Welcome to San Rafael, a hidden gem in the heart of Mendoza province, Argentina!
Located just about three hours south of Mendoza city, San Rafael is very popular among locals but has yet to make it into international travelers’ itineraries.
Known for its breathtaking landscapes and adventurous outdoor activities, San Rafael is a fantastic addition to any trip to Argentina’s famous wine region.
From the stunning Atuel Canyon to the serene Los Reyunos Dam, San Rafael is packed with incredible sights and this guide will lead you through the top attractions and activities that make it a must-visit destination.
Top Things to Do in San Rafael
1. Drive the Cañon del Atuel (Atuel Canyon)
This geological wonder was formed millions of years ago by the strong winds and waters of the Atuel River, and it’s the #1 place to visit in San Rafael!
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.
The canyon begins at the El Nihuil Reservoir, located around 75 km from the city, and stretches for about 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!
Read more: Our How to Visit Canon del Atuel: a DIY Guide contains all of the strategic stops in the Canyon so that you can plan a visit on your own.
2. Try Cool River on the Atuel River
You can’t visit Atuel Canyon and not end the day with some adrenaline! After the Valle Grande 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.
But if you had to choose only one, we’d say: 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. Not for the faint-hearted, but such a different and fun experience!
Note: 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.
3. Boat Tour at Los Reyunos Dam
Los Reyunos is a stunning artificial lake and dam surrounded by rugged hills, and located just a short drive from San Rafael. The reservoir is especially popular for the range of water sports and leisure activities you can do here, such as kayaking, horse riding, zip-lining, paddle-boarding, and quad trips.
We recommend doing what they call a Catamaran tour. The boat looks nothing like a Catamaran, but the landscape is very impressive and if you’re lucky, you might be able to spot Chinchillas sunbathing on the shore.
Note: We did the tour with Kaike Turismo Aventura as they had the best structure. The tour takes about 1 hour and you can expect to pay around 8-10 euros per person for this activity.
4. Visit Veinticinco de Mayo Village
Now if you’re driving to Los Reyunos, you can’t miss a quick stop for empanadas at Veinticinco de Mayo Village. Named after Argentina’s May Revolution day, this small village offers a glimpse into rural Argentine life. Stroll through Plaza Centenario and visit the small chapel before heading to Sandwicheria La 25 for some fresh traditional empanadas.
5. See the Salinas Del Diamante
Mendoza province, where San Rafael is located, is home to a very diverse topography, ranging from high mountains along the Andes to arid plains and valleys. Over millions of years, volcanic activity, glacial movements, and the presence of ancient lakes and rivers shaped what is now a characteristically dry area.
It was the evaporation of one of these ancient seas or large bodies of water that left behind the significant salt deposit that makes up the Salinas Del Diamante salt flat. The salt creates this dazzling white that stretches as far as the eye can see!
This area not only provides stunning photo opportunities but also serves an economic role, as the salt extracted here is used both locally and regionally.
Note: Salinas del Diamante is located about an hour’s drive from San Rafael and the entry fee is 2 euros per person. You should note that there’s absolutely nothing on the way there, so bring plenty of water.
6. 4×4 Expedition to El Nihuil Dunes
El Nihuil Reservoir is well-known for being the starting point of the Atuel Canyon. What is not common knowledge among foreign travelers is that right next to it lies towering sand dunes. And by towering, we mean some dunes can reach heights of approximately 200 meters!
The sheer scale of the dunes makes them only accessible via 4×4, driven by an experienced guide. It’s likely the most expensive tour in the area, costing around 250-300 euros per car for up to 4 people.
Note: It was a bit difficult to find a tour company in San Rafael that offered this tour. We didn’t do it, but we found these providers for you: Diamante Viajes and 4×4 Overland.
7. Spend a Fun Day at Parque de La Aventura
If you have a free day on your itinerary, Parque de La Aventura is the place to go! This dynamic outdoor park offers a range of activities tailored to all ages and adventure levels. You can go zip-lining and rappeling, navigate challenging obstacle courses, go climbing, hiking, or mountain biking.
A special activity is the Guided Stargazing session that happens every night, where you lay in hammocks and watch constellations, planets, and stars, while a guide helps you identify them.
The park is completely secluded and surrounded by nature, and it offers transfers from your hotel in San Rafael to the park. You can see all the packages and activities here (Spanish only).
8. Wine Tasting at La Abeja
La Abeja Winery in San Rafael, Argentina, is a charming and historic winery that’s been producing wines since 1883. Although we didn’t find the wines as great as the ones from the wineries we visited in Mendoza, it was a lovely experience to see a more traditional approach to winemaking.
The cost for the guided tour here is 1.000 pesos (around 1 euro) per person, which the family donates to a special cause. You get to explore its antique cellars and historic facilities and conclude the tour with a casual wine-tasting session.
Hot tip: some other lovely wineries in San Rafael are: Algodon Wine Estates, Bodega Iaccarini, and Valentín Bianchi.
9. Visit Yancanelo Olive Oil Factory
Another historic place around town is the Yancanelo Olive Oil Factory. Situated on the fertile lands of Mendoza, this factory is renowned for its high-quality olive oil production, a staple in the area.
Here you can enjoy guided tours that provide an in-depth look at the olive oil production process, from the harvesting of olives to the pressing and bottling stages. The factory is very small, but the tour is lovely – and you can see their llamas at the end.
At the end of the tour, don’t forget to get yourself: a bottle of olive oil, a can of olives, and a can of sun-dried tomatoes (so good!).
Note: The tours at Yancanello go for about 5-10 euros per person and need to be booked in advance via WhatsApp (+54 9 260 4022907).
10. Get Lost at Borges Labyrinth
Whenever you ask a local what to do in San Rafael, they always bring up the Borges Labyrinth! This unique attraction was inspired by the works and philosophies of the Argentine writer Jorge Luis Borges. The maze consists of tall, verdant hedges, and was designed to reflect Borges’ fascination with infinity, mirrors, and the complexity of human existence.
As you navigate the twists and turns of the labyrinth, you’ll encounter various symbols and inscriptions that reference Borges’ literary themes. Once you reach the labyrinth’s center, you’ll find a stunning library, symbolizing knowledge and discovery at the heart of confusion and complexity. It’s totally understandable why they all recommend this place, right?!
San Rafael Travel Tips
Best time to visit
Generally speaking, you can visit San Rafael year-round! Spring (September to November) and Autumn (March to May) are when the weather is mild and pleasant. December to February is summertime and the weather is hot and dry.
Now if you’re interested in winter sports and visiting Las Leñas Ski Resort, you should plan to visit from June to August.
How to get to San Rafael
✈️ By Air: You can fly directly from Buenos Aires to San Rafael Airport through Aerolineas Argentinas. Direct flights might be unavailable from other locations in the country, so another option is to fly into Mendoza city’s Airport and take a bus or drive to San Rafael.
🚌 By Bus: Numerous long-distance bus services connect major Argentine cities with San Rafael. Buses from Buenos Aires to San Rafael generally take about 12 to 14 hours, offering both day and overnight travel options. From Mendoza, the bus takes only 3 to 4 hours. You can find tickets online here.
Hot tip: In Argentina, we recommend getting online bus tickets via Bookaway. If you can’t find a route online, we recommend booking the tickets directly at the bus station, also called “Terminal Autobuses” or just “Terminal” in Spanish.
🚗 By Car: If you prefer to drive, you should reach San Rafael by taking Route 144 from Mendoza to San Rafael. This scenic drive through wine country is enjoyable and allows for stops along the way.
Where to Stay in San Rafael
⛺ If you’re into camping, then San Rafael is also your place! Just google Camping on top of San Rafael and you’ll find tons of options around the Atuel Canyon, Los Reyunos, and around town.
Hot tip: Airbnbs in Argentina are also super cheap and convenient, especially if you’re a digital nomad and need more structure than a simple hotel room. You can find really good places starting at 25 euros a night.
Where to Eat in San Rafael
One thing you should know about Argentina is that it’s part of their culture to eat late. They’ll have breakfast near lunchtime, lunch in the afternoons, and dinner past 9 PM.
Unless you’re in a big city like Buenos Aires, it’s not unusual to go out at noon and find only one or two restaurants open.
You’ll also most likely have to wait until 8:30 PM to find a place to dine. It can be weird at first, but once you get their timings you’ll be just fine and always ready to enjoy their delicious cuisine!
In San Rafael, most restaurants are located on the main road, Av. Hipólito Yrigoyen. Here are two that we loved and recommend:
🌮 Frida Café: one of the few restaurants we found always open! You can have breakfast, lunch, and dinner here. We recommend their tostadas and tacos.
🍕 Mikelinos: this Italian restaurant is great. They offer pasta, meat, and pizzas for a reasonable price and the portions are huge!
Where to Go Next?
Mendoza
Chances are you’re planning to visit San Rafael coming from Mendoza! So in this case, we recommend you read our Mendoza complete guide and Mendoza Wine Tour guide to make the most of your time in the wine capital of Argentina.
Malargüe
Now, if you’re willing to explore a really under-the-radar spectacular location in the Mendoza province, Malargüe is where you should go next. This remote area offers a unique set of adventure tourism, including the Payunia Reserve, a vast volcanic field with over 800 volcanic cones.
Read here: The Ultimate Guide to Malargüe – Argentina’s Real Hidden Gem
Read here: How to Visit La Payunia – The Land of Volcanoes
Malargüe is also where the Las Leñas ski resort is officially located, and the reason why we didn’t include it in this San Rafael guide. Las Leñas is one of the most famous in South America for its excellent snow conditions and challenging runs. Most tourists will stay in San Rafael and drive almost 3 hours to ski, without realizing Malargüe is much closer and also cheaper!
