Rafting on the Mendoza River in Potrerillos

One hour navigating rapids while the dam and mountains hold the valley still around you.

Rafting on the Mendoza River in Potrerillos is a half-day activity where you paddle Class III/IV rapids surrounded by mountain landscape and an imposing dam. The operator provides all equipment (neoprene, life jacket, helmet), a professional guide in English or Spanish, hotel pickup and drop-off, and personal insurance. The activity itself lasts one hour on the water; the full outing runs nine hours with transfer time, leaving your afternoon open to stay in Potrerillos or pursue another adventure.

Step-by-step itinerary

Rafting on Mendoza River

• Leave Mendoza City for Potrerillos
• Receive rafting equipment
• Attend safety talk
• Transfer to rafting start point
• Raft on Mendoza River

The Experience

You start in Mendoza City and drive to Potrerillos, a mountain village where the landscape opens into steep terrain and the dam rises across the valley. After a safety talk and gear check, the guide leads you to the river's edge. The rapids run Class III/IV during summer months — the kind that demand focus and coordination but require no prior experience. You spend an hour paddling through them, reading the current and working with your group to navigate the drops and turns.

All equipment comes with you: neoprene suit, life jacket, helmet. The guide speaks English or Spanish and stays with the group throughout. Once you finish on the water, the transfer back to Mendoza happens in the afternoon, which means you can choose to spend those hours in Potrerillos itself — exploring the village, resting, or combining this with another activity the operator offers — rather than heading straight back to the city.

The nine-hour window includes both the drive and the activity, so plan accordingly if you have evening plans. Minimum age is 12, and you'll need moderate fitness and a clear cardiovascular history; the operator asks for your passport details at booking for insurance purposes. Wear a swimsuit under the neoprene, bring a towel and sunglasses, and pack water — the sun reflects off the river and the altitude is noticeable.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off.
• complete equipment (neoprene suit, life jacket, helmet).
• professional guide in English or Spanish.
• personal insurance.
• safety briefing and transfer to the starting point.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Kahuak

Is this one for you?The full outing runs nine hours because of the drive to and from Potrerillos, but the actual rafting is one hour — book this if you want to paddle Class III/IV rapids in the morning or midday and have your afternoon free to explore the village, rest, or add another activity instead of returning to Mendoza immediately.

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Top questions

What are the rapids like on the Mendoza River in summer?

The Mendoza River runs Class III/IV rapids during summer months, which means steep drops and fast current that require active paddling and coordination but no prior rafting experience. Winter rapids are gentler; summer is when the water is highest and most challenging.

How long is the actual time spent rafting on the water?

The time on the river is one hour. The full nine-hour outing includes the drive from Mendoza City to Potrerillos, the safety briefing, the paddle itself, and the return transfer in the afternoon.

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

The operator provides neoprene suit, life jacket, helmet and personal insurance. You bring a swimsuit to wear underneath, a towel, sunglasses, sun protection and water. Wear comfortable clothes for the drive.

Can I stay in Potrerillos after rafting instead of returning to Mendoza right away?

Yes. The return transfer happens in the afternoon, so you can spend those hours in Potrerillos itself or combine the rafting with another adventure activity the operator offers, rather than heading straight back to the city.

What's the minimum age and fitness level required?

Minimum age is 12 years. You need at least moderate physical fitness and good cardiovascular health; the activity is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with cardiovascular concerns. No rafting experience is necessary.

Is the guide included, and what languages do they speak?

A professional guide is included and speaks both English and Spanish throughout the activity and transfer. Hotel pickup and drop-off are also included, along with all safety equipment and personal insurance.