The main tourist circuits of San Rafael are divided in four: City, the Outskirts, and the ones established in the respective areas of the Atuel and Diamante rivers, determined by engineering installations, for the generation of electrical energy.
– Atuel River. Going 37 kilometres away from the city of San Rafael through the Cañon del Atuel you will reach the Valle Grande, where the wall of the dam Valle Grande forms a majestic body of emerald green water that invites you to go swimming, sailing, snorkelling, fishing, as well as go water skiing, rowing, speedboat racing, windsurfing and to do photographic safaris.
In the banks of the Atuel River, surrounded by a leafy vegetation, with an important geologic patrimony, the visitors will find lodging options and will also be able to practice rafting, kayaking, canoeing, trekking, horseback riding or paragliding.
– Cañon del Atuel. Going up stream from the Valle Grande dam there is the Atuel Canyon, where nature has created true natural sculptures such as El Museo de Cera, Sillón de Rivadavia, El Lagarto, Los Viejos Monstruos, El Mendigo, Los Jardines Colgantes, La Ciudad Encantada. In addition, there is the Hydroelectric Complex Los Nihuiles, which generate 260,000 KW/hour of power with their three power stations.
The artificial lakes Aisol and Tierras Blancas complete the beauty of the landscape.
– Tourist Villa El Nihuil. It is in the right margin of the reservoir and offers all the services such as a health centre, telephone, post office, camping site, chapel, police station, and there is the City Council.
In the opposite bank there is the San Rafael Fishermen Club with weekend residences, camping sites, the Municipality, and public telephones.
The dam El Nihuil with 9600 hectares, which can be acceded through a winding hill, lodges a varied fish population; that invites the fishermen to do their favourite sport. In addition, it is very attractive when the colours of those who practice windsurf or water skiing unfold.
