One of the most distinctive features of this area of Neuquén is the harmonious coexistence of the agricultural activity of its ranches, the viticultural development of its wineries, and the valuable paleontological heritage it treasures. This tour offers tastings and wine experiences, while also inviting you to discover fascinating museums displaying replicas of fossils found in the area, creating a unique experience that connects the world of wine with the most ancient natural history.

The itinerary is estimated to last three days, starting in the city of Neuquén, a hub for air and land travel to the rest of the country. From there, the first destination is “Villa El Chocón,” located approximately 72 km away and famous for its paleontological richness and its reddish volcanic landscapes. A hike along the “Las Huellas” Trail reveals unique rock formations and traces of dinosaurs that inhabited the planet some 95 million years ago. These footprints remain intact and can be seen while strolling along the shores of Lake Ezequiel Ramos Mexia, the largest artificial body of water in Argentina.

The visit continues at the Ernesto Bachmann Museum, which showcases a large part of Earth’s history with an exhibit of artifacts including the Giganotosaurus Carolinii, a 13-meter-long giant belonging to the Tyrannosaurus Rex family, one of the largest carnivorous dinosaurs found in the world. The day ends with a tour of the town and its history, visiting its waterfront, the birdwatching platform, and the lighthouse. The area also offers a wide variety of culinary offerings, with themed restaurants like T-Rextobar and hotels like “La Posada del Dinosaurio.”

The second day is dedicated to wine tourism in “San Patricio del Chañar,” located 45 km from the city of Neuquén. This is an emerging region for high-quality wine production, with several wineries spread along Provincial Route No. 7, featuring Pinot Noir and Merlot grape varieties as house specialties, according to experts, due to the similarity of the climate to some regions in France. There, you can enjoy guided tours and tastings at the “Familia Schroeder and Malma” wineries, both renowned for their Patagonian wines and their landscape-integrated architecture. A walk through the vineyards and tastings of the various wines produced complete this sensorial experience in a serene setting surrounded by dreamlike landscapes.

The next day takes visitors to Centenario, located 16 km from Neuquén, where the “Praderas Neuquinas” project is located, known for its olive oil production. A guided tour of the olive grove and the extraction plant provides an insight into the production process, concluding with a tasting of nationally awarded olive oils. After lunch along the riverbank, a stroll along the viewpoints of the Neuquén and Limay rivers is suggested, as well as the “Paseo de la Costa,” which stretches 14 kilometers along the banks of the Limay River, with play areas and bike paths that can be explored on bicycles provided free of charge for 90 minutes.

It also offers interesting accommodation options, a casino, and cultural venues. To finish the day, a snack in a traditional teahouse of Centenario offers a relaxing moment with a wide selection of traditional recipes.

Nestled in a volcanic landscape, “Laguna Blanca” National Park, created in 1945 and covering 11,250 acres, offers a unique environment with ancient volcanoes and scoria (volcanic materials), and one of the largest freshwater bodies in northern Patagonia, where aquatic birds such as flamingos and swans can be observed.

Furthermore, the area has been a meeting place for indigenous communities (Mapuche) and Creole settlers, passing through their summer vacation spots, leaving behind various cultural vestiges that reflect this.

Trails, walks, and viewpoints to appreciate the beauty of the place, and be amazed at every step by the landforms and nature that always opens up.

HOW TO GET THERE

By car

From the city of Neuquén, head east along National Route 22 to Zapala. From there, head south on National Route 40 and then turn right onto Provincial Route 46 to the visitor center (215 km total).

From the city of Mendoza, to the north, via National Route N° 40 and Provincial Route N° 46 (984 km).

From Temuco (Chile), to the west, via the Icalma Pass, Provincial Route 13 and Provincial Route 46 (287 km).

From San Carlos de Bariloche, to the south, via National Route 237, National Route 40 and Provincial Route 46 (376 km).

Other means of transport

In the capital city of Neuquén, which has daily plane connections to Buenos Aires, it is possible to rent a car or visit a travel agency to visit the protected area.

Another option is to reach Zapala by bus and then continue to “Laguna Blanca” by taxi or on the daily buses that depart for the town of Aluminé.

TRAILS

1 – Sendero peatonal interpretativo “Paseo de la Laguna”

The flora and fauna of the Patagonian steppe inhabit this uneven but easily traversable terrain. The walk features seven themed stops designed to interpret nature’s adaptation to the environment. Tiny leaves, deep roots, fleshy stems, dense bushes, and animals (the Patagonian gray fox, the grassland cat, and the piche, among others) coexist along this trail.

• Distance: 700 meters.
• Time: 30 minutes.
• Difficulty: Low.
• Open year round.

2 – “El Resguardo” interpretive pedestrian trail

This short road teaches us about the relationship between ancient settlers and the environment and allows us to learn more about the history of the area. Towards the end, the path leads us to two large rocky eaves that have been used by humans for hundreds of years as a crossing point between the steppe and the mountain range.

• Distance: 50 meters.
• Time: 10 minutes.
• Difficulty: Low.

3 – “Cerro Mellizo Sur” pedestrian trail (a section is proposed)

Volcanic activity shaped the unique landscape of this area. It is an uphill trail where you can observe skunks, choiques, birds, and steppe and high-mountain flora. Underfoot, sandy and stony terrain, eventually crossing basaltic scoria toward the end of the section.

• Distance: 3,600 meters (first section) / 720 m (second section).
• Time: 1 hour 15 minutes.
• Difficulty: Low.

GENERAL TIPS

Before traveling we suggest:

• Check the season and hours of the National Park.
• Admission is free all year round.

“Laguna Blanca” National Park Intendancy: Calle 12 de Julio 686 (8340) – Zapala, Neuquén. Tel.: (+54 2942) 431982 – E-mail: lagunablanca@apn.gob.ar

National Parks Administration: Headquarters – Carlos Pellegrini 657, CABA. Tel: (+54 11) 3985 – 3800 Int. 11010 – E-mail: informes@apn.gob.ar

www.parquesnacionales.gob.ar/areas-protegidas/region-patagonia/pn-laguna-blanca/

• Check road and vehicle conditions

www.argentina.gob.ar/vialidad-nacional/atencion-al-usuario

• Wear comfortable and appropriate clothing according to the time of year: www.smn.gob.ar
• Bring basic supplies. 
• Considering this is a natural area, there are snakes, arachnids, and insects in the area. It is recommended to bring repellent and follow the signs.
• Bring binoculars
• There may be no phone signal or Wi-Fi network.
• Get advice on trail difficulty. Inquire about accessibility for people with motor or sensory disabilities.
• Always notify the ranger before starting any trail by registering at the Information Office or Visitor Center.
• Never walk outside the permitted trails.

OTHER ATTRACTIONS TO DISCOVER IN THE AREA

The city of Zapala is located 32 km from the Park. Its name in the Mapuche language means “swampy lagoon.” Here you can visit the Olsacher Provincial Museum of Natural Sciences, one of the city’s most important attractions. It houses a mineral display of more than 2,000 species from 84 countries. It also houses a paleontological exhibition featuring reptiles, plesiosaurs, ichthyosaurs, turtles, and a varied collection of invertebrates found in the surrounding areas of the city.

The crystal-clear waters of the Covunco stream allow you to enjoy a natural spa in the summer, about 19 km from Zapala at the town of Mariano Moreno. In the winter, Primeros Pinos, 49 km from Zapala, provides the possibility of practicing snow sports and games among the mountains and pehuenes.

103 km away is the city of Aluminé. Its name in the Mapuche language means “bright in the depths.” Its landscape is characterized by forests of pehuenes, or Araucaria araucana, an ancient tree that predominates in the area.

It is one of the best spots for fly fishing. Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, and Perch can be caught in every stream and lake. Water sports are also available, such as canoeing and rafting on the rapids of the Aluminé river.

Just 50 km away, you can visit a picturesque 3.3 km2 body of water called lake Ruca Choroy. Along the way, bordering the Choroy River, you will find López lagoon, with its diverse birdlife. You will then pass through the “Paraje Carrilil” and the Aigo Mapuche Community, where traditional handicrafts are sold.

In winter, 65 km away is the “Cerro Batea Mahuida,” a snow park managed by the Mapuche Puel community. Ideal for skiing, snowboarding, sledding, snowmobiling, and more.

WHERE TO STAY

The closest accommodations to the National Park are located in the town of Zapala, 32 km away, and in Aluminé, 120 km away. You can find them on this website:

http://sit.neuquentur.gob.ar/es/sit/alojamiento/busqueda-alojamiento/

Folleto en PDF

To learn about the big treasures of this place, we propose an itinerary between 4 and 5 days to visit sites unmatched in nature, having the city of Neuquén as its gateway where there are daily flights coming from different points of Argentina. From there you need a 360 km transfer along Route 22, which is completely paved, to start enjoying this adventure.

One of the recommended activities for this treasure to discover in the snow of the northern east of Neuquén is to walk with Snow Rackets to the Agrio Waterfalls, an experience which allows to travel along one of the circuits with millennial pehuenes  and the frozen waterfalls of Caviahue. A few kilometers away from there, there is the “Cerro Caviahue” Ski Resort, an ideal snow activities and sports center for a family vacation offering different options for the ski and snowboard practice, excursions on snowmobiles to panoramic points, waterfalls, lakes and peaks.

To enjoy the open air during winter season, we suggest journeys on snow mobiles, which are the means of transport most widely used in the area because they enable people to reach and watch sights of difficult access such as the snowy forests of pehuenes. Another very original way to take these journeys is using caterpillar vehicles because their special wheels enable visitors to drive on the snow without any mishap.

Beauty treatments, massages and beauty masks are special alternatives for relaxation at the “Centro de Alto Rendimiento de Altura y Rehabilitación Termal” – (CEARART) (High Performance Center of Height and Thermal Rehabilitation) located in the center of the town.

Just 17km away from Caviahue there is the small town of Copahue, characterized for hosting one of the most valuable thermal paradises in the world coming from the Copahue Volcano, its waters and its mineral rich sludge are well-known for their quality and therapeutic properties. Undoubtedly it is a treasure to be discovered, with fumaroles and kettles ideal to take a break and relax.

The Thermal Complex of Copahue offers internal and external thermal baths, open air lagoons, fumaroles and hot springs, mud therapy cabins, sinks for immersion baths, stem cabins and facial and body aesthetics. Among the main benefits, the Copahue waters and sludge reactivate metabolism, stimulate defenses and act as pain relievers and natural relaxants. The complex is open to the public in its whole from December to April. In winter the place is completely covered with snow and only a small sector is open for therapeutic and relaxing baths. 

One of the ways to discover a destination is through gastronomy, that is why, it is recommended to taste local dishes such as lamb, young goat, trout and chopped smoked ingredients; accompanied by the exquisite wines and craft beers of the area. For those who love sweets, the “Chocolatería” and the “Dulce Aldea” Tea House stand out for the quality of their chocolates and artisan cakes.

The itinerary set forth takes about five days starting in the city of Neuquén (in the case of tourists coming by air) and starting the journey at the locality of “Chos Malal”. Once there, as a starting point, it is possible to tour the old town visiting ancient buildings, museums and houses of the first capital of Neuquén. A walk along the Neuquén River waterfront, and a visit to the “Casa Dewey” Museum are the suggested alternatives. The Museum is an old general store, which still keeps inside valuable objects from the time when the city became the commercial center in all the region, since its foundation in 1887. 

The next stop – very close to that place – shall be “Huinganco” where a visit to the tree nursery is recommended, and the tree and wood Museum where petrified trunks, great varieties of wood of the region and some cypress slices of more than 1200 years old are shown. It is possible to go close to “Charra Ruca”, a small place to stop 4 km away from the locality, where you can enjoy the view of waterfalls, slopes and mountains, and at the same time learn about the history of the place and acquire the typical crafts of the area.

Following the suggested circuit you arrive at “Andacollo”, a locality surrounded by valleys, mountains and hills such as “Huaraco” or “Centinela”, ideal to go on walking or cycling tours. To have a view of this beautiful locality you may have access to the viewpoint called “De la Repetidora” of the hill “Cerro La Cruz”. Within the area the ranch Chocoy Mallin stands out, it is a traditional country house surrounded by autochthonous nature where regional flavors and activities are offered such as fishing, horseback riding and bird watching, among others.

Later, the journey continues at “Las Ovejas” to visit the Nahueve river, and the Epulafquen lagoons, a forest tourism reserve of subantarctic forests, where a forest of pellin oak, Patagonian and high Andean steppes stand out. Nearby, a visit to “Manzano Amargo” is worthwhile to know the Waterfall “La Fragua”.

On the way to the locality of Varvarco, we must stop at the Viewpoint “La Puntilla”, strategically located on a crag 1,000 meters high and has six balconies joined by a gangway made of wood. Varvarco provides a privileged panoramic view where you can appreciate the confluence of the Neuquén and Varvarco rivers. There is an extraordinary contrast between the two totally different water courses that join forming a new one. Varvarco is visitors´ obligatory pass if they want to have access to the Provincial Protected Natural Area of “El Domuyo”, created to protect and preserve the magnificent thermal waters of the mountain system and the species of flora and fauna that live there. The “Aguas Calientes” hot springs, at 2000 meters above sea level, of volcanic origin, are characterized by the presence of matured sludge and alkaline waters. The area is also surprising due to the presence of geysers which emit a water and vapor column more than one meter high, with a water temperature that may reach 85-90 degrees Celsius.

On the way to the protected area, “La Matancilla” is located where “Los Bolillos” may be watched. These are extraordinary and whimsical rocky formations eroded by the action of nature, with reddish and yellow touches that contrast with the channel of the Varvaco river, where “Los Monjes” group stands out.

Sheep, cattle and goat breeding is extensively practiced in this area of Neuquén. Within livestock, the breeding of the northern goat of Neuquén stands out and this product has acquired the Denomination of Origin (O.D.). Transhumance is the ancestral breeding method of the goat, which consists of moving cattle to pasture areas during the summer period. At the traditional “Fiesta del Veranador” celebrated in the month of January, a fitting tribute is paid to the breeders who dedicate a large part of their lives to this activity. The herding of the “veranadas” is a current activity that arouses the interest of visitors who participate in this exciting activity and collaborate in the tasks that it implies.

The northern area of Neuquén has three hostels owned by the Province of Neuquén, which have excellent infrastructure and services, positioning them as a very good lodging alternative to complete the experience.

This circuit ends in the city of Neuquén 400 km away from there, which is considered the head since it is the closest city with air connectivity.

Nahuel Huapi National Park Intendancy, San Martín 24, (8400) San Carlos de Bariloche, Río Negro.

(02944) 423121/423111

nahuelhuapi@apn.gob.ar

Intendancy: Perito Moreno 1006, San Martín de los Andes (8370), Neuquén.

(02972) 42 06 64 Int. 109

lanin@apn.gob.ar / informeslanin@apn.gob.ar

“Laguna Blanca” National Park Intendancy: 12 de Julio Street 686 (8340) Zapala, Neuquén.

(02942) 431982

lagunablanca@apn.gob.ar

Intendancy: Av. San Martín 24, San Carlos de Bariloche (8400), Río Negro.

(0294) 4423111

nahuelhuapi@apn.gob.ar