Introduction:

San Rafael is located in the south of the province of Mendoza, 232 kilometres away from the capital city. It belongs to the region known as “Cuyo”.

San Rafael is an earthly paradise with beautiful landscapes, clear water and fresh air.

¿What to visit?

City tour: A city tour gives you a picture of the town and its culture. This tour takes you to the Hipólito Yrigoyen Park, the Francia Square and the Park of the Children, passing by the most important reference point of the city: the 0 kilometre. Then, the itinerary continues towards the first church of San Rafael – Our Lady of Lourdes, the Academic Area, the Railway Museum, the Immigrant Plaza, the San Rafael Archangel Cathedral, the San Martín Square and the Pellegrini Promenade

Wine cellars: There are many wine cellars at San Rafael – Most of them offer guided tours that include a visit to the installations, a walk through the vineyards and, finally, wine tasting, giving you the chance to savour Malbec, Syrah, Cabernet and Bonarda, among other varietal wines.

Atuel Canyon: Located in the Big Valley, 37 kilometres away from San Rafael, the Atuel Canyon was originated because of water and wind erosion. The canyon starts at El Nihuil Reservoir and it finishes at the Big Valley Reservoir, and it’s a great place to practice adventure sports: windsurf, kayak, biking, trekking and raffting.

Los Reyunos: This barrage that’s 35 kilometres away from San Rafael, fed by the Diamond River, originates the homonymus lake. The Lake Los Reyunos covers an area of 750 hectares, approximately, and it provides safe water to the neighboring towns. The lake is also a touristic point – It counts with a Nautical and Fishing Club where you can practice water sports like ski, wakeboard, windsurf, boating, diving and fishing, among others. Over the edge of the lake there are restaurants, campings and cottages.

The weather and when to travel:

During winter the maximum temperatures reach 22°C approximately, but it gets colder at night – Temperatures might reach 7°C, so it’s necessary to have a coat. However, temperatures can be even lower – Sometimes, it can also snow.

During summer the maximum temperatures reach 32°C or more – Light clothes and swimsuits are recommended. This season allows the visitors to enjoy the bodies of water that San Rafael offers.

In my personal opinion, the best time to visit San Rafael is from January to April and from October to December, because temperatures are pleasant and there is low rainfall.

¿How to get there?

By air: San Rafael has its own airport.

By land: This could be by car or by bus, along the National Routes 7 and 188.

¿Where to sleep?

The city center of San Rafael is located right where the “Kilometre 0” is, near from the Bus Terminal Station. Most of the stores, travel agencies and restaurants are over Mitre Avenue and Hipólito Yrigoyen Avenue. This is the best area to find accommodation.

Gastronomy and nightlife:

San Rafael has a lively nightlife and a wide gastronomical proposal. Bars and restaurants have their tables on the sidewalks, inviting you to enjoy an unique evening.

¿How to move?

You can use public transport, take a taxi or move using your own car. For public transport, a prepaid card is required – You can only buy it when you’re already at the destination. Regarding to tours, the best option is to buy them to a travel agency.

Personal review:

San Rafael has a privileged geography – A mix of mountains, canyons and rivers. You can live unique and various experiences: adventure sports, wine tasting and even spa days. This destination counts with amazing landscapes, natural beauty and a lot of options to enjoy dreamy holidays.

Consultor Cynthia Pipke