The Mendoza River is a river located in the north of the province of Mendoza. It has a flow of 50 m³ / s and is one of the most important water sources for irrigation in the region, allowing the development of agricultural activity and also the practice of recreational activities.
The climate is semi-arid, being cold in the winter and hot in the summer. However, due to its longitude of 273 km and the great height difference existing from its source in Punta de Vacas at 2600 masl to the mouth of the Laguna Guanacache at 600 masl, it is said that in the upper basin the climate is humid; in the pre-cordilleran zone it is semi-arid and in the lower zone it is arid.
As we said, this river is born in the town of Punta de Vacas, from the confluence of the Tupungato and Cuevas rivers, which in turn are born from the thaw of Aconcagua. We can say that the rivers of Mendoza are as much by their right margin as by their left margin. On the right margin (north) rivers flow like the Río Vacas with its tributaries Blanco and Colorado rivers; by the left margin (south) it receives the Uspallata and Picheuta streams.
Along its route, it irrigates the lands of the departments of Luján de Cuyo, Maipú, Guaymallén, Las Heras, San Martín and Lavalle in the province of Mendoza and empties into the lagoons of Guanacache. These lagoons, whose collector is the Desaguadero River, have been drying up over time due to the diversion of the waters of the Mendoza and San Juan rivers.
In the upper course of this river a hydroelectric complex has been planned, which would include four small reservoirs and would lead the Mendoza River water at least 45 km inside pipes dug into the rock. The main work would be located in the valley where the river is formed, in Punta de Vacas. Currently, there are three important dams in its route: the Potrerillos dam, the Las Compuertas reservoir and the Cipoletti dam.
In 2001, the Potrerillos reservoir began to fill, at 1381 meters above sea level, which aims to regulate the flow of the river, generate hydroelectric power and provide potable water to the population of Greater Mendoza.
Las Compuertas Reservoir was built in 1993 for water intake and is composed of a fusible dam and a mobile one, each with its hatches, hence its name. It also has its moderator channel, its buildings discharge and purge.
However, since 1890 the Cipoletti dam already existed, which is used as a defense against possible floods and as a diverter for irrigation water that is transferred to the Cacique Guaymallén channel, the largest in the province. For this same reason, it is ideal to enjoy fishing and nautical activities.
In addition to the reservoirs, in the Mendoza River there are other constructions that can be visited such as the Toma de los Españoles Dam, Blanco Encalada Thermal Power Plant, the Álvarez Condarco Hydroelectric Power Plant and the Ruins of the Fader Power Plant.
Every summer, thousands of people come to the banks of the river to enjoy the landscape, the sun and the fresh water. On the banks of the river there are many hotels and bungalow complexes designed to accommodate visitors. But one of the most popular activities is fishing because in its waters we can find four types of fish, mainly rainbow trout, salmon trout, trout stream and salmon enclosed. The ideal time for fishing is in autumn and winter, because when the spring begins the waters become muddy due to the melting. The most recommended tributaries for this are the Picheuta river and the San Alberto river.
However, rafting (class IV) is another very popular activity that takes place in the coastal town of Potrerillos, Dique Toma de los Españoles, the Álvarez Condarco Hydroelectric Power Plant, the Blanco Encalada Thermal Power Plant and the Ruins of the Fader Power Plant where we find turbulent waters, powerful and fast current that ensure an exciting journey. Another activity that can be carried out is kayaking, in the Potrerillos reservoir, where there are calm waters and a smoky landscape aboard white water kayaks or siton top kayaks.
The sowing in the Mendoza River occurs through vine crops, olive trees and fruits such as cherries, cherries, apricots, quinces, nuts; and vegetables such as tomatoes, onions and potatoes. This is possible thanks to the fact that its basin has allowed the development of an artificial oasis and the evolution of irritation systems that have optimized the use of water, by means of computers that regulate the quantity of water received by each strain (large ponds are used). water and pumped by pipes that pour water drop by drop on each plant). Water care is a priority in Mendoza, and there are strict laws that the corresponding constitutional body oversees: The General Directorate of Irrigation, with the participation of the owners who receive the water.
