Rafting on the Mendoza River: Class II+ rapids

One hour of moving water between the Andes, everything arranged from your hotel

Rafting on the Mendoza River is a six-hour activity departing from Mendoza that takes you 12 km downriver through Class II+ rapids, with a professional bilingual guide, full equipment, round-trip hotel transfers, and lunch at the base included. Minimum age is 12; the difficulty shifts with seasonal water flow. Not suitable for travelers with spinal injuries or cardiovascular concerns, or those who are pregnant.

Step-by-step itinerary

Rafting adventure and return

• Depart from Mendoza city early
• Arrive at Potrerillos base
• Receive safety talk and recommendations
• Get equipped for rafting
• Raft on Mendoza River for one hour
• Return to base after rafting
• Enjoy a delicious lunch at the inn
• Return to Mendoza city in afternoon

The Experience

You leave your hotel in central Mendoza early and drive to Potrerillos, a town nestled in the Andes foothills about an hour away. At the base, your bilingual guide walks you through a safety briefing and gear setup—wetsuit, helmet, life jacket, paddle—so you know what to expect before you get on the water. The river itself is the focus: approximately one hour of paddling through Class II+ rapids, the exact difficulty depending on seasonal flow and recent rainfall. You're navigating the current, not watching it pass.

The 12 km run takes you through landscapes where the river's force meets mountain walls. After you pull out, there's time to change into dry clothes—lockers at the base store your belongings—and eat lunch before the afternoon drive back to Mendoza. The whole day is six hours from pickup to return.

What’s included

• All rafting equipment including wetsuit, helmet and life jacket.
• round-trip hotel transfers from central Mendoza.
• professional bilingual guide in English and Spanish.
• personal accident insurance.
• lunch at the base after the paddle.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Gray Line Argentina

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to paddle the Mendoza River's moving water but need hotel pickup included—the tour departs early from the city and handles all gear, so you just show up ready to go.

Top questions

What's the water difficulty like on the Mendoza River?

The Mendoza River runs Class II+ to III+ rapids depending on the time of year and water flow. Your guide assesses conditions on the day and adjusts the run accordingly; the difficulty is not fixed.

Do I need rafting experience to do this?

No experience is required. The guide covers everything in the safety talk before you launch, and the Class II+ difficulty is manageable for beginners who follow instructions.

What's included in the price?

The activity includes all rafting equipment, round-trip hotel transfers from central Mendoza, a professional bilingual guide in English and Spanish, personal accident insurance, and lunch at the base after the paddle.

Can children do this rafting trip?

Children must be at least 12 years old to participate in this rafting activity.

What should I bring or wear?

Wear comfortable clothing you don't mind getting wet, bring a change of clothes and a towel, and wear closed-toe shoes suitable for water. Sunscreen is recommended. The base provides lockers to store belongings you're not taking on the river.