Catán Lil: River Landscapes and Rock Art

In Catán Lil, diverse landscapes and cultural themes come together: at Las Coloradas, the Río Catán Lil and a gorge shape the scenery; at Pilo Lil, caves with rock art, geology and the Río Aluminé take centre stage. There are also events whose details are tied to specific years. When planning your trip, you can therefore decide whether you are mainly interested in landscapes and nature, cultural heritage or a specific event date.

River Landscapes and Geology

The Río Catán Lil runs through Las Coloradas. The Garganta del Diablo is also located near Las Coloradas: a gorge more than 154 metres long, through which the Río Catán Lil also flows. The river and the gorge are therefore two related landmarks, although their description does not imply that the gorge can be accessed.

Rock Art and Nature in Pilo Lil

The name Pilo Lil comes from Mapudungun and means “perforated rock”. It refers to the area's natural caves, several of which feature rock art. Two natural caves with rock art are located near the town centre: animal depictions and abstract motifs can be seen. The caves thus connect the meaning of the place name with a specific cultural theme.

Pilo Lil's natural surroundings can also be described in terms of named species. The area's flora includes pehuenes, jarillas and coirones; its fauna includes pumas, guanacos and Andean condors. Roca Agujereada is a geological formation of touristic and cultural heritage value. Access had to be regulated; therefore, check whether entry is possible before visiting.

Possible Activities on the Río Aluminé

Sport fishing, river trips and rafting are possible activities on the Río Aluminé near Pilo Lil. The river is known for its clear water and shapes routes; hiking and relaxing are also possible leisure activities.

The Paseo Costero in Pilo Lil is a 400-metre-long riverside path along the Río Aluminé. The first stage has been completed. The Río Aluminé near Pilo Lil is associated with the riverside path and possible river activities; the Río Catán Lil at Las Coloradas is associated with the river running through the town and the Garganta del Diablo.

Events with Specific Dates

For the Fiesta del Gauchito Gil in Las Coloradas, a torch procession in honour of Gauchito Gil, Creole skill demonstrations and dancing were announced for 10 and 11 January 2020. A report from 2020 said the festival had been celebrated for 19 years; in 2023, the Fiesta was referred to as its 20th edition. These details provide a historical overview, but not a future event date. If you want to travel for a festival, check the latest dates.

Annual Rally Neuquino races in Las Coloradas were mentioned as sporting events for 2025. The Aniversario de Las Coloradas, announced for November 2025, included the 20K, 15K, 10K and 5K distances; the 5K event was intended especially for younger participants. Details about this race refer to the 2025 event and do not establish a format for later editions.

Getting There

Ruta Nacional 40 connects Las Coloradas with Zapala to the northeast and Junín de los Andes to the southeast. Ruta Provincial 24 branches off from it and provides direct access to the Municipio Las Coloradas over more than 20 kilometres. These routes help with orientation on the map; check distances and current road conditions before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Chos Malal Department, Lácar Department, Confluencia Department, Huiliches Department, Aluminé Department, Los Lagos Department, Collón Curá Department, Añelo Department.

For the main travel overview: Neuquén.