San Rafael Travel Guide

 
by ines2003
 
  •   San Rafael
    by ines2003
  •   San Rafael
    by ines2003
  •   San Rafael
    by ines2003
  •   Things to Do
    by ines2003
  •   Things to Do
    by ines2003
 

Explore San Rafael

Things to Do  

Bianchi Winery

Bianchi Winery, San Rafael

 trvlrtom Says:  Valentín Bianchi winery is located just north of San Rafael, on the road to Mendoza. The large winery has an excellent tour, similar to other established wineries in the region, that explains the production process. What makes Bianchi different is the production of sparkling... 

Visit an olive oil factory

Visit an olive oil factory, San Rafael

 trvlrtom Says:  Once you've tried wine tasting, you might enjoy a similar experience with olive oil. Yancanelo, located just outside of San Rafael on the road to Mendoza, has a small museum that includes a tour and tasting. It's actually quite interesting. The shop has a good variety of... 

River rafting

River rafting, San Rafael

 trvlrtom Says:  River rafting along the Rio Atuel is a very popular activity just outside of San Rafael. There is no shortage of agencies that provide complete packages that include transportation and all the gear necessary. Check at the tourist office in San Rafael for all the information... 

Chocolates and more!

Chocolates and more!, San Rafael

 trvlrtom Says:  Ketobac is the place in San Rafael to shop for local and regional chocolates, as well as alfajores, wines and other goods. There is a lot of variety here, and the service is very helpful. 

Valle Grande

Valle Grande, San Rafael

 anabelsousa Says:  Valle Grande is just in the way back from Atuel Cannyon, this place is sorrounded by mountains, and a lot of peace.The most typical picture is "The submarine"This is in the upper part, then you go down and see Atuel River... 

Los Reyunos

Los Reyunos, San Rafael

 anabelsousa Says:  Near Diamond River, you can see one of the most beatiful scenery in San Rafael, is just 35 km from the city center.It has a lake about 700 has. where you can fishing, and do nautical sports, hiking, mountain climbing etc. There is a Private Club (it's posible rent a house... 

Atuel Cannyon

Atuel Cannyon, San Rafael

 anabelsousa Says:  In the way back to San Rafael City, is the Atuel Cannyon, where the erosion produced by teh wind and water have been modeled rocks that form a beatiful and amazing landscape 

El Nihuil

El Nihuil, San Rafael

 anabelsousa Says:  After 1/2 hour trip on the 173 road, we get to "Cuesta de los Terneros" (Calf's hill), where is possible to see all the city and the valley where are a lot of farms.In an hour, we stay in El Nihuil, an enormous lake where people do nautical sports (kayak, windsurf, canoa,... 

Hotels  

Kalton

 1 Review and 0 Opinions  We spent 3 nights in Hotel Kalton and recommend this hotel to others . good location,... 

Hotels  

Hotel Jardín: Downtown - simple and clean

Hotel Jardín: Downtown - simple and clean, San Rafael

 trvlrtom Says:  Hotel Jardín is conveniently located in the center. This mid-range hotel provides basic service and is a good option in its price range. The interior courtyard is nicely landscaped with some statues and a fountain, and there is no road noise. 

Terrazas Apartments: Terrazas Apartments

Terrazas Apartments: Terrazas Apartments, San Rafael

 msocolin Says:  Terrazas Apartments provides temporary rental of furnished & serviced apartments. We rented a 1 room apartment for $90 (argentine pesos) per night, plus $10 per night for private parking. The room is comfortable. It has cable TV, internet, a mini fridge, a microwave oven, a... 

Restaurants  

Restaurante del Sol: Beautiful place to stop in Valle Grande

Restaurante del Sol: Beautiful place to stop in Valle Grande, San Rafael

 trvlrtom Says:  Restaurante del Sol is located in a beautiful riverside setting in the Valle Grande, west of San Rafael. The grounds surrounding the restaurant, as well as the dining room, provide great views of the river and surrounding ridges of the Valle Grande. I went with a group of... 

El Restauro: El Restauro

El Restauro: El Restauro, San Rafael

 msocolin Says:  This is a cozy restaurant with great food and desserts. The type of food comprises local meats (like lamb, pork, etc), pastas, and regional cuisine. The dishes come very well served, that make you want to eat them! Absolutely recommendable! I ate pork chops with potatoes,... 

Cabañas de Campo: Cabañas de Campo

Cabañas de Campo: Cabañas de Campo, San Rafael

 msocolin Says:  Cabañas de Campo, was recommended to us be the concierge at our hotel. It's an all-you-can-eat parrilla (barbeque) in San Rafael, and the cost is $16 (Argentine pesos, more or less 5 USD) per person. The place is not very nice, and the food is not that great. We ate ok, but... 

Nightlife  

La Bodega: A bit far

La Bodega: A bit far, San Rafael

 anabelsousa Says:  This place was a cellar years ago... Is in the some way to the airport, a little bit far, but is really nice also.... you have to check with the locals, which one (of the two more importants dance club) are better for this weekend... (everything change everytime...) 

Bar Lorenzo: The main street

Bar Lorenzo: The main street, San Rafael

 anabelsousa Says:  At night (I think is only fri and sat, but ask the locals) there are a lot of bars in the main Ave. (Hipolito Yrigoyen), everypeople is there....and you have all the options... but for drinking something I think the best is Lorenzo, is a small place, all made in wood, and it... 

Transportation  

flight from Buenos Aires
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hmoitta 141 reviews

There is only a daily Aerolineas flight from Buenos Aires to San Rafael, our flight, scheduled for 11 am ,was cancelled and only took off at 7:30 pm! So the best is to phone the company the day before to confirm the flight.

Updated Feb 6, 2007

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Shopping  

Chocolates La Cabana: Chocolates from Mendoza
msocolin profile photo
msocolin 152 reviews

It's a chocolate factory where you can see the process of making chocolate LIVE!!! When you pass by the store, you can see a chocolate fountain in the window... it's SOOO tempting that you just have to enter the shop. As soon as you cross the door you can smell chocolate in the air... and it's great!

What to buy: Buy anything you like. I bought alfajores and chocolate en rama, and they were both exquisite.

What to pay: A box of 12 alfajores costs $14 (argentine pesos)

Updated Mar 8, 2006

Address: San Martin 215

Phone: [54] (02627) 429030

Website: www.chocolateslacabana.com

Related to:
 Food and Dining
 Family Travel

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Local Customs  

How wine is made....
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anabelsousa 67 reviews
Bodega Bianchi

If you are in Mendoza, specially in San Rafael, you should try red wine, whitw wine, champaña, and the rest of alcoholic beverages offered by the best cellars...
One of my favourite in San Rafael is Valentin Bianchi, they have a good explanation about the different process for different wines. (1h approx)
The only thing I don't like is 10 years ago they show you their real cellar, with all the people working around you, but now because of the tourism you do this "tour" in a special place prepared for tourist. (is nice also)

Written Feb 21, 2005

Website: http://www.vbianchi.com/

Related to:
 Wine Tasting
 Family Travel

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Off The Beaten Path  

San Rafael Museum of Natural History

San Rafael Museum of Natural History, San Rafael

 anabelsousa Says:  This museum is divided into various departments, allowing for a wide-ranging approach to natural sciences. The Anthropology and Archaeology section is dedicated to the study of regional and local cultures. The Botany and Zoology departments focus on regional flora and fauna,... 

El Nihuil Dunes

El Nihuil Dunes, San Rafael

 anabelsousa Says:  Everypeople knows El Nihuil for its lake, and its dike, but if you are more than one day in San Rafael, you can go to the dunes, and you can do alternative sports like sandboard, or just passed in a 4x4, or whatever you want....enjoy it! 

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Map of San Rafael