Mendoza River Rafting: Class III+ Rapids & Barbecue

Navigate intense rapids, then grill and eat beside the river

A full-day rafting activity on the Mendoza River in Argentina's Andes foothills, where you descend roughly 28 km of glacial water with a bilingual guide, tackle Class III+ rapids in summer months, and finish with a traditional Argentine barbecue lunch by the riverbank. The tour runs December through March only, when snowmelt raises the water volume and difficulty; a moderate level of physical fitness is required.

Step-by-step itinerary

Rafting and barbecue by the river

• Start rafting on Mendoza River
• Navigate medium to high difficulty rapids
• Enjoy barbecue by the river

The Experience

The day starts with hotel pickup and a transfer to Cerro Negro, where you'll suit up in neoprene and go through a safety briefing before entering the water. The Mendoza River originates in the Andes and carries glacial melt year-round, but December through February brings peak flow—the water volume swells, sediment churns, and whirlpools form Class III+ rapids that keep the descent intense. You'll paddle roughly 8 to 12 kilometers in the first hour, depending on how fast the current moves that day.

At 1:30 PM you pull out for lunch: a full Asado Argentino—grilled meat, sides and drinks—served on the riverbank in the natural setting where you've just been paddling. The meal breaks the day in half. After eating, you push back onto the water for the second descent, a longer 20-kilometer stretch that takes about two hours and carries you downstream toward the Potrerillos Reservoir base, where the activity finishes by late afternoon. A support kayak travels with the group, and a mini demonstration of technique happens before you launch.

The whole package includes all river gear—wetsuit, neoprene booties, dry jacket, life jacket, helmet and paddle—plus a dry bag for personal items. Your guide speaks both English and Spanish, and dietary restrictions like vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free can be accommodated if you note them at booking. The tour runs exclusively from November to March; outside those months, the river flow drops and the rapids ease to medium difficulty.

What’s included

• Bilingual professional guide in English and Spanish.
• full river gear including wetsuit, neoprene booties, dry jacket, life jacket, helmet and paddle.
• dry bag for personal items.
• safety briefing and mini technique demonstration.
• support kayak throughout the descent.
• full Asado Argentino lunch with drinks by the riverside.
• hotel transfer in and out.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditions

Operated by Azul Latina Travel

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English and Spanish, so you can follow the safety briefing and navigation instructions in whichever language you're comfortable with—book this if you want the rapids and the meal without a language barrier slowing you down.

Top questions

What's the water like on the Mendoza River when I'm rafting?

The Mendoza River is glacial water year-round, so it stays cold. In summer (December to February), peak snowmelt raises the volume and creates Class III+ rapids with whirlpools and waves. Outside summer, the rapids drop to medium difficulty. The descent covers roughly 28 kilometers total—about 8 to 12 km in the first hour, then 20 km in the second stretch after lunch.

Do I need to be fit to do this rafting trip?

Yes, you need at least a moderate level of physical fitness. The activity is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health or for pregnant travelers. The minimum age is 14.

What happens during the lunch break?

At 1:30 PM you stop at the riverbank for a full Asado Argentino—traditional Argentine grilled meat with sides and drinks included. The meal is served in the natural setting beside the water, and you can request dietary accommodations like vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free options when you book.

When does this tour operate, and how long is the full day?

The tour runs exclusively from December to March, when the river reaches peak flow. The full day is 8 hours, starting with hotel pickup around 11:00 AM and finishing by late afternoon (around 5:00 PM). The itinerary includes transfer time, a safety briefing, two rafting descents with a lunch break in between.

What gear and safety equipment do I get?

All river gear is included: full wetsuit, neoprene booties, dry jacket, life jacket, helmet and paddle, plus a dry bag for your belongings. A bilingual professional guide leads the group, a safety briefing happens before you enter the water, and a support kayak travels with you throughout the descent.

Does the price include getting to and from my hotel?

Yes, hotel transfer in and out is included. The driver picks you up from your accommodation, takes you to Cerro Negro for the briefing and gear change, then returns you after the activity finishes.