Potrerillos Reservoir

Potrerillos Reservoir (Embalse Potrerillos) is a massive artificial lake located in the Andes foothills, roughly 45 minutes southwest of Mendoza City. Originally completed in 2003 to regulate the Mendoza River, provide irrigation, and generate hydroelectric power, its striking turquoise waters have transformed it into the region’s premier destination for flatwater recreation.

The reservoir serves as the primary location for activities such as kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and windsurfing. The surrounding mountain corridor, commonly referred to as Potrerillos, is also the operational base for whitewater rafting excursions on the Mendoza River, though the rafting takes place below the dam structure rather than on the reservoir itself.

Travelers should note that the reservoir is subject to strict nautical safety regulations due to its depth and the freezing temperatures of its snowmelt waters. Strong afternoon winds—including the infamous thermal Zonda—frequently disrupt water activities, making morning visits highly recommended. While the shoreline offers magnificent views of the Cordon del Plata mountain range, formal public access points are unregulated and amenities are sparse. Consequently, most visitors experience the water via commercial adventure operators rather than through independent swimming or boating.