
San Rafael and Atuel Canyon
Traveler rating
4.7/5
Based on 33 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is San Rafael and Atuel Canyon worth booking?
San Rafael and Atuel Canyon is a 14-hour experience in Mendoza, Argentina, from $137 per person. It scores 74 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 33 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 74 / 100
- Rating
- 4.7/5 (33)
- Duration
- 14 hours
- From
- $137 per person
We started at 7:00 a.m. looking for passengers at the hotels in the city of Mendoza, and it took us approximately 45 minutes to look for them all. We travel through Mendoza along Route 40 towards the south. We will travel for 3 hours from the time we leave Mendoza until we arrive in San Rafael. There the excursion takes place, visiting the City of San Rafael, the historical area known as Villa 25 de Mayo, the incredible geological formation of the Atuel Canyon and the Valle Grande reservoir/dam (the most important of the Atuel River). At this last point you have free time to take a catamaran or rafting ride or have lunch (both optional activities at an extra cost).
What you get
About this experience
We started at 7:00 a.m. looking for passengers at the hotels in the city of Mendoza, and it took us approximately 45 minutes to look for them all. We travel through Mendoza along Route 40 towards the south. We will travel for 3 hours from the time we leave Mendoza until we arrive in San Rafael. There the excursion takes place, visiting the City of San Rafael, the historical area known as Villa 25 de Mayo, the incredible geological formation of the Atuel Canyon and the Valle Grande reservoir/dam (the most important of the Atuel River). At this last point you have free time to take a catamaran or rafting ride or have lunch (both optional activities at an extra cost).
What's included
Included
- Hotel pick-up
- Foreign residents or payments with cards issued outside of Argentina: includes local taxes
Not included
- Lunch
- Optional activities (Rafting, Boat ride)
- Payment ARGENTINE RESIDENTS: DOES NOT INCLUDE Country Tax or RG (foreign website) VALUE IN PESOS REFERENCE
What you'll see and do
Maravillosa Ciudad de Mendoza
We start looking for passengers in the City of Mendoza starting at 7:00am. For 45 minutes we will pick up passengers from hotels in the city of Mendoza. Starting at approximately 7:45am we will depart on a trip to the municipality of San Rafael, a trip with an approximate duration of 3 hours 15 minutes.
240 minutes here
San Rafael Mendoza
We will visit the historical area known as Villa 25 de Mayo, a very small town in the municipality of San Rafael.
30 minutes here
Canon del Atuel
Travelers will tour this geological formation, one of the few in Argentina, appreciating its colors and beauty.
180 minutes here
Dique Valle Grande
Valle Grande dazzles us with its photographable landscapes. It is the ideal stop for lunch or an optional activity: such as a catamaran ride or rafting (optional activities with extra cost).
120 minutes here
San Rafael Mendoza
We visited the most developed city in the south of Mendoza, taking a small city tour of this town.
30 minutes here
Maravillosa Ciudad de Mendoza
We begin the return from San Rafael to the City of Mendoza at approximately 6:00pm to arrive at your hotels at 9:00pm. We will make technical stops along the way.
240 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Mendoza
At the door of our sales office
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations.
Ends at
At the door of our sales office
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Thu, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 14 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Viajes y Diseno EVT 16298
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos





What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 33 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
3 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
Traveler reviews
33 verified traveler reviews for San Rafael and Atuel Canyon. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Beautiful city and impressive the Atuel Canyon, for those who like nature you can not miss this visit
Very good impression, San Rafael is a beautiful city; since we stayed several days we could observe the kindness of its inhabitants, in shops of different areas and even when we asked some direction to go. The road that borders the Atuel Canyon is mostly ripio and saws, go with caution , bring comfortable clothes and water
via Tripadvisor (translated)
A beautiful experience
It is a very interesting hike through beautiful landscapes, but the distance from Mendoza makes it quite tiring to do in a single day.
via Viator (translated)
Beautiful everything!!
Reading the references about San Rafael it strikes me that they do not mention as a tourist place Villa el Nihuil, which begins the famous Canyon del Atuel, which with its beautiful lake of turquoise waters allows sports such as: kitesurfing, windsurfing, jet skiing, canoeing, swimming. Its dunes through a prime of the Dakar, offers the thrill of touring one of the best Dunes in the world by motorcycle, quadricycle, UTV or 4x4, the wonderful fauna of Andean flamingos and diversity of birds, next to a small Villa that radiates tranquility, do not forget to promote and visit it!!
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Much travel for what is known
The journey from Mendoza is too long for what one finally knows. The Guide was very good and made it informative and enjoyable, but I think the destination does not merit as many hours of travel on the bus. When you arrive, the views are beautiful, but I don't think they justify the trip.
via Tripadvisor (translated)
A wonderful place
The city is beautiful, French style, with wide streets and very clean. And the places to visit filled my soul with joy. Atuel Canyon, Valle Grande, Los Reinos, La Villa 25 de Mayo. Etc
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Good to know
- Duration
- 14 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Thu, Sun
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 12
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Viajes y Diseno EVT 16298, who run 7 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 70.3 and 1 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Viajes y Diseno EVT 16298 runsWhy this scores 74
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
San Rafael and Atuel Canyon: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Mendoza.
How much does San Rafael and Atuel Canyon cost?
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Prices start at $137 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Mendoza usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does San Rafael and Atuel Canyon take?
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Plan for about 14 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Mendoza is not rushed.
Is San Rafael and Atuel Canyon worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 74 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 33 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Mendoza, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule San Rafael and Atuel Canyon?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is San Rafael and Atuel Canyon suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 14-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book San Rafael and Atuel Canyon?
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Around 12 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Mendoza can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Mendoza and add a light layer if any part of the 14-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does San Rafael and Atuel Canyon start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Mendoza within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Mendoza?
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On Outty we rank every Mendoza experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include High Mountain, Aconcagua and Inca Bridge, Andes High Mountain full day Tour, Horseback riding and roast in the mountains of Mendoza. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Mendoza?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Mendoza?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in San Rafael and Atuel Canyon?
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Included: Hotel pick-up; and Foreign residents or payments with cards issued outside of Argentina: includes local taxes. Not included: Lunch; Optional activities (Rafting, Boat ride); and Payment ARGENTINE RESIDENTS: DOES NOT INCLUDE Country Tax or RG (foreign website) VALUE IN. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does San Rafael and Atuel Canyon include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 57 listed pickup locations in and around Mendoza.
What languages is San Rafael and Atuel Canyon offered in?
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It runs in Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for San Rafael and Atuel Canyon?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is San Rafael and Atuel Canyon wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to San Rafael and Atuel Canyon if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Mendoza. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about San Rafael and Atuel Canyon?
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Across 33 reviews averaging 4.7 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
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