The Pehuén Route
Discover a tree with a history among dream-like landscapes of the Argentine Patagonia.
Did you know that the pehuén or araucari [monkey puzzle trees] is a provincial symbol of Neuquén? Come close and discover the secrets of the tree that fed native communities and survived in few places around the world. Walk the Pehuén Route and find landscapes surrounded by ancient araucarias and basaltic rocks, meltwater rivers and volcanic waters. Enjoy trekking and horseback riding, kayaking and rafting, hot springs and rural tourism.
Visit Villa Pehuenia and Moquehue; where Batea Mahuida park, the only park managed by its native population, awaits you. Explore forests and rivers, lakes and cascades from Aluminé. In Las Lajas, come to farms where vegetables are grown. And once passing by Loncopué, get into Caviahue and Copahue, where you will find a ski resort and a thermal paradise renowned by the properties of its waters, muds, steam and seaweed. Enjoy it all in Patagonia.
Geographic location: province of Neuquén, Argentine Patagonia.
How to get there: in the province of Neuquén, via Ruta Nacional 40, arrive in the towns of Caviahue and Copahue, which are part of the Ruta del Pehuén.
Climate: dry and cold, with snowfall in winter.
Recommended length of stay: 1 to 3 days.
Recommended clothing and gear: warm clothes, suitable for very low temperatures.
What to do: rafting, kayaking, trekking and trekking, horseback riding, Mapuche community tourism, sports fishing, local dishes and popular festivals.