Things to do in Neuquén
Activities
Chapelco Ski Center Skiing with a panoramic view of the Lanin volcano, the Andes and Lake Lácar is only possible at Chapelco in San Martin de los Andes. Mountain bike in San Martín For mountain bike lovers San Martin de los Andes offers several tours through patagonian forests and mountains.
Lake Queñi: a mirror for poets While in San Martin de los Andes you can visit Lake Queñi, a lake of crystalline waters in a protected area of the Lanin National Park. Villa Quila Quina The best beach on the shores of Lake Lacar is in Villa Quiila Quina a few kilometers from San Martin de los Andes. Arrayán Circuit From San Martin de los Andes you can make two short circuits called Arrayán Largo or Arrayán Corto. From the lookouts you can get a view of the entire city. Fish farming, the fish trap A Fish Capture and Breeding Station was built in San Martin de los Andes for the various salmon species to allow the development of sport fishing. Chapelco Tetrathlon Every winter the Chapelco Tetrathlon is held in San Martin de los Andes with a distance of 85 km that includes skiing, mountain biking, kayaking and trekking. Lake Lácar's new waterfront In April 2009, San Martin de los Andes inaugurated the new waterfront, a major attraction for tourists coming from all over the world. Lahuen Co: a thermal spa near the Lanin volcano The Mountain Thermal Spa Lahuen Co is supplied by the hot springs of Epulafquen and is very close to San Martin de los Andes. It is the ideal place to combine relax and health at the foot of the mountain. Bird watchers meet in Patagonia Each yearthe annual gathering of bird watchers and nature lovers takes place in San Martin de los Andes. It includesa fair, workshops, photographs, art galleries and conferences. Doble Lahuen Có Challenge "Doble Lahuen Có" is a competition the takes place every year in San Martin de los Andes. A mountain bike competition that runs 150 kilometers from the city to the Thermal Spa Lahuen Co. Nearby fishing locations Places near San Martin de los Andes where you can go fishing are: Lake Lolog Caleufú Quilquihue and Hermoso rivers Lakes Hua-Hum Huechulafquen and Paimún. Snowshoeing The snowshoe walks are the easiest sport to learn and for their low impact can be made by people of all ages. In Chapelco you can do this activity to enjoy nature is the purest form. Chapelco's Snowboard Park The level of the Chapelco's Ski and Snowboard School was demonstrated throughout his 20 years of activity. The nearly 100 professionals working in the institution offer individual or group lessons of nordic or alpine skiing and snowboarding. Chapelco's Snowboard Team Marcos Robles, 21, a native of San Martin de los Andes, is currently the coach of the Snowboard Team Chapelco with Fernando Soria. The experts of this variant of skiing boomed in recent years represent the Winter Center Chapelco in national and international competitions. Terrain Park Perimeter The Terrain Park Perimeter is the place for lovers of mountain adventure. In it were built various jumps and rails for different levels. The Che Guevara museum at La Pastera On 20 June 2008 opens in San Martin de los Andes "La Pastera, museo del Che." In tribute to Ernesto Guevara de la Serna, the Association of State Workers (ATE) is carrying out this project with the aim of contributing to the reconstruction of historical and popular memory." Lanín National Park Lanin National Park is located in southwest region of Neuquén province, covers an area of 412,000 hectares and its geography has 24 glacial lakes. It is home to the Lanin volcano, hence its name. Sailing lake Lácar In San Martin de los Andes you can navigate the waters of Lake Lácar any time of year. You have a choice of two trips to different destinations, one arrives to the shores of Quila Quina and the other docks in Hua-Hum passing by Lake Nonthué. Red Bus, an double decker bus in Patagonia In San Martin de los Andes you can do a city tour aboard a double decker English bus called the Red Bus. The tour last one hour and a half and goes through the city and its surroundings. Meliquina, a village is born in Patagonia Just 30 km from San Martin de los Andes in the way to Bariloche through Provincial Route No. 63 is the shore of Lake Meliquina where a new town is growing in Patagonia. Copahue Provincial Protected Area The towns of Caviahue and Copahue are in a unique natural setting where you can observe forests of araucarias typical of Patagonia and you can also enjoy the hot springs that emanate from Copahue volcano. Summer season in Copahue Copahue Thermal Resort opened its summer season. The rates of hot springs vary between 30 and 60 Argentine pesos. Copahue, a town at the foot of the volcano Copahue or "sulfur" in the native Mapuche language, is located in the northwest of the province of Neuquen, in Patagonian Andean mountain range. It is a small town at the foot of the volcano of the same name. Neuquén Capital: the largest city in Patagonia Neuquén is the capital city of the province with same name. It is the fastest growing city in Patagonia. It is notable for its commercial hierarchy, because of being center of the political, administrative and cultural movement of the region and for its lively nightlife. Neuquén: population growth and collective identity The identity of the inhabitants of Neuquén is rooted in history and is presented as an inevitable factor for the technicians who developed the Draft Neuquén 2020, who say: "greater identity to further globalization". An Astronomical Observatory in the Patagonia The city of Neuquén offers another possibility to enjoy your stay in a different way, watching the sky. In the Astronomical Observatory you can observe the solar system and distant stars and galaxies. UNCo Museum in Neuquén The Museum of the National University of Comahue in Neuquén has the first mechanical dinosaur from Argentina. Neuquén also has its Craft Fair Neuquén Craft Fair is at the downtown of the capital of the province, on Avenida Argentina. With 120 stalls and street performers, the fair became a must visit for the weekend. Neuquén's museums Neuquén city has several museums that you can visit and in which you can know the history, culture and palaeontological activity of the town and the region. National Museum of Fine Arts in Neuquén The National Museum of Fine Arts of Neuquén is the only venue of itself outside Buenos Aires, which has important works of national and international artist, as well as part of its national heritage. Summer in Neuquén In the city of Neuquén, there are four resorts where you can enjoy a beach day and also there is a Coast Tour which links the banks of the rivers Limay and Neuquén. Historic-Cultural Center Paraje Confluencia The Historic-Cultural Center "Paraje Confluencia" is located in the city of Neuquén and is part of the monuments that recall the early settlers of the city. It also has samples of the peoples who inhabited the area 10,000 years ago. Zapala, a strategic city Zapala is located in the center of the province of Neuquén. It has 35,000 inhabitants and it is a necessary step toward more tourist spots in Patagonia. Primeros Pinos: an ideal ski resort for beginners Primeros Pinos is one of the best ski resorts for those who have never skied because the tracks have gentle slopes. In a family atmosphere you can enjoy snow skiing, walking on motorcycles, having fun riding sleds or why not sliding on the snow in the famous "ass-skate". Pass Pino Hachado The International Pass Pino Hachado is located in the province of Neuquén to 1884 meters high. It is 3 km before the border crossing with Chile and it is accessed by doing 500 meters from National Route 242. Zapala: between cement and tourism Along with Aluminé, Zapala makes part of the Pehuenia area in the center of the province of Neuquén. With more than 35,000 inhabitants, it is located 1012 meters high above sea level, on the intersection of National Routes 22 and 40, and the Provincial Route 13. Crosses that became it an obligatory stop for Andean places in the province of Neuquén. Laguna Blanca National Park From Zapala you can visit the Laguna Blanca National Park. It is the most important nesting area of Patagonia with about 100 species of birds, and where there is a well-signal viewpoint and a small museum in the ranger's house. Villa Pehuenia Villa Pehuenia is a town in the province of Neuquén. It name refers to a Patagonian mountain landscape typically surrounded by pehuenes (Araucaria). Batea Mahuida Snow Park There is a snow park at the volcano Batea Mahuida ideal for skiing. It is run by the Mapuche Puel native community. Activities in the Batea Mahuida When a tourist arrives at Villa Pehuenia the first thing recommended is to go to the Batea Mahuida. There it is a Snow Park which is in charge of the Puel Mapuche Community. A weekend on the araucaria route To enjoy the pehuén in all its splendor you must travel a triangular circuit form from Primeros Pinos to Villa Pehuenia and back. Walking excursions through Moquehue Moquehue is a mountainous area surrounded by landscapes covered with pehuenes. In the main valley is the lake of the same name that is ideal for fishing. Patagonian Chef Festival Villa Pehuenia is the host of Patagonian Chef Festival which brings together producers and wineries exhibitions from the region and the province to showcase them to the community and all visitors attending. Pehuenia: the land of the Araucaria Villa Pehuenia, Aluminé and Zapala are the major cities that make up the Pehuenia Region. There you can enjoy valleys, forests and lakes. Fishing and rafting are Among the highlights activities you can do. Sports and recreation in Aluminé In Aluminé you can enjoy different sports and recreational activities such as rafting, kayaking, fishing, horseback riding and trekking. Tourists circuits from Aluminé You can travel three tourist circuits to explore the region. In most cases, you must have a vehicle to travel the large distances. Provincial Pehuén Festival Aluminé gets prepared every year for the Provincial Pehuén Festival filled with an extensive program of activities and entertainment for the whole family. Fishing in Aluminé The Aluminé river and the lakes Ruca Choroi and Quillén are ideal for fishing in Patagonia. River Festival in Aluminé In January Aluminé celebrated the River Festival in honor of the watercourse which gives its name to the town. Bird watching in Aluminé Bird watching is one of the new activities that can be enjoyed in Aluminé. Spring is the best season for bird watching in this section of Patagonia. Villa Traful: to experience the nature Located on the shores of Lake Traful, this town was born around 1937 with the aim of providing tourist facilities. It is a quiet, nice and sparsely populated town with wood and stone houses scattered across the hillside. Negro and Monje Hills From Traful you can hike to the Negro and Monje hills. The route is 10 kilometers round trip and requires good physical condition. Sunken Forest and The Virgen Cave From Villa Traful you can do an excursion to visit the Virgin Cave and dive into the Sunken Forest, a singular mass of cypress that in the past would have slipped from the surface to sit on the lake bed. Lagoons Mellizas From Villa Traful you can do an excursion to the lagoons Mellizas. The area of the lakes is beautiful for picnics or short outings. Traful: famous among fishermen Because of the waters of the springs, rivers, streams and lakes in the area are limpid, cool and have good oxygenation, intelligent planting of exotic species has resulted in a significant fish population with large fish that give the city nationally and internationally renowned. Villa la Angostura: peace, ecology and exclusivity Villa la Angostura is a small town located in the province of Neuquén in the Nahuel Huapi National Park. Its nearly 10.000 people work day to day to preserve nature and respect what is a dreamy landscape. Correntoso lake and river Near Villa la Angostura is Correntoso River, the shortest river in the world, linking the lake of the same name with Lake Nahuel Huapi. Coihue El Abuelo and Brazo Última Esperanza From Villa La Angostura you can perform various circuits. Coihue El Abuelo is a maze of coihue cane and following the ride it is Brazo Última Esperanza. These circuits must be done with a guide. Interest points and trip to Laguna Verde Near Villa La Angostura you can visit the municipal reserve Laguna Verde. On its surface thrive insects and waterfowl while in its depths develop puyén and Patagonian silverside, two protected species. Scuba diving in lakes Nahuel Huapi and Traful The Agrupación Subacuática Andino Patgónica of Villa La Angostura is a diving school formed to promote this activity. Diving is done in the area of Lake Nahuel Huapi and Lake Traful. Viewpoints on the Quetrihué peninsula From the port of Villa La Angostura opens the path that runs along the peninsula Quetrihué, an elongated tongue that juts into Lake Nahuel Huapi. There are 12 kilometers, which can be done on foot, by bicycle or on horseback to the forest of myrtle. Provincial Festival of the Gardens Each year takes place in Villa la Angostura "Provincial Festival of Gardens" which rewards the best gardens in the city. Their typical parade of floats deployed all the creativity of the people. Crossing the Andes in classic cars A race crossing the Andes in classic cars is held every year in March in conjunction with the neighboring country of Chile. For three days Argentina and Chile act as hosts to get old cars from around the world. Events in Cerro Bayo The Mountaineer Day Festival and the Chef's in the Mountain Meeting are two good reasons to visit Villa La Angostura. These two events take place in Cerro Bayo where you can enjoy the snow. South American Mountain Ski Championship Villa la Angostura is one of the many ski resorts that host national and international sports competitions. In this case it is a mountain running race, the South American Mountain ski Championship, which takes place in August. Snow Challenge in Cerro Bayo Competitors across the country are preparing for a real challenge, running over 20 miles at about 1600 meters above sea level. This is the Snow Challenge to be held in the Cerro Bayo. Mountain Bike in Villa La Angostura Villa La Agostura has fascinating mountain bike competitions and circuits, some more challenging than others. This is the case of the Double Ruca Malen that is disputed yearly since 2007. Crossing Seven Lakes in Mountain Bike The 1st Crossing Seven Lakes in Mountain Bike from Villa la Angostura to San Martin de los Andes took place in november 2010. This is a non-competitive cycling meet that starts in Villa la Angostura along Route 234, also known as the Seven Lakes Route, to San Martin de los Andes. Los Arrayanes National Park Los Arrayanes National Park is located in the Quetrihué Peninsula, on the north section of Lake Nahuel Huapi. It gets its name because it was created to preserve a myrtle forest. Junín de los Andes Junin de los Andes is the oldest town in the province of Neuquén. It's the perfect combination of color and the landscape in four seasons. Condor watching Near Junin de los Andes we find a platform from which you can spot condors in the wild. Lanín: a snow-capped volcano Lanin volcano is located about 60 km from Junín de los Andes. From its summit you can see lakes, valleys and mountains. From Junín de los Andes to Chile One of the rides you can do while in Junín de los Andes is to visit Lake Tromen with its green waters and fine volcanic sands. From there you can reach Chile through the international pass. From Lake Huechulafquen to lake Paimún In the route from Junín de los Andes to Lake Huechulafquen you can find a fish farm, a Mapuche community, camping areas, the mouth of the Chimehuin river, Port Canoa and the juncion of this lake with lake Paimún. Laura Vicuña: local blessed Junin de los Andes is the favored location for Catholic believers to remember the life and work of Blessed Laura Vicuña, who offered her life and her youth for the surrender of her mother. Lanín volcano's legend Legend has it that inside the Lanín volcano's crater lies Princess Huilefun, the daughter of the chief of the Huaiquimil tribe. Patagonia Horse Expo The Horse Expo takes place in December in Junin de los Andes. It aims to show the public the best specimens of pure pedigree in Patagonia. National Puestero Festival in Junín Every February Junín dresses up to enjoy five days of rodeo skills and shows with local and national artist. You can also taste traditional dishes. Easter in Junín de los Andes Religious destination par excellence, the city of Junín de los Andes in Easter becomes a tourist attraction. It offers a Via Christis and various shrines and you can also enjoy the colors of autumn in this very religious town. Caviahue, sun and snow Caviahue is within the Copahue Provincial Park. It has a spa complex and a ski resort to enjoy both summer and winter. Footpath to the Agrio river falls There are many places that you can enjoy in Copahue Provincial Park. Among them are the Agrio river falls, the Balcón of the Agrio and the lake and crater of volcano Copahue. These trips can be done on foot, by car or on horseback. Snow Kite in the Patagonia This winter the Caviahue Ski Resort will offer as a novelty the possibility of doing Snow Kite, a sport that was already underway in the center but only by experts. Now tourists will have the possibility to practice this extreme sport with the accompaniment of guides and instructors. Loom Festival in Cajón Chico The town of Cajón Chico, just 10 km from Caviahue, helds in March, the Loom Festival, where there are rodeo skills, exhibitions of works of regional artisans and it is done a great camper dance, among other activities. Fly fishing in Caviahue Sport fishing is one of the most attractive activities in Patagonia and the city of Caviahue is not an exception. We bring you some of the places where you can go fly fishing and get beautiful specimens of rainbow trouts. Lagoon Hualcupén and Mapuche communities Very near the town of Caviahue it is the lagoon Hualcupén, a natural paradise surrounded by forests of araucarias and beechs. There you can practice sport activities and also perform a barbecue on the banks of the lagoon. Fishery in Plottier Plottier has a center dedicated to the production of fingerling trouts. An ideal place to visit with family and educational institutions to learn about the functioning of the fishery. Plottier Expo Expo Plottier takes place in March. Its a festival that shows the production of the city and has music performances, sales of food and a craft tour. “Signs of yesterday” in Plottier Plottier City has a particular signage as part of the "Signs of yesterday" project which is intended to signal the historic buildings belonging to the local urban circuit in order to improve the visitor experience and encourage the local community a sense of tourism awareness and appreciation of cultural and historical heritage. Kumelkayen Spa in Piedra del Águila Very near Piedra del Aguila it is Kumelkayen spa, a choice of rest and relaxation with a combination of crystal clear waters and green parks. Nacional Chivito Festival The National Chivito, Dance and Song Festival is held every year in Chos Malal. There visitors can taste typical meals of Patagonia, and also enjoy the gauchos's parade, rodeo skills, jineteadas. Gliding in a Mountain Wave In November Chos Malal receives important visitors from many countries as they participate in the "Meeting of Gliding in Mountain Wave." Loncopué: general data Loncopué City, located 304 kilometers from Neuquén capital city, highlights because of its important livestock production. Besides it is the main service center of Copahue Thermal Complex. Loncopué lives its Festival enthusiastically The Livestock Show and Traditional Festival is a cultural event that attracts thousands of people every year in Loocopué. Animal exhibits, a folk festival and many more seasonings put color to this popular festival. Guanacos: where to see them Many tourists that come to Añelo expect to see mountains and forests with these friendly animals typical of the region. Guanacos represent almost a postcard in Patagonia. Añelo, general information Añelo was founded in October 1915. It is located 99 kilometers from Neuquén. Its name comes from the Mapuche language and has two meanings "threat dune" or "the place of death". Auca Mahuida and the hidden treasure A few kilometers from Añelo, at the base of Auca Mahuida dead volcano, it is one of the last surviving stocks of guanacos in Patagonia. It is also a great place that hides the legends of the miners and the secrets of birth and death of sauropod dinosaurs. Villa El Chocón El Chocón is in the province of Neuquén. This town is known for having one of the largest dams in Argentina and for the amazing dinosaur remains found at the scene. Giant's land Villa El Chocón is known for the "Valley of the Dinosaurs", declared a national historic site in 1997. Here were made important discoveries that stands between the largest carnivorous dinosaur of all time. El Chocón Hydroelectric Complex The hydroelectric plant of El Chocón is located at the northern end of the artificial lake Exequiel Ramos Mexía. The dam was built for the purpose of flood control of rivers, reduce the effects of prolonged downspouts, increase the areas under irrigation and generate electricity. Lake Ramos Mexía of El Chocón The artificial lake Exequiel Ramos Mexía is the largest in Argentina, there it can be practiced fishing as well as various water sports like boating. Villa El Chocón Museum The Paleontological Museum of El Chocón has the fossil remains of the largest carnivorous dinosaur in the world. Escondido Canyon in El Chocón 3 kilometers from El Chocón it is the Escondido Canyon, a canyon where you can learn more about the past in these lands and that inside it you can see dinosaur footprints in different positions. Rincón de los Sauces, oil capital Rincón de los Sauces is located north of the province of Neuquén on the southern bank of the Colorado River at 220 kilometers from Neuquén Capital. Many consider it the capital of oil and its main activity is the hydrocarbon. Municipal Museum Argentino Urquiza The Municipal Museum Argentino Urquiza is in Rincón de los Sauces and has cataloged more than 400 pieces, most of sauropod dinosaurs belonging to the family of titanosaurs, turtles and crocodiles. Guided ascents for the more adventurous For the more adventurous and explorers, Huingan-Có offers guided excursions to sights of the place that require more effort and the road is not as simple as the others. Andacollo, the gold rush Among the valleys of the Cordillera del Viento it is the city of Andacollo in the province of Neuquén. In it you can breathe what is the true essence of the North of Neuquén, dedicated to livestock and agriculture. Veranador Festival Since 1994 it takes place in Andacollo the Veranador Festival, a feast with folk performances, gaucho parade, rodeo and native skills. Touring Andacollo city Andacollo City proposes a series of tours that take you to explore every corner of the city and its surroundings, where you will learn its geography, flora, fauna and history. Andacollo: ideal starting point Andacollo offers several tours to enjoy its natural attractions, among them are included the mining, forestry, fishing, history and culture, spas, climbing, lakes, veranadas and festivals. Las Lajas and Pino Hachado Las Lajas is located in the province of Neuquén. Each year during the months of October and November Cultural Meetings are held where musicians, poets, painters, photographers and craftsmen are congregated. 50 km from Las Lajas is located Pino Hachado Internactional Pass that has a Snow Park with good skiing slopes. Provincial Pasture Festival The Provincial Pasture Festival is held each year in the town of Las Lajas to honor the man from the country dedicated to the feed activity. El Sauce El Sauce is a small town about 600 inhabitants that is located in the province of Neuquén. Centenario: general data Very close to the capital of the province Neuquén is Centenario, a growing town that serves as a must place to large resorts. Vista Alegre: general data Vista Alegre is located in the north of the province of Neuquén. In it you can visit different wineries in addition to Ingeniero Ballester Dam. Mari Menuco: the place of swamps Lake Mari Menuco, 80 km from the city of Neuquén, is ideal for water sports such as windsurfing, boating, jet skiing, water skiing and fishing. Los Barreales Paleontology Center San Patricio del Chañar has a Paleontology Center in Lake Los Barreales. A unique center in the world that allows people to come and learn about the rescue work and study of a dinosaur. A walk through the Fin del Mundo Winery The "Fin del Mundo" Winery is one of the pioneers in San Patricio del Chañar and the largest in the wine route. Since 2002 the winery has received national and international awards for its products. Schroeder Family Winery: wines and dinosaurs in Patagonia The wine region of Patagonia is located in San Patricio del Chañar in the province of Neuquén. The Schroeder Family Winery was born in 2002 with 120 hectares. The peculiarity of this winery is, among other things, the design of its building. Nqn Winery The Nqn Winery is among the wineries established in San Patricio del Chañar. The wines of this winery are known by the name Malma that in the Mapuche language means "pride." Provincial Nectarine Festival San Patricio del Chañar prepares every year in February to receive the "Provincial Nectarine Festival" involving local, regional and national artists and the choice of the queen who represents the land of Patagonia for a year. Plaza Huincul, oil and dinosaurs The city of Plaza Huincul is located a few kilometers from the geographic center of the province of Neuquén, immersed in the biome of the Patagonian steppe. It is set in the Confluence Deparment, beside one of the most important national routes of the province (National Route 22). Las Cortaderas In February 2000 the paleontologist Rodolfo Coria and the Canadian Phil Currie found in the place Las Cortaderas, at 15 kilometers from Plaza Huincul, a group of carnivorous dinosaur fossils. Carmen Funes Museum in Plaza Huincul In Plaza Huincul it is the Carmen Funes Museum, which is the spearhead for very important researches of international level at sites such as Las Cortaderas and Auca Mahuida. Walk La Pasto Verde The town of Plaza Huincul offers tourists the chance to tour a historic circuit that describes the living conditions of the first settler of the city: La Pasto Verde. Lake Moquehue Lake Moquehe is very close to Villa Pehuenia. It is a beautiful lake of crystal blue water with cliffs coast and beautiful spaces for free camping. Tremn Tahuen Folk Meeting The town of Cutral Có holds in the month of November a folk music festival in which regional and national artists participate. Cutral Có, oil town Cutral Có in Mapuche language means "water of fire", this name is due to the fire of the distilleries as the area is rich in oil.