Plaza Huincul: Oil History and Paleontology
Accommodation in Plaza Huincul
Plaza Huincul can be explored through two subjects: oil history and paleontology. Pozo Nº1 marks an important moment in oil production in Neuquén Province; the Casa museo de los veteranos de YPF puts the history and everyday life of the oil region into context. The Museo Carmen Funes has its own focus on Argentinosaurus huinculensis. Complementing these, the Sala de Arte y Exposiciones connects cultural offerings with the area’s former YPF setting.
Pozo Nº1 and the History of Oil
The emblematic Pozo Nº1 is located in Barrio Uno in Plaza Huincul. The province of Neuquén’s first oil came to the surface here in 1918. This links the site to a clearly dated event in the region’s industrial history. Plans have been agreed to develop the Circuito del Petróleo as a tourist route for Plaza Huincul, with Pozo Nº1 and the refinery included as stops.
The Sala de Arte y Exposiciones
The Sala de Arte y Exposiciones is located in the former bakery of YPF’s Campamento Central. A municipal description from 2024 lists it as a venue for exhibitions, as well as courses and workshops organized by the cultural department. The oven door from the former YPF bakery is also preserved in the Sala as part of the local cultural heritage. Cultural offerings and a tangible architectural testament to the area’s former YPF history stand side by side here.
Paleontology at the Museo Carmen Funes
The Museo Carmen Funes in Plaza Huincul exhibits Argentinosaurus huinculensis. The herbivorous dinosaur was discovered in 1989 and is considered the largest in the world. This adds a paleontological theme to the town’s oil history. While Pozo Nº1 is associated with the province’s first oil in 1918, the dinosaur was discovered in 1989: the two subjects represent different chapters in Plaza Huincul’s history.
The Oil Region at the Casa Museo
In Plaza Huincul, the Casa museo de los veteranos de YPF brings together objects and the history of life in the oil region. Its exhibition begins chronologically with the founding of YPF. It also presents the origins and key turning points that shaped life in both cities. While Pozo Nº1 focuses on a specific event, this museum looks at a longer development: the founding of YPF and the changes that shaped life in the oil region.
A Historic Site Associated with Carmen Funes
A historic site in Plaza Huincul commemorates Carmen Funes, known as “La Pasto Verde.” It is located where she settled from 1900 onward.
The Paseo La Pasto Verde Historic Themed Trail
At its inauguration, the Paseo La Pasto Verde historic themed trail was presented with seven stops. It began at the entrance on Ruta Nacional 22. The route described at the time led to a carriage, the corrals, a replica of the “caserío,” the “aguada,” and a restored grave. If you are planning a visit, it is advisable to check the current visitor information for museums and historic sites in advance.
Discover more destinations: Neuquén, Centenario, Villa El Chocón, Plottier, Senillosa.
Back to the main travel overview: Departamento Confluencia.
