Located a bit further south, this town is best known for its surroundings. There are three great scenic drives you can do, and each takes about half a day. It was exactly what we were looking for at that point in our trip: making progress on the road while taking the time to explore a region without constantly changing hotels every night.
A quiet arrival—perhaps a little too quiet
We arrived in San Rafael right in the middle of siesta time. We didn’t know it yet, but here, it’s a real institution. The result: an almost empty town, shops closed, and a rather baffling silence. At the time, we wondered if we had just turned up at the worst possible moment.
In reality, the town just runs on a different schedule. After lunch, everything stops. Then, past 6:00 pm, the streets fill up again, people venture back out, and San Rafael comes back to life as if nothing had happened.
Setting up base to explore the surrounding area
We dropped our bags at a simple, warm, and welcoming hostel in a great spot. It’s about a twenty-minute walk from the center, but more importantly, it’s perfectly positioned for heading out of the city and easily hitting the roads to the different routes. At this stage of the trip, it’s exactly what we need: a practical, well-located, and hassle-free place.
This is where we plan our days, keeping things nice and simple.
Day one, heading straight for the canyon
To start, head towards Valle Grande along Route 173. The scenery quickly changes. The road runs right alongside the river, the landscapes become more dramatic, and you gradually reach the Cañón del Atuel. Fascinating rock formations appear one after another, each totally unique, making the journey just as exciting as the destination.
Just a quick tip: make sure to check the road conditions for Valle Grande beforehand, as it can sometimes be closed. If that happens, no worries—you can easily take a detour and do the loop in the opposite direction.
After El Nihuil, we head over to Salinas del Diamante. The salt museum is small but charming. It’s not a must-see, but it’s a nice little stop that fits perfectly into the day’s road trip.
On the way back, we pull over for lunch by the river. We have huge, hearty sandwiches that are clearly meant to be shared, and best of all, a very peaceful setting. A perfect little escape before heading back to the city.
Day two, exploring the lakes around San Rafael
The next day, we’re off on a second loop, which is just as easy to tackle. Head towards El Tigre lake, then Los Reyunos, passing through the town of 25 de Mayo. Right from the very first viewpoint, the scenery is well worth the detour. Looking out from the Mural Cerámico “Génesis de Paz”, the view over the lake is absolutely stunning.
Route 150 then lets you hug the water for several kilometers. But at the end, past the Mirador Dama del Kayak, you’ll reach a privatized area. There’s an entry fee (10 000 pesos in January 2026) and, more importantly, there’s no other way through.
With a standard rental car, there’s not much point in pushing any further. So, we turn back without any regrets — the loop we’ve already done is more than enough to satisfy.
We love direct, delicious food—that’s for sure!
On the way back from one of these days, we made a stop at La Despensa. The place doesn’t look like much from the outside, tucked right next to a gas station. But once you step inside, it’s a wonderful surprise. There’s a garden that completely shuts out the noise, a calm atmosphere, and above all, really great food at a very fair price.
The rest of the trip is simpler. We often cook at the hostel because it’s well-equipped and cozy. No need to overcomplicate things.
San Rafael fits perfectly into a travel itinerary. Two full days to explore the surroundings, and a quieter third day to catch your breath and plan your next move. No need to stay any longer.
It’s a well-thought-out transition stop, allowing you to keep heading south while discovering a different side of the Mendoza region. A natural next chapter in your travel journal before hitting the road toward Bariloche.
Summaries
