Learn about the German influence on the quaint towns that stand between the mountains and valleys of this arid, central zone.
Comahue is a vast area with a varied terrain consisting of picturesque river valleys, orchards and some historic and scenic cities. As part of northern Patagonia, Comahue has many mountains and is one of the most popular skiing regions in the country. Learn about the geography and history of this area with a trip through its main towns and sights.
BarilocheOpens in a new window is a quaint city with German ties and plenty of chocolate shops. Learn about the traditions tied to its sweet treat at the Fenoglio Museum of Chocolate. Peruse the exhibits at the Museum of Patagonia and try your luck at the Casino de Bariloche. Marvel at the Cathedral of San Carlos de Bariloche and the Civic Center Bariloche, which is of typical German design.
Rent equipment and zoom down the slopes at the world-renowned Cathedral Hill Ski Area. Try some of its 53 trails of varying difficulty and enjoy warm beverages in the cozy wooden huts typical of the snowy mountainous area.
Travel northeast to the larger city of Neuquén to see the National University of Comahue, which is one of the most important educational institutes in the region. Explore the National Museum of Fine Arts and the San Martín Neuquén Monument in the heart of the city. To the east, the commune blends into the settlement of General Roca, which contains the Patagonian Museum of Natural Science.
Note that the name of the region is from the indigenous Mapuche word for either Place of Abundance or Where the Water Hurt, which would refer to the valleys. The climate in the region varies greatly depending on altitude. Expect cold, snowy winters in the peaks of Bariloche and dry and mild weather in Neuquén.
Find the region just to the south of central Argentina, covering the northern part of Patagonia and including the provinces of Neuquén and Río Negro. Take a long-distance bus from Buenos AiresOpens in a new window to get here in around 16 hours or fly to Presidente Perón International Airport in Neuquén.
Comahue has intriguing educational facilities and museums in its main towns, which are complemented by rivers, lakes and ski resorts.
