The small settlement of Potrerillos provides big entertainment, with hiking, climbing and adrenaline-charged adventures found around its lake.
Potrerillos is a scenic region in Argentina where you can take an adventure holiday and explore the mountain surrounds. Enjoy a number of seasonal activities, from trekking in summer to climbing in winter, or head to the lake and try some watersports. Take a trip from Mendoza and experience the region’s dramatic landscape.
At 4,527 feet (1,380 metres) above sea level in the Andes Mountain Range, this settlement was once very isolated. In fact, before a railroad was built through the area, Potrerillos was made up of just a few farms. Today, join thousands of visitors each year who come for the fresh air and adventure tours.
Summer activities revolve around Potrerillos Dam, a 7-mile- (12-kilometre-) long lake, fed by the Mendoza River. Take a relaxing stroll around the lake’s edge for breathtaking views of the rugged landscape. Try kayaking or fishing for large rainbow trout off the dock. For a rush, go rafting or riverboarding down the rapids of the Mendoza River.
If you prefer to stay on dry land, take a hiking tour through the hills surrounding Potrerillos. Adventure enthusiasts will enjoy mountain biking or horse riding through the scenery. Take a paragliding tour and get the best views of the area. The region is also popular for its rappelling and rock-climbing tours.
Explore the Archaeological Museum, which preserves artifacts of the area’s ancient mountain-dwellers. Be sure to visit the museum’s library and see crafts from local artisans at the Cultural Centre.
Drive to the wineries, just half an hour away, and take a tasting tour of some of the region’s best vineyards. In winter, find a restaurant and enjoy local cuisine with a view of the snowcapped peaks.
Potrerillos is located 37 miles (60 kilometres) southwest of Mendoza City. It is easily reached by hire car. Organise adventure tours through your hotel or one of the agents in town. When you have exhausted the region’s outdoor activities, relax with a glass of local Malbec.
