White water rafting Mendoza: Class III/IV rapids with transfer

An hour on Class III/IV rapids means you spend most of the day getting there and recovering, not paddling.

White water rafting on the Mendoza River near Mendoza combines an hour of Class III/IV rapids with pickup from the city and a full day in the Potrerillos mountain base. A guide in English, Spanish or Portuguese leads the safety briefing and the run; neoprene suit, helmet and lifejacket are provided. Children from age 12 are welcome, and moderate physical fitness is required.

The Experience

Pickup starts the morning from Mendoza City and carries you into the foothills toward the Potrerillos Adventure Base, where the Mendoza River cuts through the mountain valleys. The drive itself is part of the day—you'll see the landscape change as you climb away from the city. Once you arrive at the base, a guide runs through the safety talk and gear check before anyone gets on the water.

The rafting itself is one hour on Class III/IV rapids, where the current pushes hard enough that you're paddling the whole time and the boat rocks through the drops. The neoprene suit keeps your core warm in the cold mountain water, though your feet and lower legs will get wet—bring extra footwear like sandals or crocs to change into after. Sunscreen and a hat matter here; the sun reflects off the water and the altitude is high enough that it burns faster than you'd expect.

After you come off the water, you're at the base for the rest of the day. There's a cantina on-site that serves fast food, but it runs cash-only because the mountain location has no phone or internet signal, so bring cash if you want to eat. Bring a change of light clothes to wear under the safety suit, a personal towel, sunglasses and a charged phone if you want photos—though service won't work up there. The full day is eight hours from pickup to return.

What’s included

• Pickup from Mendoza City.
• neoprene suit, helmet and lifejacket.
• guide in English, Spanish or Portuguese.
• safety briefing and one hour on Class III/IV rapids.
• access to the Potrerillos Adventure Base for the full day.

Good to know

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

Operated by Rios Andinos

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a full day in the mountains with an hour of genuine white water action in the middle—the drive and the base time are what make the adrenaline run feel like a real outing, not a quick thrill squeezed between city hours.

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Top questions

How far is the Potrerillos Adventure Base from Mendoza City?

The base sits in the mountain valleys near Potrerillos, reached by vehicle during the pickup portion of the morning. The exact distance isn't specified, but the journey is part of the full eight-hour day.

What do I need to bring for white water rafting in Mendoza?

Bring a change of light clothing or a bathing suit to wear under the neoprene suit, extra footwear like sandals or crocs, a personal towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and a charged phone. The cantina at the base accepts cash only, so bring cash if you plan to eat there.

Is this rafting trip suitable for someone who has never done it before?

Yes, the Class III/IV rapids are manageable for first-timers with moderate physical fitness. A guide leads the safety briefing and the run in English, Spanish or Portuguese, and all safety gear—neoprene suit, helmet and lifejacket—is provided.

Can children go white water rafting on the Mendoza River?

Children are welcome from age 12 and up. They'll need moderate physical fitness and will wear the same safety gear as adults.

What happens if I get very wet during the rafting?

The neoprene suit keeps your core warm but does not prevent you from getting wet, especially your feet. That's why bringing extra footwear and a towel is important—you'll change out of the wet gear at the base after the run.