Huiliches Department: Boca del Chimehuín and culture in Junín de los Andes

If you’re looking for a hotel in Huiliches Department, you can consider nature along the Chimehuín River and cultural sites in the municipality of Junín de los Andes as different focal points for planning your trip. The Boca del Chimehuín Protected Natural Area lies within the municipality of Junín de los Andes and can be reached via Provincial Route 61.

Boca del Chimehuín: River, Protected Area, and Fly Fishing

The protected area preserves a stretch of the Chimehuín River. The river rises in Lake Huechulafquen; the area also protects water quality and ecological processes that support a wide variety of species. It was established to protect species of the Patagonian steppe and the transition zone to the subantarctic forest. A stay at Boca del Chimehuín thus focuses on both the landscape and the preservation of these habitats.

The mouth of the Chimehuín River is considered a favorite area for fly fishing, which is a major tourist activity there. All salmonids must be released from December 1 through May 1. Since seasonal regulations may change, check the current rules before fishing. There is also a designated day-use area in the protected area.

Culture and History in Junín de los Andes

In Junín de los Andes, Vía Christi brings together religious, artistic, and cultural themes. This themed historical, sculptural, cultural, and religious park incorporates Indigenous South American cultures, particularly the Mapuche. Its motto is “Padre que seamos UNO.” The 55 artworks are spread across 23 stations depicting the life of Jesus. The route from the first to the 23rd station is one kilometer long and is estimated to take an hour and a half. This information can help you plan your visit for the day.

The Municipal Archaeological Museum has an archaeological and paleontological collection of more than 4,000 items. Three halls are devoted to archaeology, paleontology, and ethnography. Exhibits include material evidence of the life and culture of Indigenous peoples, as well as marine and dinosaur fossils more than 250 million years old. The Municipal Historical Museum and Archive displays photographs, artifacts, documents, and maps about the history of Junín de los Andes—from its first inhabitants to the present-day town. It preserves, documents, researches, and shares the town’s historical heritage.

The renovated Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Snows and Blessed Laura Vicuña also reflects cultural connections: it expresses the unity of different cultures in Junín de los Andes and throughout Argentine Patagonia, and honors Indigenous cultures. The sanctuary is a place for pilgrims and tourists. The Fiesta del Puestero was founded in 1987 by local residents to celebrate the Creole identity of a region surrounded by rural settlements and distinctive natural attractions. Argentina’s Ministry of Tourism declared the event a national event.

More nearby destinations

Nearby is Lake Lolog, which has publicly accessible beaches and day-camping options. For a broader overview, an information and interpretation center at the entrance to Lanín National Park on Lake Huechulafquen provides information about hiking, horseback riding, flora and fauna viewing, sport fishing, and lake navigation. A circular route from Junín de los Andes to Lanín National Park, Lake Tromen, and Lanín Volcano offers trekking trails.

Junín de los Andes is on the right bank of the Chimehuín River and can be reached by plane, bus, or car. When planning your trip, you can treat the attractions in the municipality, the protected area, and possible excursions in the wider region as separate itinerary items.

Discover more destinations: Junín de los Andes, Lolog, Lácar Department, Chos Malal Department, Confluencia Department, Añelo Department, Aluminé Department, Pehuenches Department.

Go to the main travel overview: Neuquén.