Atuel Canyon, Natural canyon in San Rafael, Argentina.

Atuel Canyon is a river gorge that cuts through the landscape for many kilometers, shaped by the Atuel River and wind erosion working together over time. The canyon walls display layers of rock in different colors and textures that reveal the geological story of the place.

The river was transformed starting in the 1940s with the building of dams and power stations that regulate water flow. These structures fundamentally altered how the water moves through the canyon.

The canyon functions as a recreation area where people come to climb, hike, and mountain bike throughout the year. It draws visitors seeking outdoor adventure in a natural setting.

The canyon is reached via National Route 40 with various lodging options including hotels and camping near the entrance. The best time for water activities like rafting depends on the season and water conditions.

The canyon's rock walls carry named formations that visitors can pick out along the route: La Torta de Hojaldre (the puff pastry), El Cinturón de San Martín, La Procesión, El Hongo, El Búho and El Submarino. The rapids between them are rated class II to IV on the international river difficulty scale.