Canon del Atuel

Wild whitewater-rafting at its best surges along the Canon del Atuel, a gorge stretching from the Nihuil hydroelectric reservoir in Mendoza Province.

Kayakers, windsurfers, jetskiers, river-rafters, cyclists and all kinds of adventurers head to the canyon to take on the rapids and rugged landscapes, carved over the centuries by wind and water.

The river is bordered by steep cliffs, and natural rock sculptures formed by the elements have whimsical names like the Hanging Gardens, Monsters, Toad and Enchanted City.

A huge magnet for visitors, the Atuel region has a great range of hotels, country clubs and outdoor adventure facilities to choose from.

Follow Ruta Provincial 144 to the Nihuil reservoir for expansive valley views, or travel to the neighboring Valle Grande reservoir for more whitewater rafting on the River Atuel.

Practical Info

Running for 60km (37 miles), the Atuel Canyon is 40km (25 miles) south of San Rafael, which in turn is 240km (148 miles) from Mendoza in the Valle Grande.