San Rafael
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San Rafael, sitting on the edge of the Rio Diamante (Diamond River) and located in the south of Mendoza, is a tranquil and picture perfect city, surrounded by stunning mountains, valleys, rivers, parks, and wineries. The city is as charming as its residents but the major attraction of San Rafael is the various outdoors activities and first class wineries it offers to visitors all year round.
Similar to Mendoza, San Rafael sees comfortable temperatures all year long. Summers are hot and sunny and winters, cool and damp. With the exception of a few strikingly hot days and chilly cold days, you can expect great temperatures from this region, making it a great visit anytime of the year.
San Rafael is a small city, home to approximately 100,000 residents, and features quiet tree-lined avenues, tiled city streets, and open irrigation channels. One of the most striking sights you will witness on your first visit to San Rafael is the large quantity of bicycles that can be found around the city. Residents here utilize a different form of transportation, replacing the modern car, and it adds a sort of peaceful and laidback feel to the city when witnessing hundreds of people traveling around the city by bicycle.San Rafarl is not a city filled to the brim with activities however there are a nice selection of restaurants and cafes, plazas, and parks to keep you busy during a relaxing stay.
Besides the city, there are numerous things to enjoy in and around San Rafael.
The city is a great place to explore the local wineries; Bianchi Champanera, Fincas Andinas, and Suler. Each offer wine tasting and winery tours, featuring some of the areas and Argentina’s most tasty wines and champagnes.
The Canon de Atuel is a spectacular multicoloured ravine with the River Atuel running right through it. The River Atuel is a popular place to go white water rafting or for scenic boats tours (tours can be booked in San Rafael) and meets up with four of the areas large electric dams.
Valle Grande is the areas tourist complex, outfitted with numerous hotels and campgrounds, near one of the areas dams and a popular pass throughout point for visitors heading to the village of El Nihuil.
The Rio Diamonte serves as a summer getaway for the residents and visitors of San Rafael, offering perfect conditions for numerous water sports as well as a large island in the middle, featuring a small park and camping ground.
Besides these particular sites, the area around San Rafael offers up plenty of opportunities to enjoy activities such as rafting, hiking, mountain climbing, windsurfing, jet skiing, horseback riding, 4×4 excursions, paragliding, and fishing. Visitors who come to enjoy the many outdoors activities of San Rafael can head to any of the local tour agencies, there are quite a few, and book their private or group tours from there. Depending on the season, there may be some activities that are unavailable so if possible, check beforehand on conditions and availability. Most of all enjoy this gem and its unique spot in the province of Mendoza, Argentina.
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