Right in the heart of Argentina’s Mendoza province, Atuel Canyon, or Canon del Atuel is a geological wonder formed millions of years ago by the strong winds and waters of the Atuel River.
The canyon is located around 75 km from San Rafael, a fantastic little town surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and adventurous outdoor activities. And it stretches for 60 km.
Along its path, you’ll find hydroelectric plants alongside its beautiful reservoirs and many incredible rock formations. The final reservoir, Valle Grande, is one of the most beautiful places we’ve seen in Argentina!
Fun fact: the word Atuel originates from the indigenous Puelche word “Latuel,” which means Soul of the Earth. Can’t say this isn’t spot on.
If you’re planning a trip to this stunning canyon, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your visit!
Know Before You Go
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Canon del Atuel is from late October to March, coinciding with the end of spring and the summer months.
During this period, the weather is warm, perfect for enjoying water sports and outdoor activities. April is still a good month to visit, but temperatures start to drop, which might limit the water-based adventures.
The route within the Canyon is accessible 24/7 and there are no entry fees, though visiting in the afternoons provides the best sunlight.
How to Visit Canon del Atuel
The most common way to visit Canon del Atuel is by joining a guided tour like this one. Tours are convenient and often include transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and stops at key viewpoints.
They are a great option if you prefer a structured itinerary and don’t want to worry about the logistics. However, guided tours can sometimes feel rushed, and you might miss out on some of the secret little stops that make this journey truly special.
For those, like us, who love the freedom to explore at their own pace, renting a car is the best option!
Reaching Canon del Atuel takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes. Crossing the Canyon can take you anywhere from 2 to 3 hours, and the end of the Canyon is just a 10-minute ride from San Rafael.
Renting a car gives you the flexibility to create your own unique experience and that’s what we’ll help you craft with this guide!
Tip: We recommend using Rentcars to rent a car when traveling in South America. If no vehicles are available, the small Rentacar Sur on the main road in San Rafael is a reliable option.
Canon del Atuel – DIY Route
1. Start of the Journey: El Nihuil Reservoir
To reach El Nihuil Reservoir from San Rafael by car, take Provincial Route 144 and then turn left at Route 180. The route is straightforward and well-maintained, and you’ll cover the 75 kilometers in about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Tip: Before you set off from town, make sure your gas tank is topped up to enjoy a smooth and worry-free journey!
2. Entering Canon del Atuel
After a quick look into the El Nihuil Reservoir, make your way to Route 173, the road that winds through the canyon. It stretches for about 60 km and a good part of it is dirt road, so you can expect this journey to take you anywhere from 2 to 3 hours or more, depending on how many stops you make.
3. Strategic Stops Along the Way
If you’re doing this trip for the first time, it might be overwhelming trying to gather information on where to stop along the Canyon. To help you out, here’s a list of all the strategic stops at Canon del Atuel as well as a link to a map detailing all of these locations:
👁️ Mirador Cañon del Atuel: not even 5 minutes in, stop at this vantage point for the first glimpse into the Canyon. Keep your eyes peeled for Condors!
🪨 Rock Formations: one of the best things to see around the canyon is its rock formations! You can’t miss the following ones:
- El Búho or the owl
- El Hongo or the mushroom
- El Astronauta or the astronaut
- Museo de Cera or wax museum
- Roca Doble or double rock
- Jardines Colgantes or hanging gardens
💦 Banks of the Atuel River: stop at Playita de Descanso, Sillón de Rivadavia, and Mirador Río Atuel for some of the best scenic views along the river.
Fun fact: The Atuel River originates at 3,500 meters above sea level, fed by glaciers from the Andes, and travels through San Rafael and the Canyon before reaching La Pampa province.
🧗 Hiking Trails: if you go early in the day, you might be able to squeeze a couple of hiking trails into your visit! Here are the most popular ones, with the map linked:
- Quebrada and Mirador de Cóndores: 5.0-km loop trail popular for birds and Condor sightings (average of 1:45h to complete).
- Condor Viewpoint: a 8km out-and-back Moderate trail that takes you to an elevated vantage point of the Valle Grande lake (average of 2:30h to complete).
- Cerro Celeste: a 3.9-km out-and-back moderately challenging trail that takes you up the rocks surrounding the canyon.
Note: some other popular trails along the road are Garganta Natural and Zanjón de los Cifones, but no map is available for those. Please be careful if you do decide to explore on your own.
Hot Tip: we always recommend using the All Trails app to download your trail maps before heading to a hike in a no-service area.
🤩 Valle Grande Reservoir: one of the most beautiful places we visited in Argentina! The dam creates a stunning blue reservoir surrounded by dramatic cliffs – it’s breathtaking. The first vantage point is located here, but the whole road around the lake offers amazing views!
Tip: by the end of the reservoir there are a couple of restaurants and bars but you should note prices are higher than average. Around this area, you can also go swimming and/or kayaking.
🛶 Water Sports: you can’t visit Atuel Canyon and not end the day with some adrenaline! After the reservoir, you’ll find adventure tour providers every 20 meters. Rafting, canoeing, zip-lining, cycling, and climbing are just some of the activities you can do on or next to the Atuel River.
Hot tip: if you had to choose only one, try out Cool River! This thrilling sport involves navigating a river’s rapids and currents, but instead of using a boat as rafting does, you just hang on for dear life on a small float. Such a different and fun experience!
We did Cool River with Sport Star Rafting and recommend it. You can expect to pay around 15-20 euros per person for this activity.
4. Getting Back to Town
Route 173 extends almost all the way back to town. From the reservoir, it will take you about 50 minutes to reach San Rafael again and the roads are much more well-maintained here.
Hot tip: we recommend downloading the map of the area on Google Maps (here’s how) to use it offline. Service is almost non-existent inside of the Canyon.
Bonus: Spend the night at Canon del Atuel
If you want to explore the Canyon further or have more time for other activities such as horse riding or climbing, we’d recommend staying for a night. The stretch between the Valle Grande reservoir and the town hosts a number of hotels, cabins, and campsites!
Here are the best-rated accommodations in the area:
Looking for more things to do in the Mendoza Province? Check out our blog posts:
