Cañon del Atuel: A Geological Masterpiece
Discover the majestic Cañon del Atuel in Mendoza: stunning rock formations, thrilling adventures, and breathtaking natural beauty await!
The Cañon del Atuel, located near San Rafael in the Mendoza Province, Argentina, is a stunning gorge carved by the Atuel River. This natural wonder features dramatic rock formations, perfect for adventure activities and scenic drives, offering a memorable experience for nature enthusiasts.
A brief summary to Cañon del Atuel
- RP173, San Rafael, Mendoza Province, AR
Local tips
- Visit during the shoulder seasons (March-May or September-November) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
- Rent a car in San Rafael for greater flexibility in exploring the canyon and surrounding areas.
- Bring sturdy footwear, sunscreen, and a hat for hiking and outdoor activities.
- Book rafting or adventure tours in advance, especially during peak season.
- Take your time driving through the canyon to fully appreciate the scenery and stop at viewpoints along the way.
Getting There
-
Driving
From San Rafael, take Provincial Route 173 towards the Cañon del Atuel. The drive is approximately 37 km (23 miles) and takes about 45 minutes. The route is well-marked, and the road is mostly paved up to Valle Grande. Parking is available at various points along the canyon, including near popular attractions and viewpoints. Parking costs are typically around ARS 100-200 per hour.
-
Public Transport
From San Rafael, take a bus towards El Nihuil. Several bus companies operate this route, with services running multiple times a day. The bus will drop you off at a designated point from where you can access the Cañon del Atuel. The bus fare is approximately ARS 690 per section. From the drop-off point, you may need to walk or take a short taxi ride to reach specific attractions within the canyon. Taxi fares are approximately ARS 1500-2500.
Discover more about Cañon del Atuel
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Hunuc Huar Parque Recreativo San Rafael
4.9 km
Discover nature's serenity at Hunuc Huar Parque Recreativo in San Rafael. Hike scenic trails, explore local crafts, and immerse yourself in Mendoza's beauty.
MELHOR MENDOZA
6.8 km
Discover the allure of Melhor Mendoza, where exceptional wines meet exhilarating amusement rides in the heart of Argentina's wine country.
Roca LA VIEJA DE LA BOLSA
10.6 km
Discover Mendoza's heritage at Roca La Vieja de la Bolsa, where history meets stunning landscapes in Argentina's picturesque province.
La Divina Pereza
20.9 km
Escape to La Divina Pereza in San Rafael, Mendoza: cozy cabins, pools, and easy access to wine country and outdoor adventures.
SanRafael.com.ar
22.7 km
Discover San Rafael, Argentina: Where stunning landscapes meet adventure and world-class wines in the heart of Mendoza's wine region.
Paraíso Escondido Cabañas
28.5 km
Discover tranquility and adventure at Paraíso Escondido Cabañas in San Rafael, Mendoza. Your gateway to wine country and outdoor exploration.
La Ventana San Rafael
29.1 km
Explore the vibrant cultural scene at La Ventana San Rafael, a media company showcasing the artistic spirit of Mendoza, Argentina.
Tierra Virgen Cabañas
29.7 km
Escape to Tierra Virgen Cabañas in historic Villa 25 de Mayo, Mendoza. Relax in comfort and explore the region's beauty.
Suter Petit Hotel
29.9 km
Experience warm hospitality, distinctive architecture, and a relaxing atmosphere at Suter Petit Hotel in the heart of San Rafael, Mendoza.
San Rafael Airport
30.1 km
Your starting point for exploring San Rafael and the southern Mendoza wine region, with domestic flights and easy access to local attractions.
Rotonda San Rafael
30.1 km
Discover Rotonda San Rafael: A peaceful park in Mendoza offering relaxation, natural beauty, and a glimpse into local culture.
Parador San Rafael
30.2 km
Explore Parador San Rafael, a historical gem in Mendoza, Argentina, that offers a glimpse into the region's rich heritage and stunning architecture.
Dirección de Turismo San Rafael
30.2 km
Explore the breathtaking landscapes and rich culture of San Rafael, Mendoza, a must-visit destination for adventure and wine lovers in Argentina.
Paseo de los Lagos
30.2 km
Explore the rich craftsmanship of Mendoza at Paseo de los Lagos, where every handcrafted item tells a unique story.
Tower Inn & Suites
30.4 km
Experience comfort and adventure in the heart of San Rafael, Mendoza at the modern, amenity-rich Tower Inn & Suites.
Unmissable attractions to see
Embalse Valle Grande
0.9 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Embalse Valle Grande, a serene lake in Mendoza Province, perfect for adventure and relaxation amidst stunning landscapes.
Punto Panorámico Cañon del Atuel
0.9 km
Experience breathtaking views of the Atuel Canyon from this easily accessible panoramic viewpoint in San Rafael, Mendoza.
Raffeish Adventure Tourism
3.0 km
Experience the thrill of adventure and the beauty of nature at Raffeish Adventure Tourism in Valle Grande, Mendoza.
Saint Josph Adventure Tourism
3.2 km
Experience thrilling adventures in San Rafael, Mendoza with white-water rafting, horseback riding, and breathtaking landscapes at Saint Joseph Adventure Tourism.
Saint Joseph
3.6 km
Experience San Rafael's adventure tourism with rafting, horseback riding, and stunning Andes views. Your gateway to Mendoza's wild heart.
Vínica | Wine Tours in Mendoza
6.8 km
Explore the rich vineyards and exquisite wines of Mendoza with Vinica Wine Tours, where every sip tells a story.
La sismológica
8.5 km
Experience the natural beauty and geological wonders of La Sismológica in San Rafael, Mendoza Province - a must-visit destination for every traveler.
PARQUE ARQUEOLOGICO LAS TINAJAS
8.9 km
Discover ancient rock art and stunning landscapes at Las Tinajas Archaeological Park in Mendoza, Argentina.
Air EUCA forest
11.0 km
Explore Air EUCA Forest in Mendoza, Argentina: a family-friendly theme park surrounded by nature, perfect for adventure and relaxation.
Villa las Tinajas Archaeological Park
11.2 km
Uncover ancient mysteries amidst stunning landscapes at Villa las Tinajas Archaeological Park in Mendoza, Argentina.
Parque De La Aventura
12.7 km
Explore the thrill of adventure sports and relax by the pool at Parque De La Aventura, the ultimate outdoor experience in Mendoza Province.
Bodega Labiano
21.2 km
Discover the enchanting Bodega Labiano in Mendoza, where exquisite wines and breathtaking vineyard views await every visitor.
Algodon Wine Estates
22.7 km
Experience luxury living amidst vineyards, world-class wines, and stunning scenery in Mendoza's premier wine and golf resort.
Natural History Museum San Rafael
25.5 km
Discover Mendoza's natural history through fascinating exhibits of fossils, minerals, and regional wildlife at San Rafael's premier museum.
Parque De La Isla
25.5 km
Explore the natural beauty of Parque De La Isla in San Rafael, Mendoza—a serene park perfect for relaxation, recreation, and cultural experiences.
Essential places to dine
La Despensa
24.7 km
Discover La Despensa in San Rafael: A culinary delight showcasing Mendoza's finest flavors with locally sourced ingredients.
Picadas Comidas
29.5 km
Experience the essence of Argentine cuisine at Picadas Comidas in San Rafael, Mendoza - where every bite tells a story.
El Aquelarre Vegano
29.7 km
Discover El Aquelarre Vegano in San Rafael - where delicious vegan cuisine meets sustainability in a cozy setting.
Del Parque Hamburgueseria
29.9 km
Discover Del Parque Hamburgueseria in San Rafael - where gourmet burgers meet vibrant ambiance in Mendoza's culinary scene.
L'Obrador
29.9 km
Experience authentic Argentine cuisine at L'Obrador in Mendoza - where every dish tells a story of local flavor and tradition.
Barricas de Fuego Parrilla
29.9 km
Experience authentic Argentine barbecue at Barricas de Fuego Parrilla in San Rafael - where tradition meets flavor in every bite.
El Viejo Bodegón
30.1 km
Discover authentic Argentinian flavors at El Viejo Bodegón in San Rafael - where culinary tradition meets warm hospitality.
Al Antojo del Cocinero
30.1 km
Experience the rich flavors of Mendoza at Al Antojo del Cocinero, where culinary creativity meets local tradition in an unforgettable dining experience.
Mikelinos
30.1 km
Experience authentic Argentine cuisine at Mikelinos in San Rafael - where local flavors meet warm hospitality.
The club
30.1 km
Experience the essence of Argentine cuisine at The Club in San Rafael - where every meal is a celebration of flavor.
Good Pancho 19
30.1 km
Experience authentic Argentine flavors at Good Pancho 19 in San Rafael - a must-visit restaurant for food lovers!
Encuentro Café Resto Bar
30.2 km
Experience the rich flavors of Mendoza at Encuentro Café Resto Bar in San Rafael - where local cuisine meets warm hospitality.
Café del Mundo
30.2 km
Discover the flavors of Argentina at Café del Mundo in San Rafael—where culinary delights meet cozy ambiance.
Big Bon
30.2 km
Experience authentic Argentine cuisine at Big Bon in San Rafael – where local flavors meet warm hospitality in Mendoza's vibrant culinary scene.
El Palacio de La Empanada
30.2 km
Discover authentic Argentine flavors at El Palacio de La Empanada in San Rafael - home to mouthwatering empanadas crafted with tradition.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Status
30.0 km
Explore Mendoza's vibrant clothing store for unique fashion pieces that reflect local culture and style, perfect for every tourist's wardrobe.
MHP Importaciones
30.1 km
Explore MHP Importaciones in San Rafael for unique gifts and fashionable accessories that embody the spirit of Argentina.
West Mall
30.1 km
Explore West Mall in San Rafael – a shopping paradise with diverse stores, delightful dining, and vibrant entertainment options for every traveler.
Sensaciones San Rafael
30.2 km
Explore Sensaciones San Rafael, a charming gift shop in Mendoza offering unique handcrafted items and home goods that celebrate Argentine culture.
San Rafael Color
30.2 km
Explore San Rafael Color, a vibrant shopping mall in Mendoza offering a unique blend of local shopping, delicious dining, and cultural experiences.
BRENT
30.3 km
Discover unique fashion trends at Brent, a premier clothing store in San Rafael, Mendoza, perfect for tourists seeking local style.
Pilar ropa y accesorios
30.3 km
Explore the essence of Mendoza's fashion scene at Pilar Ropa y Accesorios, where style meets local culture in a vibrant shopping experience.
MadreTierra
30.3 km
Explore MadreTierra in San Rafael for exquisite garden furniture and luxurious swimming pool essentials, perfect for creating your outdoor haven.
Kiosco
30.3 km
Discover the local culture of San Rafael through a diverse range of magazines at Kiosco, a charming magazine store in Mendoza, Argentina.
Mistico
30.3 km
Discover unique fashion at Mistico, the premier clothing store in San Rafael, Mendoza, where local style meets contemporary trends.
Baby Jo
30.3 km
Explore Baby Jo in San Rafael for a unique shopping experience filled with local treasures and artistic flair.
Maracuyá Tendencias
30.3 km
Explore the latest fashion trends at Maracuyá Tendencias, San Rafael's premier clothing store, where local style meets contemporary flair.
4 ESTACIONES REGIONALES
30.3 km
Explore 4 Estaciones Regionales in San Rafael for unique local souvenirs and artisan crafts that capture the essence of Mendoza.
iHello Store
30.3 km
Explore iHello Store in San Rafael for authentic Argentine crafts and unique souvenirs that capture the essence of Mendoza's rich culture.
Funky Fungi
30.4 km
Explore Funky Fungi in San Rafael for a delightful organic shopping experience that champions health, sustainability, and community spirit.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Bier 26 Cerveceria , Cocteleria , Patio de Comidas
17.9 km
Explore the best of Mendoza's craft beer culture at Bier 26 Cerveceria, where great brews meet delicious bites in a vibrant atmosphere.
Patio Cervecero Rama Caída
21.9 km
Immerse yourself in the lively nightlife of San Rafael at Patio Cervecero Rama Caída, a vibrant bar offering craft beers and local wines.
Astor
29.8 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of San Rafael at Astor, a premier bar offering expertly crafted cocktails and a lively atmosphere.
The BOX resto • bar
30.1 km
Discover the flavors of Mendoza at The BOX Resto Bar, a must-visit destination for food lovers in San Rafael.
Biero
30.1 km
Discover Biero Brewpub in San Rafael, where craft beer meets local flavor in a vibrant atmosphere perfect for tourists.
Rawson Bar
30.1 km
Discover the lively Rawson Bar in San Rafael, Mendoza, where local culture meets a vibrant nightlife experience.
Peñon del Aguila - Cerveceria
30.2 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at Peñon del Aguila, where local craft beers and a lively atmosphere await in the heart of San Rafael.
Guantánamo Bar
30.2 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at Guantánamo Bar in San Rafael, Mendoza, where craft cocktails and live music create unforgettable memories.
Babel Bar
30.2 km
Experience the vibrant flavors of Argentina at Babel Bar, a premier grill destination in San Rafael, Mendoza, perfect for every taste.
Gintoneria Antidoto
30.3 km
Experience the best of Argentine grilling and mixology at Gintoneria Antidoto in San Rafael, Mendoza, where flavor meets tradition.
Astros Bar Bistró
30.6 km
Experience the vibrant flavors of Mendoza at Astros Bar Bistró, where local cuisine meets a lively atmosphere in San Rafael.
Altos Del Sol
30.7 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at Altos Del Sol, the perfect bar in San Rafael for drinks, music, and local culture.
La Botte - Underground Wine Bar
35.8 km
Discover La Botte - a cozy underground wine bar in San Rafael, Mendoza, serving exquisite local wines and delicious gastropub dishes.
