Caviahue

Caviahue (photo: Eduardo Epifanio)

Site of celebration, was the name the mapuche people gave to the valley where they stopped to gather on their way to the hot springs. Caviahue, in the heart of the Andes Mountain Range, Northwest of the Province of Neuquén and on the Argentinian-Chilean border, lies at the feet of the Copahue Volcano.

This mountain village is located 1,600 meters over sea level and it presents a contrast between its natural environment and the almost lunar landscape of Copahue. Within the Copahue Provincial Park, the nooks of Caviahue hide streams, cascades and prehistoric monkey-puzzle forests, spread in a vast prairie that borders the western bank of the homonymous lake and reaches the base of the terraced mounts that are part of the volcanic mass.

In the winter, its ski resort guarantees the quality of powder snow without long lines at the lift, which is perfect for families. It is ideal to practice downhill and cross-country skiing. Both modalities are taught at the resort school, as well as off-piste skiing and snowboarding. The snow track, which offers climbing tours to the volcano to enjoy free ski, going down the Copahue slopes among snow covered monkey-puzzle trees deserves a separate chapter. Sleds pulled by dogs, snowmobiles, four quads and the ice-skating rink complete Caviahue winter proposal.

During the summer, horse-riding and hiking are valid options to get to know the flora and fauna of the protected area. The Achacosa, Escondida, El Rincón and Hualcupén lagoons offer good specimens of rainbow and brown trout and perch for lovers of fly-fishing.

Going along 352 kilometers from Neuquén capital city and 1,570 from the City of Buenos Aires along paved National Route 22 and Provincial Routes 21 and 26 is all you need to reach this mountain village. The closest airport is located in the city of Neuquén.

In Caviahue, the Andean mountains give shape to a peaceful spot, merged with a nature refined of picturesque sights that invites to relax and stop the march to rejoice in one of the most wonderful sites of the North of Neuquén.