Agua del Toro Dam
An imposing reservoir in San Rafael, Mendoza, offering spectacular views and a unique abandoned village, accessed via scenic gravel roads.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best views and safest road conditions
Agua del Toro Dam
Best Time
Best views and safest road conditions
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An imposing reservoir in San Rafael, Mendoza, offering spectacular views and a unique abandoned village, accessed via scenic gravel roads.
"The Agua del Toro Dam is a true scenic gem worth visiting, offering spectacular views and a unique historical site."
🚗 Drive with Caution
Gravel roads can be rough. Drive slowly and carefully, especially if it's wet.
🎣 Fishing Paradise
Excellent spot for fishing with friends; the location and views are priceless.
Quick Facts
Rating
4.4 · 62 reviews
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Agua del Toro Reservoir
San Rafael, Mendoza
An imposing reservoir with spectacular views, surrounded by captivating mountainous formations. Ideal for tranquility and nature appreciation.
Abandoned Worker's Village
Near the Dam
Explore the charming, eerie remnants of the dam's former worker's village, offering a glimpse into its history.
Scenic Gravel Road Journey
Access roads from Route 40
The drive itself is an adventure, with beautiful landscapes of the Mendoza foothills and potential views of the Diamante volcano.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Gravel Roads
Beyond the Dam Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive with Caution
Gravel roads can be rough. Drive slowly and carefully, especially if it's wet.
🎣 Fishing Paradise
Excellent spot for fishing with friends; the location and views are priceless.
📱 Stay Connected
Good news: there's 4G cellular service available at the dam.
💰 Boat Rental Value
Boat rentals with outboard motors are reasonably priced.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive with Caution
Gravel roads can be rough. Drive slowly and carefully, especially if it's wet.
🎣 Fishing Paradise
Excellent spot for fishing with friends; the location and views are priceless.
📱 Stay Connected
Good news: there's 4G cellular service available at the dam.
💰 Boat Rental Value
Boat rentals with outboard motors are reasonably priced.
📸 Capture the Scenery
The vast reservoir and surrounding mountains offer stunning photo opportunities.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Agua del Toro Dam is praised for its spectacular reservoir views and the unique experience of exploring the abandoned worker's village. While the gravel road access requires caution, many find the journey and the tranquil, less crowded environment to be well worth the effort. Fishing opportunities are also a significant draw for visitors.
"Nice view but nothing to do there, only a little fisherman town that is not allowed to access..."
axl dh
"The Agua del Toro Dam, located in San Rafael, Mendoza, is a true scenic gem worth visiting. This imposing reservoir offers spectacular views, and the magnitude of the engineering feat is truly remarkable. However, part of the adventure of getting there lies in its access points, primarily via gravel roads.
To reach the Agua del Toro Dam, you must travel along gravel roads, which adds an exploratory component to the trip. From National Route 40, there are access points that take you onto these consolidated roads. Likewise, if you are traveling the dam circuit from the Los Reyunos area, you will also access it via gravel roads, connecting with the natural surroundings of the Mendoza foothills.
It is important to keep in mind that, as these are gravel roads, their condition may vary. Some sections may have irregularities or what is locally known as "sawtooth," so it is recommended to drive with caution and at a moderate speed. While it's passable, if your vehicle isn't large or you're not used to this type of road, it's a factor to consider. Despite this, the beauty of the landscape along the way makes up for the challenge of the road.
Once at the Dam, the immensity of the body of water surrounded by mountainous formations is captivating. It's an ideal place to enjoy tranquility, unspoiled nature, and also for fishing.
Another attraction is visiting the abandoned village, which was the former home of the workers and those who built the dam, and which has a charm similar to that of the Hoover Dam."
Fernando Martin Mora
"An excellent place to visit is the Agua del Toro dam in the province of Mendoza, entering through the Fuerte de 25 de Mayo on a gravel road you will reach this beautiful place."
Jose Corbato
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Access is primarily via gravel roads from National Route 40 or the Los Reyunos area. The road condition can vary, so drive cautiously.
No, the access roads are gravel. While generally passable, they can be rough and are not recommended in cloudy or rainy conditions.
A larger vehicle or one experienced with rough terrain is recommended due to the gravel roads.
Yes, there are access points from National Route 40 that lead to the dam via gravel roads.
Absolutely! The journey offers beautiful views of the Mendoza foothills and potentially the Diamante volcano.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Information on specific entry fees is not widely available, but the dam is generally accessible for viewing and fishing.
There are no specific published opening hours, but it's best visited during daylight hours for safety and views.
Typically, there isn't a formal entrance fee for the dam itself, though activities like fishing or boat rentals may incur costs.
Access to the fisherman's town is generally not permitted.
While not explicitly stated, it's advisable to respect the natural environment and any posted signs.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The main activities are enjoying the spectacular views, fishing, and exploring the abandoned worker's village.
Yes, it's considered a great spot for fishing, with many visitors praising the experience.
It's a charming and somewhat eerie place that was once home to the dam's workers, offering a unique historical perspective.
Specific facilities are not detailed, but 4G service is available.
The dam itself is safe, but caution is advised on the gravel access roads, especially in adverse weather.
📸 📸 Photography
The reservoir's expansive views, the surrounding mountains, and the abandoned village offer excellent photographic opportunities.
Yes, the scale of the dam and its integration with the natural landscape make for impressive shots.
Morning or late afternoon light can enhance the dramatic scenery and the colors of the reservoir and mountains.
Drone regulations can vary; it's advisable to check local rules before flying.
The main viewpoints overlooking the reservoir are highly recommended for capturing the grandeur.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit