El Nihuil reservoir, windy and popular for sailing. The base town, San Rafael, is a flat, leafy wine town with dozens of wineries, some of the oldest in the province, and the canyon and the tastings together make a good three-day trip. In summer it is busy with Argentine families; outside it the canyon is empty and very beautiful.
Ruta Provincial 173, Canon del Atuel, San Rafael, Mendoza, San Rafael, Mendoza, M5600, Argentina
The canyon road is a public road open at all times, partly gravel. Rafting and boat trips run mostly in summer and depend on river flow from the dams.