Backed by the snow-capped Andes, Portrerillos is a forming farming area in the province of Mendoza that has reinvented itself as an adventure tourism hub. It’s the launching point for whitewater rafting tours on the Mendoza River and kite surfing on the Portrerillos Dam while it’s also surrounded by the wineries of Lujan de Cuyo.
Things to do in Potrerillos
No visit to Portrerillos is complete without rafting the Mendoza River, which is fed by the meltwater of the Andes Mountains. Join one of the local operators for a thrilling half-day or full-day tour to experience the river’s natural rock formations and its Class III+ rapids, such as “The Labyrinth”, “The Bad Rock” and “The Chinese Wall”.
The Mendoza River flows into the Potrerillos Dam, which was built around the turn of the millennium to provide flood control, irrigation and hydroelectricity. Its majestic blue waters can be admired from one of several panoramic viewpoints or along the hiking trails that ring its shores. A variety of water sports are on offer at Potrerillos Kite Beach, including kayaking, kite surfing and windsurfing.
Portrerillos forms part of the Lujan de Cuyo wine-growing region, which is particularly renowned for its bold and intensely flavoured Malbec. It was the first region in Argentina to be recognised as an appellation in 1993 and is home to several big-name producers that include Catena Zapata, Bodega Septima and Cheval des Andes. Visit one of the many cellar doors to taste the local wine while discovering how the Andes Mountains influence the terroir.
Getting around Potrerillos
Portrerillos is around an hour’s drive from Mendoza and 1.5 hours from El Plumerillo International Airport, which has flights to destinations across South America. Renting a car is the most convenient way of getting to Portrerillos and exploring the district.