Los Altares Valley in Esquel

The Southern part of the Northern Patagonian high plateau may be toured from Esquel in a West-East direction and crossing the place known as Valle de los Altares (Altars Valley), a splendid ravine reminiscent of the Jurassic period. To reach this impressive site, visitors must travel 313 kilometers along National Route 40 up to Tecka, where they must take the detour into Provincial Route 62 until they reach Pampa de Agnia. At this point, they will take National Route 25 and travel the final 56 kilometers up to these strange rocky formations that seem to emerge from the soil. Infinite straight stretches and challenging bends follow one another across the high mountains, the beautiful bodies of crystal-clear waters and endless high plateaus during this tour.

After some time, Valle de los Altares is reached. This stone formation, which resembles giant altars, opens up on the way with a particular kind of landscape beauty. It is a must to behold this feature and even seize the opportunity to take excellent photographs. This site features sandstone formations called “clastros” with multiple reddish layers well defined by the corrosion and erosion of the water and the wind. They give shape to a kind of natural totems that rise towards the sky with the most accurate verticality. While observing the various shapes formed by the cliffs, viewers may play with their imagination trying to compare the undulations with several familiar objects. Very close, there lies a Patagonian rock painting site under presently the custody of the Provincial Department of Culture. A native painting measuring 93 per 53 centimeters dates from the X century and is made of mineral pigments mixed with organic matter. After enjoying this spectacular scenery, we recommend that visitors continue their journey towards the small village of Las Plumas, which lies nearby. This hamlet has a gas station, a restaurant and a coffee-shop where we recommend that they taste a delicious sandwich made of raw ham, cheese and bread baked by the local women. For those who like souvenirs, it is possible to acquire some arrow points made by the local craftsmen, direct descendants of the Tehuelche natives in the area. It is not necessary to search remote places in order to find beauty in the Patagonian soil. Visitors just need to travel along the regular roads or paths and nature will appear magically and freely before all of us.