Aluminé Department: Lakes, Protected Areas and Culture

At Lake Pulmarí, gentle shores and pleasantly warm summer water invite you to spend time at the beach; protected areas such as Chañy and Batea Mahuida preserve pehuén forests and other natural assets. This brings together different travel interests in Aluminé Department: time by the lake, outdoor activities and cultural themes. To plan your trip, you can first decide which of these you want to shape your stay.

Lakes, Forests and Protected Areas

Lake Pulmarí is a glacial lake in Aluminé Department. Its gentle shores and pleasantly warm summer water offer opportunities to spend time at the beach. Activities around the lake also include walks along the shore and trails connected to the Huella Andina. This lets you plan time by the water and walking as separate focal points.

From Mirador Piedra Pintada, panoramic views stretch across Lake Pulmarí. Ancient petroglyphs can also be seen there, forming part of the region’s cultural heritage. The viewpoint thus combines views of the lakeside landscape with a cultural dimension.

Área Natural Protegida Chañy preserves forests of pehuén, lenga and ñire, as well as a diverse environment with animal species that are important for conservation. The protected area also encompasses cultural values associated with the Comunidad Puel’s longstanding use of the area. These natural and cultural themes make Chañy a special destination for travelers interested in the landscape and its significance.

Área Natural Protegida Provincial Batea Mahuida preserves pehuén forests, flora and fauna, as well as geological formations. Access to the area is via Ruta Provincial Nº 13 and then Ruta Provincial Nº 12 toward Paso del Arco. Both routes have gravel sections.

Área Natural Protegida Chañy can be reached via Ruta Provincial Nº 13; access then continues via La Angostura to Arroyo Chañy. Road surfaces and seasonal driving conditions may change, so check conditions before setting out.

Activities around Aluminé

Aluminé is the northern gateway to various areas of Parque Nacional Lanín and is part of the Huella Andina circuit. From the town of Aluminé, the Circuito Pehuenia connects landscapes around Lakes Ñorquinco, Aluminé and Moquehue. Aluminé itself is also one of the destinations along the Ruta del Pehuén. Villa Pehuenia-Moquehue is also in Aluminé Department and is part of this route.

Rafting on the Río Aluminé is suitable for both beginners and experienced sportspeople. River conditions vary seasonally, so take them into account when planning your trip. Mountain biking trails pass springs and streams, as well as valleys and forests; trail conditions and tour operator offerings may change.

The visitor program in Aluminé includes guided walks in Reserva Natural Urbana Quilque Lil. Registration is required to take part, so check the dates in advance. Rosa Calfinahuel, a Mapuche tour operator, also offers hikes along the Ruta del Pehuén in Aluminé, sharing the traditional worldview of the Mapuche people. Check her current availability separately.

Parque de Nieve Batea Mahuida is 68 kilometers from Aluminé. Its winter program includes skiing and snowboarding in a natural setting. This seasonal offering provides a different focus from the lakeside and hiking experiences at Lake Pulmarí.

Museums and Festivals

Museo Municipal y Centro de Interpretación “El Charrúa” collects, preserves, researches and presents objects from the cultural heritage of the Río Aluminé basin. The museum also promotes educational, scientific and cultural activities. This gives culture in Aluminé a distinct focus alongside landscape and outdoor experiences.

Aluminé hosts Fiesta Nacional del Pehuén every year during Semana Santa. Program details vary from one edition to another, so it is worth checking the dates and the program for that year. Fiesta Provincial del Asado con Cuero is a popular festival and tourist attraction that reflects the traditions and customs of residents of rural settlements in Aluminé Department.

Choose a Hotel That Suits Your Travel Plans

If you are looking for a hotel for your trip, first decide which themes matter most to you: lakeshores and trails, cultural points of interest, or activities such as rafting, mountain biking and skiing. You can then check whether the hotel’s location suits the places you plan to visit.

More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Villa Pehuenia, Aluminé, Moquehue, Loncopué Department, Ñorquín Department, Picunches, Lácar Department, Los Lagos Department.

For the broader travel overview: Neuquén.