Potrerillos lies in the heart of Luján de Cuyo, at the foot of Cordón del Plata and on the banks of the Mendoza River. Potrerillos Dam covers around 1,500 hectares and regulates the river’s flow. In Potrerillos, the Mendoza River, the lake and the tranquil streams offer opportunities for fishing and kayaking.
Water and High Mountains
Cordón del Plata encompasses high mountains, glaciers, rivers, streams and springs that supply water to the Mendoza River basin. Cerro El Plata reaches 5,968 metres above sea level; other peaks in Cordón del Plata rise above 5,000 metres. Waterways and high mountains are thus equally integral to the landscape of Luján de Cuyo.
Activities at the Dam and in the Mountains
Activities at Potrerillos Dam include rafting, trekking, rappelling, mountain biking, horseback riding, kayaking, climbing, canopy tours, sailing, windsurfing and canoeing. If you are looking for a specifically named trekking route, Parque Provincial Cordón del Plata offers the Campamento Las Veguitas trail: it is 4.3 kilometres long and rated easy. Its stated length and difficulty provide clear guidance for this hike, while the activities at the dam offer a range of things to do on the water and on land.
Potrerillos is accessible via two major roads: National Route 7 and Provincial Route 82. The Cacheuta–Potrerillos Tunnel connects two valleys and offers panoramic views. These two features provide different kinds of orientation: the roads provide access to Potrerillos, while the tunnel connects valleys and opens up views of the landscape.
Bridge, Views and Culture
The Puente Colgante de Cacheuta footbridge is 140 metres long and connects the buildings on either side of the Mendoza River. As you cross, you can take in views of the surrounding mountain landscape. The bridge also offers the chance to leap into the depths and then swing on a rope for 20 metres. This makes the site both a river crossing with striking mountain views and a place for another described experience.
A visit to a museum is also among the cultural discoveries in Luján de Cuyo: the Museo Provincial de Bellas Artes Emiliano Guiñazú – Casa de Fader features permanent exhibitions from its collection as well as temporary exhibitions. The museum adds fine art to the region’s attractions, so the focus is not solely on landscapes and activities.
Wine and Mendoza in a Broader Context
The D.O.C. Luján de Cuyo was the first of its kind in the Americas. In the broader destination of Mendoza, wineries offer tastings, seasonal menus with wine pairings, picnics and grape-harvesting competitions. This places the local wine designation in a wider regional context without attributing the province’s offerings to any one location.
The broader destination of Mendoza is also home to Cerro Aconcagua. Located in Mendoza Province, it reaches an altitude of 6,962 metres and is the highest peak in the Americas. Parque Provincial Aconcagua was designated a provincial park in 1983 and covers 71,000 hectares. These wider regional natural attractions are distinct from the mountains of Cordón del Plata, which shape the landscape around Potrerillos.
The Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia is also part of the cultural life of Mendoza Province and takes place every year. From January to March, each of the 18 departments holds its own harvest festival. The Acto Central features Teatro Griego Frank Romero Day and performances by more than 1,000 artists on stage. If you plan to include these festivals in your trip, check the dates for the relevant year.
Discover more destinations: Luján de Cuyo, Las Compuertas, Bajo Lunlunta, Guido, Cacheuta Spa, Eva Perón, Agrelo, Los Penitentes, Puente del Inca
For an overview of the wider destination: Mendoza.
