Cacheuta

Since the realignment of RN 7 (the Panamericana to Chile) for expansion of a hydroelectric and irrigation reservoir on the Río Mendoza, Cacheuta has become an end-of-the-road destination for its hot springs hotel—other places that depended on through traffic have closed—and the rafting company on the river’s lower reaches. At 1,237 meters above sea level, Cacheuta is 36 kilometers southwest of Mendoza [1].

Betancourt Rafting (Lavalle 35, Local 8, Mendoza, tel. 0261/429-9665 or 0261/15-559-1329, www.betancourt.com.ar [2]) descends the river below the dam for about US$18–58 pp, depending on difficulty and time on the water; it also does trekking, mountain biking, and horseback riding in Potrerillos [3]. Its base address is Ruta Panamericana Km 26, Blanco Encalada, Luján de Cuyo.

Cacheuta’s only peranent accommodations, Hotel Termas Cacheuta (RP 82 Km 39, tel. 02624/49-0153, www.termascacheuta.com [4], US$150 s, US$255 d, with full board, some drinks extra) is an all-inclusive resort offering thermal baths, massage, and various recreational programs including hiking and mountain biking. Nonguests may use the facilities for US$45–50 pp, but lunch and transportation from Mendoza are extra.

Next to the police station, Mi Montaña serves fine pasta at reasonable prices. Nearby El Coirón has also drawn praise.