Destination Facts

• Official Name: Embalse Potrerillos (formal name for the reservoir)
• Type of Destination: Lake (artificial reservoir)
• Brief Description: A serene turquoise reservoir framed by the arid Andes, offering water sports, fishing, and striking desert-mountain contrasts.
• Location: Northwest of Mendoza city, within the Desierto del Leoncito region, near Puente del Inca.
• Year Established/Founded: 2001 (completion of the dam)
• Governing Body/Management: Administración Provincial de Aguas (APA) of Mendoza Province
• Significance/Known For: Critical water source for Mendoza; dramatic landscapes where desert meets Andean peaks.
• Size/Area: Approximately 12 km² (surface area)
• Main Attractions/Key Features:
  • Windsurfing and kayaking due to consistent winds
  • Scenic drives along RN7 with viewpoints like Mirador del Balcón
  • Proximity to Puente del Inca’s natural thermal springs
• Best Time to Visit: October to April (warmer months for water activities; avoid winter’s cold winds).
• Entrance Fee/Ticket Info: Free access to the reservoir; fees may apply for guided activities.
• Website: Mendoza Provincial Government (general info; no dedicated lake site)

Essentials

• Top Attractions: Desierto del Leoncito, Talampaya, Talampaya Canyon, Desierto de San Juan, Puente del Inca
• Best Months to Visit: December, February, January, November

Tours and Day Trips

Popular Tours & Day Trips from Potrerillos

1. Embalse Potrerillos & Mendoza River Rafting

The shimmering Embalse Potrerillos, a reservoir framed by the Andes, is the heart of the region. Visitors can enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, or simply soaking in the serene mountain views. For thrill-seekers, guided rafting trips on the Mendoza River offer Class III-IV rapids, suitable for beginners and experienced rafters alike. The excursion typically lasts half a day, making it ideal for those seeking adventure without venturing far.

2. Cordon del Plata Trekking Expedition

A short drive from Potrerillos, the Cordon del Plata mountain range beckons hikers with its rugged trails and panoramic vistas. Day treks vary from gentle walks to challenging ascents, passing through valleys dotted with wildflowers and glacial streams. This excursion is perfect for nature lovers and those acclimatizing for higher-altitude climbs in the Andes.

3. Wine Tour to Luján de Cuyo Vineyards

Mendoza Province is synonymous with Malbec, and a day trip to the nearby Luján de Cuyo wine region is a must. Visitors can tour boutique wineries, sample robust reds, and enjoy gourmet lunches paired with local flavors. The journey takes about an hour from Potrerillos, offering a delightful contrast between mountain solitude and the lush vineyards of Argentina’s wine country.

4. Puente del Inca & Aconcagua Viewpoint

The surreal Puente del Inca, a natural rock bridge stained by mineral springs, lies just over an hour from Potrerillos. Nearby, the Aconcagua Viewpoint provides a staggering glimpse of the Americas’ highest peak. This trip combines geology, history, and alpine grandeur, appealing to photographers and curious travelers alike.

5. Desierto del Leoncito Stargazing

The arid Desierto del Leoncito, a designated Dark Sky Reserve, offers unparalleled stargazing. Evening tours include telescope observations guided by astronomers, revealing the Southern Hemisphere’s celestial wonders. The desert’s silence and clarity make it a transcendent experience, roughly two hours from Potrerillos.

When to visit

Best Time to Visit Potrerillos

Seasonal Breakdown

Spring (September–November)

Spring in Potrerillos brings mild temperatures, ranging from 10°C to 25°C, with occasional rainfall. The landscape awakens with wildflowers, and the lake reflects the fresh greenery of the surrounding Andes foothills.

• Pros: Ideal for hiking, kayaking, and photography. Fewer tourists mean quieter trails and lower accommodation prices.
• Cons: Unpredictable weather; some outdoor activities may be disrupted by rain.
• Events: Local vineyards in Mendoza Province begin their harvest season, offering wine-related excursions nearby.

Summer (December–February)

Summer is warm and dry, with temperatures between 15°C and 35°C. The lake becomes a hub for water sports, and the long daylight hours invite extended exploration.

• Pros: Perfect for swimming, windsurfing, and fishing. Vibrant atmosphere with open-air dining and events.
• Cons: Peak tourist season; crowded beaches and higher prices. Intense midday sun requires sun protection.
• Events: Fiesta Nacional del Sol in nearby Mendoza (February) celebrates regional culture with parades and music.

Autumn (March–May)

Autumn offers crisp air and temperatures from 8°C to 22°C. The foliage turns golden, creating a picturesque setting around the lake.

• Pros: Serene ambiance, ideal for leisurely walks and birdwatching. Harvest festivals in Mendoza add culinary appeal.
• Cons: Cooling evenings may limit late-day activities. Some seasonal services begin to wind down.
• Events: Vendimia harvest celebrations (March) feature wine tastings and folk performances.

Winter (June–August)

Winter is cold, with temperatures between -5°C and 15°C. Snow dusts the nearby mountains, though the lake itself rarely freezes.

• Pros: Tranquil and starkly beautiful. Nearby ski resorts like Las Leñas (3 hours away) attract winter sports enthusiasts.
• Cons: Limited water-based activities. Some roads may close due to snow.
• Events: Winter solstice gatherings in the Andes, blending indigenous and local traditions.

Overall Recommendation

For active travelers, summer (December–February) is ideal for water sports and vibrant energy. Those seeking tranquility should consider spring or autumn, when the weather is mild and crowds thin. Winter appeals to adventure seekers combining lake visits with skiing.

Considerations

Peak season (summer) brings higher prices and crowds, while shoulder seasons offer better deals. Winter sees reduced services but unmatched solitude. Always check road conditions in colder months.

What to pack

Essentials for Lakeside Exploration

Potrerillos, nestled in Mendoza's arid Cuyo region, offers a striking contrast of turquoise waters against desert landscapes. Pack for sun protection, wind, and water activities.

• High-SPF Sunscreen & Lip Balm: The high-altitude sun reflects intensely off the lake and surrounding rocks.
• Lightweight Windbreaker: Sudden gusts are common, especially near Puente del Inca.
• Quick-Dry Swimwear: For impromptu dips in the lake or hot springs in the area.
• Sturdy Water Shoes: Rocky shores and potential debris make these ideal for entering the water.

For Active Adventures

The terrain invites hiking, kayaking, and horseback riding—prepare for variable conditions.

• Collapsible Trekking Pole: Useful for uneven trails in Desierto del Leoncito.
• Hydration Bladder: Arid climate demands constant water access during activities.
• UV-Blocking Sunglasses: Glare from both water and pale desert soil can be harsh.

Evening Considerations

Temperatures drop sharply after sunset in this desert-meets-Andes environment.

• Fleece Layer or Pashmina: Lightweight yet warm for cool nights by the lake.
• Headlamp: Useful for nighttime walks where lighting is minimal.

Culture

Potrerillos: A Mountain Oasis of Gaucho Heritage

Nestled in the Andean foothills of Mendoza Province, Potrerillos is a quiet yet culturally rich destination where the spirit of the Argentine gaucho lingers in the rhythms of daily life. Unlike the bustling vineyards of Mendoza’s lowlands, Potrerillos offers a rugged, pastoral charm shaped by its high-altitude terrain and the legacy of cattle herding. The town’s identity is deeply tied to the Desierto del Leoncito, a starkly beautiful landscape that has forged resilient traditions.

Local Traditions & Social Customs

Life here moves to the cadence of the mountains. Visitors may notice the unhurried pace, where conversations over mate (the traditional herbal tea) are as essential as work. The arriero (muleteer) culture remains alive, with locals often traversing the valleys on horseback. Respect for the land is paramount—ask before photographing livestock or entering private pastures.

• Attend a doma (horse-breaking) event, where gauchos showcase their skills—these are informal gatherings, not tourist spectacles.
• If invited to an asado (barbecue), note that meat is served late, often after 10 PM, and refusal is considered impolite.

Cuisine: High-Altitude Flavors

Potrerillos’ cuisine reflects its isolation and resourcefulness. While Mendoza is famed for Malbec, here, chivito (roast kid goat) is the star, slow-cooked over open fires with wild herbs. Look for humitas en chala (sweet corn tamales) wrapped in corn husks—a legacy of pre-Columbian influences. Local cheeses, often made from goat’s milk, are tangy and crumbly, best paired with rustic bread.

Arts & Craftsmanship

The town’s artisans work with materials at hand: soguería (leather braiding) for reins and saddles, and wool ponchos woven in earthy tones. Unlike the polished crafts of urban markets, these items are utilitarian, bearing the marks of their makers. The Fiesta del Chivo in early spring celebrates this heritage with folk music and artisan demonstrations.

Festivals & Seasonal Rhythms

Potrerillos’ calendar revolves around pastoral cycles. The Fiesta de la Vendimia (grape harvest festival) is smaller here than in Mendoza city, but more intimate, with cueca dances and barrel races. In winter, the Fogón de San Juan lights bonfires to mark the solstice, blending Catholic and Andean traditions.

Visitor Etiquette

• Greet people with a buenos días/tardes—skipping this is seen as brusque.
• Tipping is uncommon in rural areas, but rounding up bills is appreciated.
• Dress modestly; the mountain climate demands layers, but avoid flashy attire.

History

History of Potrerillos

Nestled in the arid landscapes of Mendoza Province, the serene Lake Potrerillos is a relatively young feature of Argentina's Cuyo region, shaped by both natural forces and human ambition. The lake itself is an artificial reservoir, created in the early 21st century as part of a hydroelectric project to harness the power of the Mendoza River. Yet, the area surrounding it whispers of older tales—indigenous Huarpe settlements, colonial trade routes, and the rugged spirit of the Andean foothills.

Before its transformation into a reservoir, the Potrerillos valley was a quiet corridor for travelers and muleteers navigating the harsh terrain between Mendoza and the high-altitude passes to Chile. The construction of the dam, completed in 2001, marked a new chapter, blending modernity with the timeless beauty of the Desierto del Leoncito and the nearby Puente del Inca. Today, the lake stands as a tranquil contrast to its storied past, offering travelers a glimpse into the region's evolving relationship with water and wilderness.

Key Historical Dates

• Pre-16th Century: The area was inhabited by the Huarpe people, who adapted to the arid environment with sophisticated irrigation techniques.
• 16th–19th Centuries: Spanish colonizers and later Argentine settlers used the valley as a transit route, linking Mendoza to the Andes and beyond.
• 2001: Completion of the Potrerillos Dam, creating the lake and reshaping the valley's ecological and recreational landscape.