Experiences and local guides in Neuquén

Nature

Neuquén is the gateway to northern Patagonia, where the steppe turns into the Andes. To the west, Villa Pehuenia and Aluminé with forests of ancient araucarias, lakes such as Aluminé and Moquehue and the Batea Mahuida volcano, run by the Mapuche Puel community; to the north, Copahue and Caviahue, an active volcano with sulphur lagoons, hot springs and the Salto del Agrio; and near the city, Lake Los Barreales, the red valley of Villa El Chocón with dinosaur footprints and the high-altitude vineyards of San Patricio del Chañar.

Activities

• Trekking among araucarias at Villa Pehuenia and the Batea Mahuida climb with Mapuche guides; skiing in winter
• Rafting and kayaking on the Aluminé river (class II and III), fly fishing on the Aluminé, Chimehuín and Malleo
• Copahue: hot springs and mud therapy, treks to the volcano crater and Laguna Escondida, Agrio waterfalls, snowshoeing and skiing at Caviahue
• Dinosaurs: Villa El Chocón museum (Giganotosaurus), Plaza Huincul and the Proyecto Dino at Lake Los Barreales
• San Patricio del Chañar wineries, kayaking on the Limay, horseback riding on the steppe, birdwatching at the confluence

When to go

November to April for the mountains, rivers and lakes, with long days and dry heat in the valley. June to September for hot springs, snow and skiing at Caviahue and Batea Mahuida (some mountain roads close). Vineyards and dinosaurs can be visited all year.

How to get there

Presidente Perón airport in Neuquén (NQN) is 7 km from the city, with flights from Buenos Aires (2 hours), Córdoba, Mendoza and Bariloche. Villa El Chocón and the Chañar wineries are 1 hour away; Caviahue and Copahue 4 h 30 via routes 22 and 26; Villa Pehuenia 5 hours via Zapala and Aluminé; Junín de los Andes 5 hours on route 40. A rental car is recommended, with provincial buses to every town.