Departamento San Rafael Essentials
Departamento San Rafael is defined by the dramatic landscapes of the Atuel and Diamante rivers. The region features massive hydroelectric projects like the Nihuil and Los Reyunos dams, which have created expansive reservoirs for water sports and irrigation. Key highlights include the sculpted geological formations of the Atuel Canyon, the salt flats of Salina del Diamante, and the world-renowned Pierre Auger Observatory. In the city, the neo-romantic San Rafael Arcángel Cathedral and the Borges Labyrinth offer cultural landmarks amidst the high-altitude desert terrain.
A Dique El Nihuil
Hydroelectric dam on the Atuel River creating the largest reservoir in Mendoza Province, covering approximately 9,600 hectares.
B Los Reyunos Dam
The Los Reyunos Dam is an embankment dam on the Diamante River, in central Mendoza Province, Argentina, some twenty-two miles from the city…
Laberinto de Borges
A 2,500-square-meter hedge maze designed by Randoll Coate as a living tribute to the Argentine writer Jorge Luis Borges.
Salina del Diamante
An open-air salt flat and museum located along Route 144, showcasing the history and process of regional salt extraction.
Canyon del Atuel, norte
Northern access point to the 36-mile canyon, featuring dramatic rock formations carved by wind and water erosion over millions of years.
F Pierre Auger Observatory
The Pierre Auger Observatory is an international cosmic ray observatory in Argentina designed to detect ultra-high-energy cosmic rays: sub…
Valle Grande Reservoir
A reservoir on the Atuel River known for its emerald waters and the distinctive "Submarine" rock formation rising from its center.
Plaza San Martín
The central square of San Rafael, established in 1925 and featuring an equestrian statue of General José de San Martín.
Catedral San Rafael Arcangel
A modern cathedral built in a neo-romantic style, located in the heart of the city facing Plaza San Martín.
Cascadas del Atuel
High-altitude waterfalls located in the upper reaches of the Atuel River near the Andes mountain range.
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