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Provincial Museum M. J. Olascoaga, Chos Malal.
A region that remains almost unknown because of its scarce
population and the distance from the main cities, causing the
lack of roads maintenance, what would allow us to know
unsuspected natural landscapes.
The mountains environment shows a transition between arid
Andes of Cuyo and Patagonian. There we find Neuquen and Agrio
rivers' valleys and beyond the Del Viento range, a most arid
and volcanic zone.
The main tourist center is Chos Malal city, with 13.000
inhabitants, the only one with enough structure and services
for the tourist. Till 1904 it was the capital city of the
territory of Neuquen, founded by Gral. Olascoaga. His object
was to incorporate to the argentinian state those lands which
were in hands of pehuenche community, leaded by cacique
Purrán.
Chos Malal is located where Curi Leuvu river joins Neuquén
river. From there you can go to Mendoza or to Zapala, on route
40, paved in Neuquen section. Towards the NW - passing through
Andacollo and Las Ovejas - you'll reach Forestall Reserve
"Lagunas de Epulauquen", or Domuyo volcano, the highest
mountain of Patagonia. Close to Chos Malal is Tromen volcano,
and nearby, Wayle mountain, with its winter sports center
(openend in 2000). Towards the west you can access Chile by
Pichachen pass, and to the south, the lakes corridor or
Caviahue - Copahue .
The city is picturesque; its streets -the old ones- have
irrigation ditches, poplars and mud houses. If you visit the
city, don't forget to see the History Museum, located in the
old government building. (free entrance).
If after the walking you are hungry, think about the special
meal of the north: the chivito (baby goat).
Tips
Huinganco:
http://belverisi.googlepages.com/elhuingan
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