Major city · Argentina
San Rafael
San Rafael is a 2–3 night base for river rafting, dam-side swimming and relaxed winery visits, not a day trip from Mendoza: the drive is 3 hours each way.
San Rafael is Mendoza province's second city, 230 km south of the capital, set where the Diamante and Atuel rivers meet the plains. It is quieter and cheaper than Mendoza city, with a working wine scene, the Valle Grande reservoir for swimming and the Río Atuel for rafting. Most travellers use it as a 2–3 night stop between Mendoza and the south, or as a base for the road to Las Leñas.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- ARS
- Best months
- Sep–Nov and Mar–May
- avoid Jan–Feb (hot, crowded), Jul–Aug (cold, some closures)
- Airport
- AFA
- Nights
- 2–3
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 7Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the fir…
- South America ↗Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the first day light; sleep lower where you can (Sacred Valley before Cusco) and descend if headache comes with vomiting or confusion.
- South America ↗A yellow fever certificate is required on arrival in French Guiana, and asked for on some routes into Bolivia, Paraguay, Suriname and Guyana, or when arriving from Amazon areas — vaccinate at least 10 days before travel and carry the card.
- South America ↗Overnight buses are the norm in Argentina, Chile and Peru, but pick top-tier companies and keep valuables on your body; on-board thefts from overhead racks are the common loss.
- Argentina ↗Check entry rules for your passport with Argentina's National Migration Directorate (Migraciones) or an Argentine consulate before booking.
- Argentina ↗Since April 2025 the official, MEP and street ('blue') dollar rates sit within a few percent of each other; a foreign card is usually the best-value way to pay, while ATM withdrawals carry high fixed fees. Rules have changed often — check before you fly.
- Argentina ↗Patagonia (El Calafate, El Chaltén, Ushuaia) is a November–March trip; in winter many services close and hiking is limited.
- Argentina ↗Since August 2026 non-resident foreigners must show insurance or pay for non-urgent care at nationally run public hospitals, and Buenos Aires City, Mendoza, Salta, Jujuy and Santa Cruz charge visitors for scheduled care; emergencies are still treated. Travel with medical insurance — check the current rules.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for San Rafael911 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about San Rafael, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Argentine peso (ARS, $).Argentina-wide
- SIM or eSIMClaro, Movistar and Personal cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their shops with a passport, or an eSIM before you fly.Argentina-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable in Buenos Aires and most cities; in the Northwest and rural areas ask or use bottled.Argentina-wide
- TippingRestaurant: About 10% in cash; the cubierto (cover charge) is not a tip.Argentina-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/I. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): fits. 220 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Argentina-wide
- SafetySan Rafael is a quiet, low-crime city; the main risks are river currents at the reservoir, heat in summer and the long two-lane roads…
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsUse cafés, shopping centres and bus terminals (small fee sometimes); carry tissues.Argentina-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police · 107 ambulance · 100 fire
- Sundays & holidaysSiesta hours (13:00–17:00) in the provinces close many shops; Buenos Aires works straight through.Siesta hours (1:00 PM–5:00 PM) in the provinces close many shops; Buenos Aires works straight through.Argentina-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportcheckAFA San Rafael Airport (6 km (3.7 mi) west of town; Aerolíneas Argentinas from Buenos Aires Aeroparque (check schedule)).AFA San Rafael Airport (3.7 mi (6 km) west of town; Aerolíneas Argentinas from Buenos Aires Aeroparque (check schedule)).
- Getting aroundA car is the practical way to reach the reservoir, wineries and rafting put-ins.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee at a caféARS 1,500–3,000
- BeerBeer (local)ARS 2,500–4,000
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi across townARS 3,000–5,000
- Metro or bus rideBus Mendoza–San RafaelARS 15,000–25,000 (check)
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per personARS 15,000
- Mid-range bedMid-range double room, a night, per roomARS 50,000
- High-end bedMid-range double room, a night, per roomARS 90,000
A day, not counting the bed: Budget ARS 40,000 · Mid ARS 70,000 · High ARS 120,000
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- AFA San Rafael Airport (6 km (3.7 mi) west of town; Aerolíneas Argentinas from Buenos Aires Aeroparque (check schedule))AFA San Rafael Airport (3.7 mi (6 km) west of town; Aerolíneas Argentinas from Buenos Aires Aeroparque (check schedule))
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Feb
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Mar
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Apr
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
May
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Jun
not flagged
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Jul
Avoid
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Aug
Avoid
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Sep
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Oct
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Nov
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Dec
not flagged
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Best: Mar–May, Sep–Nov. Avoid: Jan–Feb, Jul–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jan (32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)), coolest Jun (3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C) low), wettest Jan (4 rain days), driest Jun (2). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
San Rafael: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
4 rd
Feb
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
4 rd
Mar
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
3 rd
Apr
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
3 rd
May
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
3 rd
Jun
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
2 rd
Jul
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
2 rd
Aug
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
2 rd
Sep
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
3 rd
Oct
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
4 rd
Nov
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
4 rd
Dec
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
4 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
A car is the practical way to reach the reservoir, wineries and rafting put-ins. In town, taxis are cheap and cover the centre; there are local buses but they are slow for visitors.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Valle Grande reservoir
goDoor to door: About 45 min
Drive or taxi about 20 km (12 mi) south-eastDrive or taxi about 12 mi (20 km) south-east
Swimming and picnic spot; go early on hot days.
Las Leñas ski resort
overnightDoor to door: About 2.5–3 h
Drive about 200 km (124 mi) south on Ruta 143/144Drive about 124 mi (200 km) south on Ruta 143/144
A full day each way; better as an overnight in ski season.
Malargüe
cautionDoor to door: About 2.5 h
Drive about 180 km (112 mi) south on Ruta 40Drive about 112 mi (180 km) south on Ruta 40
For the dinosaur museum and caverns; a long day trip.
Tunuyán
goDoor to door: About 2 h
Drive about 120 km (75 mi) north on Ruta 40Drive about 75 mi (120 km) north on Ruta 40
Small wine town on the way to Mendoza; stop for lunch.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
City centre
Walkable to restaurants and the main square; most hotels and hostels here.
Valle Grande / Atuel valley
Closer to the reservoir and rafting; you need a car or taxi.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- ARS 40,000–60,000 excl. bed
- Mid
- ARS 60,000–100,000 excl. bed
- High
- ARS 100,000+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Mid-range double room1 × 2 nights × ARS 50,000 | ARS 100,000 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × ARS 70,000 | ARS 280,000 |
| Rafting trip on the Atuel (half day)2 × ARS 45,000 · check | ARS 90,000 |
| Winery tasting (per bodega)2 × ARS 10,000 · check | ARS 20,000 |
| Car rental, about 3 days1 × ARS 150,000 · check | ARS 150,000 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | ARS 64,000 |
| Trip total≈ ARS 176,000 per person per day, bed included | ARS 704,000 |
2026 estimate in Argentine pesos; flights and car rental excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee at a café | ARS 1,500–3,000 |
| Lunch menu (menú del día) | ARS 8,000–15,000 |
| Beer (local) | ARS 2,500–4,000 |
| Taxi across town | ARS 3,000–5,000 |
| Bus Mendoza–San Rafael | ARS 15,000–25,000 (check) |
| Rafting half-day | ARS 30,000–70,000 (check) |
| Winery tasting | ARS 5,000–20,000 (check) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Rafting and reservoir swimming are seasonal: the Atuel's flow depends on snowmelt and upstream dams — check conditions before booking.
- Wineries often close on Sundays and public holidays; call ahead.
- The drive from Mendoza is mostly two-lane; allow 3 hours plus stops.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 911
- Ambulance
- 107
- Fire
- 100
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
San RafaelSan Rafael
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A esta dirección, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police911
- Ambulance107
- Fire100
Embassy
US consulate in Mendoza; most other embassies in Buenos Aires.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Airport → centre: taxi about ARS 10,000–15,000, 15 min (check)
- Bus Mendoza → San Rafael: about ARS 15,000–25,000, 3 h (check)
- Taxi centre → Valle Grande: about ARS 15,000–25,000, 30 min (check)
Say or show
- Hola — Hello (OH-lah)
- Gracias — Thank you (GRAH-syas)
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? — How much is it? (KWAHN-toh KWES-tah)
- ¿Dónde está la oficina de rafting? — Where is the rafting office? (DON-deh es-TAH lah oh-fee-SEE-nah deh RAF-ting)
- ¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta? — Can I pay by card? (PWEH-doh pah-GAR kon tar-HEH-tah)
- La cuenta, por favor — The bill, please (lah KWEN-tah por fah-VOR)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for San Rafael. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Sep–Nov and Mar–May · avoid Jan–Feb (hot, crowded), Jul–Aug (cold, some closures) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 3 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Verified rafting operators and flow conditions for the Atuel.
- Winery opening hours and tasting prices, updated seasonally.
- Bus schedules from Mendoza and Malargüe with fares.
- Reservoir swimming safety and access points.
Sources
Ask about San Rafael
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