Dinosaur and Vineyard Steppe

Neuquén City (photo: Jorge González)

Two completely different activities share the same ground: the steppe of Neuquén. On the one hand, the wineries show the world the benefits of a particular territory and climate for wine-making. On the other hand, several paleontological museums exhibit fossil remains found in the Valley of Dinosaurs.

As for wineries, two populations lying close to the City of Neuquén, San Patricio del Chañar and Añelo, are characterized by "oenological tourism". Everything from a tour around the vineyards, the collection of grapes, professional wine-tasting sessions and information about cutting-edge technology leads visitors to learn more about the process used to make each worldwide known varietal.

The finding of petrified remains of land vertebrates and sea invertebrates in the 1980s gave way to their investigation and classification. Years later, museums and institutions were opened for visitors to see several shows.

At Plaza Huincul, the Carmen Funes Museum concentrates on such topic. Its work consists in spreading information about this subject and it houses the largest dinosaur found in the world so far, in addition to other reconstructions.

On the access road to Villa El Chocón, signs give proof that this is dinosaur territory. A visit to the Ernesto Bachman Museum will clear up all doubts about these plains, which millions of years ago were not an arid desert but featured lush wildlife. Valuable fossil remains were found in the surroundings and today both original pieces and replicas are displayed at the venue. This place combines scientific facts in a dynamic and educational way. Lured by the dinosaurs in the silver screen and on TV, at this location children can find a thrilling space where they can let their imagination be carried away.

Tours and Activities