San Rafael: The Gateway to Adventure and Nature

• HelloHola
  [O-la]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [A-di-ós]
• YesSí
  [Sí]
• NoNo
  [No]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [Por fa-vor/De na-da]
• Thank youGracias
  [Gra-cias]
• Excuse me/SorryPerdón
  [Per-dón]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [¿Có-mo es-tás?]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [Bie-n. ¿Y tú?]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [¿Ha-blas in-glés?]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [No en-tien-do]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [Me gus-ta-rí-a ver el me-nú, por fa-vor]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [No co-mo car-ne]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [¡Sa-lud!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [Me gus-ta-rí-a pa-gar, por fa-vor]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [¡A-yu-da!]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [¡Ve-te!]
• Call the Police!¡Llama a la policía!
  [¡Ya-ma a la po-li-cí-a!]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un médico!
  [¡Ya-ma a un mé-di-co!]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido
  [Es-toy per-di-do]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo
  [Es-toy en-fer-mo]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [Me gus-ta-rí-a com-prar...]
• I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando
  [So-lo es-toy mi-ran-do]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [¿Cuan-to cues-ta?]
• That's too expensiveEso es demasiado caro
  [E-so es de-ma-sia-do ca-ro]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puede bajar el precio?
  [¿Pue-de ba-jar el pre-cio?]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [¿Qué ho-ra es?]
• It's one o'clockEs la una
  [Es la u-na]
• Half past (10)Las diez y media
  [Las diez y me-dia]
• MorningMañana
  [Ma-ña-na]
• AfternoonTarde
  [Tar-de]
• EveningNoche
  [No-che]
• YesterdayAyer
  [A-yer]
• TodayHoy
  [Hoy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [Ma-ña-na]
• 1Uno
  [U-no]
• 2Dos
  [Dos]
• 3Tres
  [Tres]
• 4Cuatro
  [Cua-tro]
• 5Cinco
  [Cin-co]
• 6Seis
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• 7Siete
  [Siete]
• 8Ocho
  [O-cho]
• 9Nueve
  [Nue-ve]
• 10Diez
  [Diez]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está un/el...?
  [¿Dón-de es-tá un/el...?]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [¿Cua-l es la di-rec-ción?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puede mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [¿Pue-de mos-trar-me (en el ma-pa)?]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (colectivo)?
  [¿Cuan-do es el pró-xi-mo (co-lec-ti-vo)?]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a ....)
  [Un bo-le-to (a ....)]

San Rafael was founded on April 2, 1805, by Rafael de Sobremonte, the Viceroy of the Río de la Plata. This establishment was part of a broader effort to populate and fortify the frontier regions of what was then the Spanish colonial territory. Originally, the area was inhabited by the indigenous Mapuche people, whose culture and influence still resonate in the region today.

In the early 18th century, Jesuit missionaries established various missions in the region, with the goal of converting the indigenous populations to Christianity. These missions played a crucial role in the early development of San Rafael, introducing new agricultural techniques and crafts which would lay the foundation for the area's economic growth.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, San Rafael experienced significant growth due to the booming wine industry. European immigrants, particularly from Italy and Spain, brought with them viticulture knowledge and traditions. The fertile land and favorable climate conditions led to San Rafael becoming one of Argentina's key wine-producing regions, known for its Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon.

The construction of the Nihuil Dam in the mid-20th century was a transformative event for San Rafael. Completed in 1953, the dam not only provided a reliable source of hydroelectric power but also created the Nihuil Reservoir. This development significantly boosted the local economy, promoting both agricultural irrigation and tourism.

On June 27, 1929, San Rafael was struck by a powerful earthquake that caused widespread damage to the city and its infrastructure. Despite the devastation, the community's resilience shone through as they rebuilt the city, implementing modern building techniques to better withstand future seismic events. This event is a stark reminder of the region's vulnerability to natural disasters and the enduring spirit of its people.

San Rafael is renowned for its vibrant cultural festivals, which celebrate its rich history and diverse heritage. The annual Grape Harvest Festival (Fiesta de la Vendimia) is a major event, showcasing local wine, music, dance, and culinary traditions. Another significant celebration is the National Festival of the Goat (Fiesta Nacional del Chivo), which highlights rural traditions and the region's agricultural heritage.

In the 1980s, the development of the Las Leñas ski resort brought new economic opportunities to the San Rafael region. Located in the Andes Mountains, Las Leñas quickly became one of the most popular ski destinations in South America, attracting tourists from around the world and boosting the local tourism industry.

San Rafael is located in the Mendoza Province of Argentina. The closest major airport is San Rafael Airport (AFA), which receives flights from Buenos Aires. Alternatively, you can fly into Mendoza's Governor Francisco Gabrielli International Airport (MDZ) and take a bus or rent a car to drive the roughly 230 kilometers to San Rafael. Buses from Buenos Aires and other major cities also serve San Rafael and are a popular and cost-effective option.

Within San Rafael, taxis and remises (private cars for hire) are readily available and relatively inexpensive. Public buses operate throughout the city and connect to nearby towns and tourist attractions. Renting a car is a good option for those who wish to explore the area at their own pace. Bicycles are also popular for short distances and can be rented from various outlets in the city.

The official currency in Argentina is the Argentine Peso (ARS). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it is advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments and rural areas. ATMs are available throughout San Rafael, but be aware that they may have withdrawal limits. It is wise to have some cash on hand at all times.

San Rafael is generally a safe city for tourists. However, like any other destination, it is important to stay vigilant. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas, and be cautious with your belongings in crowded places. While San Rafael does not have specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is best to avoid poorly lit and isolated areas after dark.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. San Rafael has several hospitals and clinics for medical emergencies, including the Hospital Teodoro J. Schestakow. Pharmacies are plentiful and can provide over-the-counter medications. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and casually, but avoid overly revealing clothing. In upscale restaurants, smart casual attire is appropriate. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. While San Rafael is not particularly conservative, modesty is appreciated, especially in religious settings. Public Transport: Do have small change for bus fares and be prepared for crowded conditions during peak hours. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake and maintain eye contact. A friendly 'Hola' or 'Buen día' is appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local wines and regional dishes like empanadas and asado. Don’t leave food on your plate, as it may be considered wasteful.

To experience San Rafael like a local, visit the local markets such as Mercado Municipal, where you can buy fresh produce, meats, and regional goods. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through Parque Hipólito Yrigoyen, a popular spot for picnics and family gatherings. Engage with locals at wine tastings and vineyard tours to learn about the region's wine culture. Don’t miss taking a drive along the scenic Route 173, which offers breathtaking views of the Atuel Canyon.