Mendoza Rafting and Hot Springs: Andes Adventure & Wellness

Navigate whitewater, then surrender to mountain hot springs

Mendoza rafting and hot springs combines nine hours of whitewater on the Mendoza River with thermal pool soaking at Cacheuta, set against the Andes. Round-trip transfers from Mendoza city center, neoprene suits, helmet, paddle, life jacket, towels and a snack are included; accident insurance covers the activity. Minimum age is 14 and moderate fitness is required.

The Experience

The day starts with a pickup from Mendoza city center and a drive to the Mendoza River, where you suit up in neoprene and boots, strap on a helmet, and push into the current with a paddle in hand. The river here runs powerful enough to demand focus—you're not watching from a boat, you're operating it, reading the water and timing your strokes with the guide and the other paddlers. The adrenaline comes from the work itself, not from speed or height; it's the kind of challenge that keeps your attention completely.

After the river, you drive to Cacheuta Hot Springs, where outdoor thermal pools sit ringed by mountains. The contrast is deliberate: your muscles, still warm from exertion, sink into water heated by the earth itself. Towels are provided, and the thermal center's facilities are open to you. A snack—a crumb sandwich and water—comes with the package. The two experiences are built to balance each other: the river demands everything you have, and the springs ask you to let it go.

The full day runs nine hours from pickup to return. Neoprene suits, boots, jacket, helmet, paddle and life jacket are all supplied, so you arrive with nothing but yourself. Accident insurance is included. The minimum group size for rafting is four passengers, and you need to be at least 14 years old with moderate physical fitness; the activity is not recommended for anyone with spinal injuries, cardiovascular concerns or pregnancy.

What’s included

• Round-trip transfers from Mendoza city center.
• neoprene suit, boots, jacket, helmet, paddle and life jacket.
• towels.
• snack with water.
• access to Cacheuta thermal center facilities.
• accident insurance covering the rafting activity.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Gray Line Argentina

Is this one for you?The round-trip transfers from Mendoza city center mean you don't need a car or a ride arranged—pickup and return are settled, so the day works whether you're staying in the city or passing through. The nine hours compress two completely different experiences—river and springs—into one departure, which is what makes it possible to do both without splitting your day.

Top questions

What is the Mendoza River rafting like for someone who's never paddled before?

The Mendoza River here is an ideal challenge for those seeking adrenaline and connection with nature—powerful enough to demand focus and technique, but the guide and group paddle together, so you're not alone in the current. You operate the paddle and read the water, not watch from a seat.

How much time do I actually spend in the hot springs at Cacheuta?

The nine-hour day includes the drive to Cacheuta and time in the thermal pools after rafting; the itinerary balances both experiences, so you have real time to soak and recover, not a rushed stop.

What do I need to bring, and what's provided?

Neoprene suits, boots, jacket, helmet, paddle and life jacket are all supplied. Bring a change of clothes and a towel if you prefer your own; the center provides towels. A snack and water come with the package.

Does the price include a guide, or am I on my own?

A guide leads the rafting activity; the itinerary is structured as a group experience on the river and at the springs, not self-guided.

What happens if I'm not fit enough for this, or I have a health concern?

Moderate physical fitness is required. The activity is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health or pregnancy. If you have questions about your fitness level, check with the operator before booking.

How do I get there if I don't have a car?

Round-trip transfers from Mendoza city center are included, so pickup and return are arranged; you don't need to arrange transport yourself.