Travel to Neuquen

Plenty of beauty everywhere. Lanin National Park (379,000 has) created in 1937 named after its Volcano (extint) has over 35 lakes among which 'Huechulafquen' offers serene and extreme beauty. The City of San Martin de los Andes is located in the nearby area, surrounded by Lakes and forests offers some of the most gratifying experiences in Patagonia. Visitors to the region can take a trip to the "seven lakes", one of the most marvelous and scenic views in Argentina. Recently, road work has made the whole region more accesible, although at the same time,"less" adventurous. Journey starts in San Martin de los Andes and continues to Nauhel Huapi national park visiting...

Tromen lake, Lacar lake, Huechulafquen lake, Palmun, Epulafquen, Curruhue, Lolog, Machonico, Hermoso lake, Falkner and Villarino lake. Some of these lakes are suitable for trout fishing (rainbow, brown) and fishing of 'pejerrey' and 'percas'. On the way to Ruca Malen there is also Escondido Lake and Correntoso Lake. Further ahead, Espejo Lake completes a circuit of awesome beauty. The whole area borders the oriental side of the Andes ridge and starts at Lago Tromen. Along the 130 km corridor of lakes there are also 3 border crossings into Chile: Paso Tromen, Paso de Carinine and Paso de Hua Hum.

The importance of the national park Lanin resides in that it is home for some of the most valuable forests with species of Araucarias, Roble Pellin and Rauli. During Autumn these forests turn into an specticle of magical colors. There are also many private 'cotos de caza' where hundreds of hunters gather every year. Just as certain species of deer were introduced artificially, so was the trout. Today, Neuquen has become a favorite destination for those looking to spend time fly fishing. Season starts around November 15th and ends around April 15th. Caza mayour takes place between the months of March and May.

Neuquen has a priviledged place in the world of sports-fishing due to the importance of its trout fishing activities. Lake names such as Chimehuin, Malleo or Limay drive the desire of hundreds of the most demanding fishermen in the world. Factors such as great lakes with ideal conditions of water and shelter make these areas a perfect place for the spawning of the salmonidae. All of which are framed in a landscape of great beauty. In Neuquen, salmonidae reproduce naturally and can reach great size and quantities. Some of the species found are rainbow trout, brown trout, brook trout, landlock salmon and perch. Limay and Neuquen are the 2 most important basins inhabited by salmonidae. Limay is near Piedra del Aguila and is a large river. Even though flycasting is considered the way to fish trout...

spinning and trolling are also practiced. As for the Neuquen basin, the southern part is short of outstanding. The number of fishes obtained one after the other is incredible. Fishermen regularly put back fishes back in the water. One cannot write about Neuquen without mentioning San Martin de los Andes, the focal point for tourists that arrive here. Situated at the base of Lacar lake, San Martin de los Andes (15,000+ habs) has been a favorite destination for its fishing, hunting and skiing possibilities. It was founded in the year 1898, however, a previous fortress built in the year 1883 in the vecinity of Vega de Maipu is considered by some the initial settlement.

In its first years, the village survived thanks to its thriving forest/wood industry. This also helped to connect its residents with those along the border with Chile and initiate a supply route. In 1906, the 'compania general transandina' established its transportation business between San Martin and Chile. In 1937 , the government created the national park Lanin but it wasn't until the 70's when great efforts were made to convert this town in a vacation resort.