This circuit offers an immersion in the nature, history, and flavors of Neuquén, combining unique experiences throughout each leg of the journey.
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.
Patagonia
