Rock formations
Mushroom, Owl, Submarine.
Elvis Boaventura — CC BY 3.0 · Gervacio Rosales — CC BY 3.0 · Pablo D. Flores — CC BY-SA 2.5 · Gustavo A. Perez Prado — CC BY-SA 4.0
The Cañón del Atuel is a narrow canyon carved by the Atuel river and the wind in the Valle Grande area of San Rafael department in southern Mendoza. It begins at the El Nihuil reservoir about 70 kilometres from San Rafael and runs some 56 kilometres with an average depth of 260 metres, along four dams that regulate the river: El Nihuil, Aisol, Tierras Blancas and Valle Grande. A gravel road runs along the canyon floor between walls of red, yellow and grey rock, shaped into formations with playful names such as the Puff Pastry Cake, San Martín's Belt, the Mushroom, the Owl and the Submarine. At the Valle Grande reservoir at its end there are boat trips, water sports and rafting on the fast river. The canyon is free; water activities are paid. The road is narrow and gravel in many places, so drive carefully and check conditions after rain. The light is best in the morning and before sunset.
Mushroom, Owl, Submarine.
Boats and water sports.
On the Atuel.
Valle Grande, southwest of San Rafael, Mendoza
Usually yes, but the road is narrow and gravel in many places, so take it slowly and check conditions after rain.