The rafting river near Bariloche
The Río Manso rises in the glaciers of Tronador, the great extinct volcano that dominates the west of Nahuel Huapi National Park, flows through a chain of lakes south of Bariloche and continues west until it crosses into Chile, where it eventually joins the Puelo river. On the Argentine side it forms rapids, pools of clear water and a final canyon before the border, all surrounded by forests of coihue, cypress and colihue cane. For years it has been the most popular river for rafting from Bariloche.
Its water comes from glaciers and snowmelt: cold all year round and an intense turquoise colour. That mix of scenery, clean water and rapids of varying difficulty means there are options both for families who have never been on a raft and for those looking for something more demanding.
Getting there
The Manso rafting area is about 70 to 80 km south of Bariloche. You take National Route 40 south, past Lake Gutiérrez and Lake Mascardi, and at the Villegas area turn onto a gravel road heading west. The drive from the city takes between an hour and a half and two hours, which is why most trips include return transport from Bariloche.
The sections: which one to choose
Lower Manso (the classic). The most paddled section and the one recommended for beginners and families. It combines calm stretches, where you can enjoy the scenery and even swim in the pools on hot days, with Class II and III rapids that bring excitement without requiring previous experience. It usually runs past Lake Steffen and through the Manso valley to a point where navigation ends.
Manso to the border. The most demanding section: the rapids gradually increase in difficulty until they reach Class III and IV in the canyon near the Chilean border. It requires good fitness, the ability to swim and a willingness to paddle hard following the guide's instructions. On this section at least one safety kayak usually accompanies the rafts.
Short, gentle sections. Some guides offer half-day trips on calmer stretches, designed for families with children or for anyone who wants to try it without committing a whole day.
The grade of a rapid can change with the flow: the same section is more intense during the spring snowmelt than at the end of summer. Always ask your guide what level the river will be at on the date you are interested in. You can compare offers in the rafting in Bariloche section.
A rafting day on the Manso
A typical day starts with a morning pick-up from your accommodation and the drive south. At the river, the guides hand out the gear (wetsuit, windproof jacket, helmet and life jacket) and give a safety briefing on land: how to sit in the raft, how to hold the paddle, what to do at each command and how to swim if you fall in. Then you paddle for two to three hours, depending on the section and the flow, with a stop or two on the bank.
Afterwards there is usually a meal or a hot snack (many trips include lunch or an asado) and the return to Bariloche in the afternoon. In total, the trip takes up most of the day.
Best season
The rafting season on the Manso runs roughly from September or October to April, although exact dates depend on the flow and on each guide.
- Spring (October to November): more water from the snowmelt, more powerful rapids and very cold water. Ideal if you are after intensity.
- Summer (December to February): warmer air, long days and medium flow. This is high season, so book ahead, especially in January.
- Autumn (March to April): fewer people, autumn colours in the forest and generally lower flow. A good option for families.
Difficulty and requirements
- Fitness: on the Lower Manso an average level of fitness is enough; for the border section you need to be in good shape and able to swim.
- Minimum age: depends on the section and the guide. On the gentler trips some guides accept children, while for the harder sections you usually need to be a teenager or an adult. Ask before booking.
- Health: tell your guide if you have heart or back problems, epilepsy or are pregnant; in those cases rafting may not be advisable.
Safety: what to ask your guide
- How many guides are there per raft, and how many safety kayaks go with the group?
- Are the guides trained in swiftwater rescue and first aid?
- What gear is provided (full wetsuit, booties, helmet, life jacket)?
- What happens if the river is too high on the day?
On the river, always follow your guide's commands, never take off your helmet or life jacket and, if you fall in, float on your back with your feet forward and pointing downstream, without trying to stand up. No alcohol before paddling.
What to bring
- A swimsuit to wear under the wetsuit.
- A synthetic or wool base layer, never cotton.
- Dry clothes, a towel and spare shoes for afterwards.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses with a strap and a water bottle.
- Leave valuables at your accommodation; if you take your phone, keep it in a dry bag.
Responsible rafting
The Manso valley is an area of great natural value. Take all your rubbish home, use the toilets at the put-in and take-out points and respect private property along the banks. The invasive alga didymo is present in Patagonian rivers: responsible guides clean and dry their gear when moving between rivers, and you can do the same with your footwear.
Combining it with other activities
The trip to the Manso can be combined with other plans in the southern part of the park, such as a visit to Tronador or a hike. If you love the mountains, also check our guide to the Refugio Frey trek.
On Trekonda you can write directly to guides in Bariloche to ask about sections, dates and requirements, with no commission. To see all river options, visit the rafting and river sports in Bariloche section.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be able to swim to raft the Manso?
For the Lower Manso it is not always mandatory, since you paddle with a life jacket and trained guides, but it is strongly recommended. For the border section, yes.
Which section is best for first-time rafters?
The Lower Manso, with Class II and III rapids, or a short half-day section if you are travelling with children.
Is the water very cold?
Yes, it is snowmelt and glacier water. That is why you are given a wetsuit and a windproof jacket, and it is worth wearing a synthetic base layer underneath.
Can you go rafting in winter?
Generally not: the season runs from spring to autumn. Ask the guides if you are interested in a date outside those months.