From the City of Neuquén to the North of Neuquén

Located at the confluence of the Limay and Neuquén rivers, it is the most important city in the High Valley region. One of its natural attractions is Paseo de la Costa, a long esplanade ideal for contemplating the rivers, kayaking, biking, and watching birds. Another place to visit is the Valley Balcony, one of the highest points, offering beautiful panoramic views.   Through its self-guided tourist circuits, you can learn about the history of the city. Being the “Capital of Human Rights”, it has a special circuit remembering not only historical events, but also those with a crucial role in the defence of human rights. You can also visit the Paraje Confluencia Museum (which exhibits the first settlers’ experiences and undertakings), the Gregorio Álvarez Museum (with cultural heritage collections of the city and all the entire Patagonia), and the Fine Arts museum.

Located at the confluence of the Limay and Neuquén rivers, it is the most important city in the High Valley region. One of its natural attractions is Paseo de la Costa, a long esplanade ideal for contemplating the rivers, kayaking, biking, and watching birds. Another place to visit is the Valley Balcony, one of the highest points, offering beautiful panoramic views.   Through its self-guided tourist circuits, you can learn about the history of the city. Being the “Capital of Human Rights”, it has a special circuit remembering not only historical events, but also those with a crucial role in the defence of human rights. You can also visit the Paraje Confluencia Museum (which exhibits the first settlers’ experiences and undertakings), the Gregorio Álvarez Museum (with cultural heritage collections of the city and all the entire Patagonia), and the Fine Arts museum.

Continuing south, the village of Villa El Chocón, on the shores of the Exequiel Ramos Mexía reservoir, is known for being the place where the discovery of dinosaur remains of over a hundred million years old occurred, including Giganotosaurus carolinii, the world’s largest carnivorous dinosaur. Its bones are exhibited in the Ernesto Bachmann Municipal Museum, where you can also find remains of the herbivore Amargasaurus and eggs with the embryo of Neuquensaurus.

On the shores of the reservoir, and walking along walkways, you can see traces of the Cretaceous period. This entire area is known as the “Dinosaur Valley”. In addition, you can reach the Valley of the Giants (in the province of Río Negro) on small boats, where there are large red cliffs with views to the reservoir and the surrounding valleys.

From this stop onwards, you begin to tour the “Neuquén’s Dinosaur Route”, a must in the province.

Continuing south, the village of Villa El Chocón, on the shores of the Exequiel Ramos Mexía reservoir, is known for being the place where the discovery of dinosaur remains of over a hundred million years old occurred, including Giganotosaurus carolinii, the world’s largest carnivorous dinosaur. Its bones are exhibited in the Ernesto Bachmann Municipal Museum, where you can also find remains of the herbivore Amargasaurus and eggs with the embryo of Neuquensaurus.

On the shores of the reservoir, and walking along walkways, you can see traces of the Cretaceous period. This entire area is known as the “Dinosaur Valley”. In addition, you can reach the Valley of the Giants (in the province of Río Negro) on small boats, where there are large red cliffs with views to the reservoir and the surrounding valleys.

From this stop onwards, you begin to tour the “Neuquén’s Dinosaur Route”, a must in the province.

Taking National Routes 237 and 22 towards the west, you reach the cities of Plaza Huincul and Cutral Có, which share the same history and make up the Neuquén’s oil region.

In the Carmen Funes Museum, in Plaza Huincul, there is a palaeontological exhibition that allows you to learn about the Mesozoic fauna of the region through real-size reconstructions of dinosaur skeletons, such as that of Argentinosaurus huinculensis, one of the world’s largest herbivorous dinosaurs.

The Dioramas Room, in Cutral Có, explores the area’s history, culture, and landscapes with a 3D mock-up exhibition.

Taking National Routes 237 and 22 towards the west, you reach the cities of Plaza Huincul and Cutral Có, which share the same history and make up the Neuquén’s oil region.

In the Carmen Funes Museum, in Plaza Huincul, there is a palaeontological exhibition that allows you to learn about the Mesozoic fauna of the region through real-size reconstructions of dinosaur skeletons, such as that of Argentinosaurus huinculensis, one of the world’s largest herbivorous dinosaurs.

The Dioramas Room, in Cutral Có, explores the area’s history, culture, and landscapes with a 3D mock-up exhibition.

Continuing 76 kilometres west along National Route 22, the Provincial Museum of Natural Sciences, in the city of Zapala, has an important collection of gemstones found across the country, as well as archaeological and palaeontological pieces.

Along Provincial Route 46, just 37 kilometres from the city, you can visit the Laguna Blanca National Park, a little-known park in Neuquén, with ancient volcanic cones, desert landscapes, and a huge lagoon with waterfowl and migratory birds. It has trails for walking and a wild camping area.

Continuing 76 kilometres west along National Route 22, the Provincial Museum of Natural Sciences, in the city of Zapala, has an important collection of gemstones found across the country, as well as archaeological and palaeontological pieces.

Along Provincial Route 46, just 37 kilometres from the city, you can visit the Laguna Blanca National Park, a little-known park in Neuquén, with ancient volcanic cones, desert landscapes, and a huge lagoon with waterfowl and migratory birds. It has trails for walking and a wild camping area.

Taking back National Route 40 to the north, you find the village of Las Lajas, located on the southern bank of the Agrio River. It is one of the oldest towns in the province.

Archaeological pieces and fossils found in the area are exhibited in the Regional Palaeontological Historical Museum. In addition, going on along National Route 40 and later Provincial Route 14, you can visit the city of Mariano Moreno to see the La Solitaria lagoon, where aquatic birds, such as swans, ducks and flamingos, nest.

With over 120 years, cobbled streets, quaint ditches, and ancient trees, Chos Malal was the province of Neuquén’s first capital. Some of its main attractions are its long esplanade on the banks of the Curi Leuvú river, the “Paseo de los Sabores”, (ideal for tasting local gastronomy), and the circuits and viewpoints on the hills surrounding the city.

From here, and taking a detour to the north, you can access the El Tromen Provincial Park, surrounded by lava flows and volcanic ash deposits, and with the Tromen volcano, with its 4114 metres of height, as the main star. It is a great place for trekking, biking, mountaineering, and bird watching.

The Manuel Olascoaga Historical Museum, El Torreón, the Dewey House (an old general shop), the Municipal Historical Museum (today known as the “Museum of the People”), and the first Government House of the national territory of Neuquén are
some of the buildings and emblematic historical houses that you can visit in Chos Malal.

In November, the National Chivito, Dance, and Song Festival is celebrated, the fair with the largest attendance in the region.

This city, and the towns following it, are part of the Neuquén’s Northern Circuit, from where you can access the main natural attractions of the area.

With over 120 years, cobbled streets, quaint ditches, and ancient trees, Chos Malal was the province of Neuquén’s first capital. Some of its main attractions are its long esplanade on the banks of the Curi Leuvú river, the “Paseo de los Sabores”, (ideal for tasting local gastronomy), and the circuits and viewpoints on the hills surrounding the city.

From here, and taking a detour to the north, you can access the El Tromen Provincial Park, surrounded by lava flows and volcanic ash deposits, and with the Tromen volcano, with its 4114 metres of height, as the main star. It is a great place for trekking, biking, mountaineering, and bird watching.

The Manuel Olascoaga Historical Museum, El Torreón, the Dewey House (an old general shop), the Municipal Historical Museum (today known as the “Museum of the People”), and the first Government House of the national territory of Neuquén are
some of the buildings and emblematic historical houses that you can visit in Chos Malal.

In November, the National Chivito, Dance, and Song Festival is celebrated, the fair with the largest attendance in the region.

This city, and the towns following it, are part of the Neuquén’s Northern Circuit, from where you can access the main natural attractions of the area.

Continuing along Provincial Route 43 to the northwest, the town of Andacollo, on the banks of the Neuquén River, welcomes you among mountains, streams, and watersheds. It has accommodation options and restaurants.

Through a cultural circuit, you can visit nature reserves and historical sites. In January, the Veranador and Producer of Northern Neuquén Provincial Festival is celebrated with fairs, music, and recreational activities.

Continuing along Provincial Route 43 to the northwest, the town of Andacollo, on the banks of the Neuquén River, welcomes you among mountains, streams, and watersheds. It has accommodation options and restaurants.

Through a cultural circuit, you can visit nature reserves and historical sites. In January, the Veranador and Producer of Northern Neuquén Provincial Festival is celebrated with fairs, music, and recreational activities.

Just 6 kilometres from Andacollo, taking Provincial Route 39 to the east, you reach Huinganco, a town surrounded by green pine forests, small springs, and streams. It has accommodation and gastronomic options.

Five kilometres from there, and in the middle of the Cordillera del Viento mountain range, the Cañada Molina Protected Natural Area protects Patagonia’s northernmost relict of cypresses and the oldest in the Southern Hemisphere. It is advisable to go in the company of a guide to explore its trails. Find more information on this link.

The Forest Nursery, the Fish Farming Station, and the Tree and Wood Museum (where petrified trunks, regional wood, and cypress slices over 1,200 years old are exhibited) are other attractions, as well as its short and medium distance trails, such as the ascent to Corona and San Pedro Mounts.

In November, the Mote and Tradition Provincial Festival is celebrated.

Taking back Provincial Route 43 for about 33 kilometres, the town of Villa del Nahueve integrates Los Clavos, Cayanta, and Bella Vista.

On the banks is the Nahueve River, one of the most crystal-clear rivers in the area, you can practise kayaking, sport fishing or enjoy a picnic in some sectors of its coasts.

This natural area protects the “sub-Antarctic forest”, located further north of the Andes mountain range: lenga, Southern and Patagonian oak forests, only growing in this area thanks to the humid air coming from the Pacific Ocean.

Epulauquen comes from Epu-lafquen, which in the Mapuche language means “two lagoons”, both present in this park: the Upper and Lower lagoons, linked by the La Nasa stream.

There are walking and biking trails. Bird watching is something special here, since you can find the chestnut-throated huet-huet, which only lives in this region. It is also an IBA site (Important Bird Area).

Find more information on the official website of Neuquén Tourism.

This natural area protects the “sub-Antarctic forest”, located further north of the Andes mountain range: lenga, Southern and Patagonian oak forests, only growing in this area thanks to the humid air coming from the Pacific Ocean.

Epulauquen comes from Epu-lafquen, which in the Mapuche language means “two lagoons”, both present in this park: the Upper and Lower lagoons, linked by the La Nasa stream.

There are walking and biking trails. Bird watching is something special here, since you can find the chestnut-throated huet-huet, which only lives in this region. It is also an IBA site (Important Bird Area).

Find more information on the official website of Neuquén Tourism.

In this town, mountains, rivers, and lagoons invite you to experience adventure activities, such as trekking, biking, kayaking, and horse riding. It is also a great place for sport fishing on the rivers and streams of crystal-clear water that meander down from the Andes Mountains.

One of its iconic places is the “La Puntilla” viewpoint (7 kilometres from the centre) from where you can see the valley of the Neuquén river, the Cordillera del Viento and the Domuyo mount.

During December, the Wool and Cueca National Festival is celebrated, and in January, the religious veneration of Saint Sebastián.

It offers accommodation, restaurants, and petrol stations.

One of the northernmost villages in the province of Neuquén. Its name, which translates into Bitter Apple, is due to a 110-year-old wild apple tree that produced very small and bitter apples. It has accommodation and gastronomic options.

At the entrance, the viewpoint of the Neuquén River valley foresees that it is a great destination to admire some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the region. One of them, the most important and accessible, is La Fragua waterfall, very close to the city centre and on Provincial Route 54.

In February, the Pine Regional Custom Festival is celebrated.

One of the northernmost villages in the province of Neuquén. Its name, which translates into Bitter Apple, is due to a 110-year-old wild apple tree that produced very small and bitter apples. It has accommodation and gastronomic options.

At the entrance, the viewpoint of the Neuquén River valley foresees that it is a great destination to admire some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the region. One of them, the most important and accessible, is La Fragua waterfall, very close to the city centre and on Provincial Route 54.

In February, the Pine Regional Custom Festival is celebrated.

Varvarco has great attractions, such as the confluence of the Neuquén and Varvarco rivers, and it is the gateway to visit the Sistema Domuyo Protected Natural Area, with natural viewpoints, rock formations, hot springs, and some of the few geysers in Argentina.

Just 9 kilometres south from this town, along Provincial Route 38, you find the Colomichicó Archaeological Park, the most significant site in Patagonia and Argentina due to the number of cave paintings found here (more than 600). An authorised site guide is mandatory to visit the area, and you have to walk 6 kilometres towards the Las Marcas Mount, in the Cordillera del Viento.

Varvarco is also the birthplace of popular singers, which is why the Regional Gathering of Singers of the North of Neuquén is celebrated here in March.

Varvarco has great attractions, such as the confluence of the Neuquén and Varvarco rivers, and it is the gateway to visit the Sistema Domuyo Protected Natural Area, with natural viewpoints, rock formations, hot springs, and some of the few geysers in Argentina.

Just 9 kilometres south from this town, along Provincial Route 38, you find the Colomichicó Archaeological Park, the most significant site in Patagonia and Argentina due to the number of cave paintings found here (more than 600). An authorised site guide is mandatory to visit the area, and you have to walk 6 kilometres towards the Las Marcas Mount, in the Cordillera del Viento.

Varvarco is also the birthplace of popular singers, which is why the Regional Gathering of Singers of the North of Neuquén is celebrated here in March.

This circuit ends with two great natural attractions: geological formations of eroded sandstones in Los Bolillos and the Sistema Domuyo Protected Natural Area, little known in Neuquén.
 
In the latter, there is the Domuyo Mount rising at more than 4,700 metres above sea level, known as “the roof of Patagonia”. At its feet, you find the access to the protected area, where you can see Los Cajones de Atreuco, Covunco and Varvarco, deep steep valleys that can be toured with qualified guides. After these canyons, you can admire geysers and fumaroles, and bathe in hot water streams. In the Ailinco area, there is a historic countryside chapel.

This circuit ends with two great natural attractions: geological formations of eroded sandstones in Los Bolillos and the Sistema Domuyo Protected Natural Area, little known in Neuquén.
 
In the latter, there is the Domuyo Mount rising at more than 4,700 metres above sea level, known as “the roof of Patagonia”. At its feet, you find the access to the protected area, where you can see Los Cajones de Atreuco, Covunco and Varvarco, deep steep valleys that can be toured with qualified guides. After these canyons, you can admire geysers and fumaroles, and bathe in hot water streams. In the Ailinco area, there is a historic countryside chapel.