Mendoza River Rafting: Class II Rapids & Potrerillos

Eight miles of rapids, a wetsuit, and an afternoon in a riverside town

Half-day rafting on the Mendoza River near Mendoza, Argentina, where you navigate intermediate Class II rapids (Class III or IV during summer high water) in an inflatable raft with a professional bilingual guide, complete neoprene gear, and helmet. Hotel pickup, base camp with lockers and showers, and free afternoon time in Potrerillos are included; no experience required, but moderate fitness and a willingness to get soaked are essential.

The Experience

The day starts with hotel pickup and a drive through historic vineyards to Potrerillos, where a local restaurant serves as your base camp. You'll find lockers, bathrooms, and river views there—a place to leave your belongings and change afterward. Before you get on the water, you don the provided neoprene wetsuit, helmet, life jacket and grab a paddle. Your bilingual guide walks you through a safety briefing and brief training on technique, then you're in the raft.

You paddle approximately 8 miles downstream through mostly Class II rapids, though summer high water can push sections to Class III or IV. The guide gives instructions and advice as you work through the choppy sections—no prior experience is needed, and the river itself teaches you what you need to know. The raft handles the work; you handle the paddle and the current.

Once you're back at base camp, you change into dry clothes using the showers and changing facilities there. The afternoon is yours to explore Potrerillos on foot—a small riverside town where you can walk around, grab a meal, or simply sit by the water before heading back to Mendoza.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and scenic drive through vineyards.
• complete neoprene wetsuit, helmet and life jacket.
• professional bilingual guide and safety training.
• approximately 8 miles of rafting on the Mendoza River.
• base camp access with lockers, bathrooms and showers.
• personal insurance.
• free afternoon in Potrerillos.

Good to know

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

Operated by Tokio Viajes

Is this one for you?The rapids demand steady paddling and comfort in moving water—this is intermediate whitewater, not a float. Summer high water can push difficulty higher, so if you're booking during peak season, expect Class III or IV sections and plan your fitness accordingly. The full day runs about seven hours from pickup to return, with the rafting itself taking a few hours and the rest split between drive time, base camp setup, and your free afternoon in town.

Top questions

What do I need to bring for a day of rafting on the Mendoza River?

Bring water, underwear or a swimsuit, and socks; wet shoes are optional. You can wear a GoPro with the appropriate accessory if you want to record the rapids. Everything else—wetsuit, helmet, life jacket, paddle—is provided, and personal lockers hold your belongings while you're on the water.

How difficult are the rapids on the Mendoza River?

The Mendoza River runs mostly Class II rapids, which are intermediate—manageable for anyone with moderate fitness and no experience necessary. During summer months when water levels rise, some sections can reach Class III or IV, so the difficulty shifts with the season.

What happens after the rafting is done?

You return to base camp, shower and change into dry clothes, then have free time to explore the town of Potrerillos in the afternoon before heading back to your Mendoza hotel.

Is there a minimum age for this rafting trip?

The minimum age is 12 years old. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult during the activity.

What's included in the half-day rafting price?

Hotel pickup, the drive to Potrerillos, complete neoprene equipment (wetsuit, helmet, life jacket), the raft and paddle, a professional bilingual guide, personal insurance, and base camp facilities (lockers, bathrooms, showers) are all included.