Rafting and Rock Climbing in Mendoza: Two activities, one day

Test your strength on two rivers at once: the Mendoza's rapids and the rock face above them

Rafting and rock climbing in Mendoza is a full-day activity combining two half-day adventures on the same day. You'll spend the morning or afternoon on the glacial Mendoza River navigating Class II-III+ rapids, then the other half scaling climbing walls 20 to 30 meters high, with a bilingual guide, all technical gear, safety briefings and hotel transfers included. Minimum age is 12; moderate physical fitness required.

The Experience

The day splits into two halves, each testing a different kind of courage. On the Mendoza River, you'll spend roughly 3.5 hours on the water covering about 10 kilometers of Class II-III+ rapids — the difficulty shifts with the season, running medium year-round and stepping up to medium-high in the summer months when the glacial melt brings more volume. The neoprene suit, helmet, life jacket and paddle are provided; a support kayak stays with the group. Half the time on the water goes to navigating the rapids themselves, the other half to reading the river and working as a crew.

The climbing half brings you to walls ranging from 20 to 30 meters depending on your experience level. Beginners and experienced climbers both find routes that match their skill. You'll wear climbing shoes, helmet, harness and safety carabiners — all technical equipment is supplied — and a mini course walks you through the basics before you start. The guide stays with you throughout, managing the ropes and the safety systems while you focus on the rock.

A bilingual professional guide leads both halves and handles all the logistics: hotel pickup and drop-off in Mendoza, safety briefings before each activity, and the transition between them. You'll get a mineral water and cereal bar partway through the day. Personal accident insurance is included. The full day runs about 8 hours from hotel to hotel.

What’s included

• Bilingual professional guide for both activities.
• hotel pickup and drop-off in Mendoza.
• half-day rafting on the Mendoza River with neoprene suit, boots, jacket, helmet, life jacket and paddle.
• support kayak.
• half-day rock climbing on walls 20 to 30 meters high with climbing shoes, helmet, harness, ropes and carabiners.
• mini rock climbing course.
• safety briefings for both activities.
• mineral water and cereal bar.
• personal accident insurance.

Good to know

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

Operated by Azul Latina Travel

Is this one for you?The guide speaks both English and Spanish, so if your Spanish is limited or nonexistent, you'll follow the action and the instruction without gaps. Book this if you want two different adventure skills tested in one day rather than spread across separate trips.

Top questions

What's the Mendoza River actually like when I'm in it?

The Mendoza River carries glacial water year-round, so it stays cold and medium difficulty throughout the year. In summer (December through February), the melt increases the water volume and pushes some sections to medium-high difficulty with Class II-III+ rapids. You'll spend roughly half your time on the water navigating the rapids and half working with the guide and other paddlers to read the river and move as a crew.

Do I need climbing experience to do the rock climbing half?

No. The climbing walls range from 20 to 30 meters, and routes are available for both beginners and experienced climbers. A mini course and safety briefing happen before you start, and the guide manages the rope systems while you climb.

What do I wear and bring for the full day?

For rafting, you'll wear a neoprene suit, neoprene boots, a windbreaker jacket, a helmet and a life jacket — all provided. Wear underwear or swimwear underneath, and bring socks if you want them. For climbing, the guide provides climbing shoes, helmet, harness and carabiners. Bring a change of clothes for after the water activity and a towel.

How does hotel pickup work in Mendoza?

The guide picks you up from your hotel in Mendoza at the start of the day and returns you there at the end. The full day, including both activities and transfers, runs about 8 hours.

What's the minimum age and fitness level?

Minimum age is 12. You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness. The activity is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or pregnancy.