Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
RP173 turns to dirt road past the dam at Valle Grande, and continues through the scen-
ic Cañon del Atuel to the podunk village of El Nihuil, 79km from San Rafael - you'll
need a private vehicle or tour group if you want to see this stretch.
Activities
Sport Star
OUTDOORS
( 0260-15-4581068;
www.sportstar.com.ar
; RP173, Km35; 10am-5pm)
Offers the widest
range of activities, including trekking, horseback riding, kayaking, mountain-bike tours,
canoes and rappelling.
Sleeping & Eating
Cabañas Río Azul
CABIN $$$
( 0260-442-3663;
www.complejorioazul.com.ar
; RP173 Km33; cabin for 2/4 persons AR$400/
600; )
Most places to stay in the canyon cater to large groups and are rather un-
pleasant, but this place offers comfortable cabañas with a lovely grassy area over the
river - a great spot to while away a day or two in the sun, especially in off-season.
Hotel Valle Grande
HOTEL $$$
( 0260-15-4580660; RP173 Km35; r AR$600-900; )
In the 'town' of Valle Grande,
this three-star hotel offers the best accommodation around, in a lovely setting by the
river, and a good restaurant, too.
Getting There & Away
Numerous San Rafael tour companies run day trips to Valle Grande, starting at AR$150.
Regular buses run from San Rafael's bus terminal to Valle Grande (AR$15, one hour).
Buses to El Nihuil take the alternative RP144, which doesn't go through the canyon.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Malargüe
0260 / POP 21,600 / ELEV 1400M
Despite serving as a base for Las Leñas, one of Argentina's snazzier ski resorts, Malar-
güe is a mellow little town and popular as a cheaper alternative to the luxury hotels on
