Potrerillos Reservoir
Embalse Potrerillos
A high-mountain reservoir of blue-green water on the Mendoza River, surrounded by colourful mountains. It is the first stop on the way to Aconcagua and offers rafting in summer.
Potrerillos Reservoir lies beside National Route 7, about 60 km west of Mendoza city. Completed in 2003, it stores Andean snowmelt. Its water shows shades from Turkish blue to emerald green in sunlight, and it is surrounded by the ochre, purple-brown and grey Frontal Cordillera mountains, a striking contrast that makes it one of the most photogenic places along the high-mountain route. Along the lakeshore there are viewing platforms and stretches where you can park to take photos. In summer you can kayak, stand-up paddle and kitesurf here. Upstream, the Mendoza River section is a popular rafting destination in Argentina. In Potrerillos town you can sign up for a 1–2 hour whitewater rafting trip (Class II–III), costing about 30–60 USD. The peak season is from November to March, when snowmelt is high. Nearby Cacheuta has natural hot springs and a spa resort for relaxing. The reservoir is usually the first stop on a day trip to Aconcagua and the Puente del Inca, though you can also drive there on your own (about 1 hour). The lake area is windy and has strong UV rays, so take sun protection and warm clothing.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Termas de Cacheuta
- Chacras de Coria
- Cerro Arco
- Luján de Cuyo Wine Region
- Bodega Catena Zapata
- General San Martín Park & Cerro de la Gloria
- Avenida Arístides Villanueva
- Plaza Independencia, Mendoza