La Maruja: Local History and Caldén Forest

Provincial Route 4 is the access road to the town; La Maruja is located in the Pampean Caldén Forest region.

Local History and Monuments

The modernized central square features a monument honoring General José de San Martín. At the center of the square is an oil well more than 700 meters deep, dating from the 1960s. A large monument in the central square is associated with the dedication “a la Libertad.” Thus, personal tribute, a reference to freedom, and the history of oil come together there.

A provincial decree in 2012 declared the Fiesta de la Pialada in La Maruja, organized by the Centro Tradicionalista “El Pial,” an event of provincial significance. That year’s edition took place on October 28, 29, and 30, 2012. Another cultural reference is the Fiesta de la Mujer Hachera: it honors women who, together with men, cleared land for agriculture and opened up roads before the railway arrived in 1927. The two festival references highlight different periods: an edition from 2012 and the memory of work carried out before the railway arrived.

The Monumento a Malvinas at the railway station promenade is part of the local tourism circuit. The large Caldén trees on the station grounds attract visitors.

Landscape and Practical Information

The town’s location in the Caldén Forest region provides the landscape setting; the large trees on the station grounds offer a specific local point of reference for this natural setting. If barbecue grills are important for your plans: grills were reported installed on the swimming pool grounds on July 23, 2023. Check whether they are currently available for use before your visit.

Caleufú in the Wider Rancul Destination

Paseo del Lago in Caleufú, within the wider Rancul destination, opened on November 15, 2015. The recreational and tourism park includes an artificial lagoon, an island with a lookout tower, a waterfall, paths, green spaces, and railway remnants. The grounds include grills, small covered seating areas, and tables. Corrugated-metal sheds and a landing stage are railway remnants that recall the town’s railway history. In 2025, the town council declared Paseo del Lago a site of public interest and tourism significance. The water, paths, and green spaces represent its recreational aspect; the corrugated-metal sheds and landing stage point to the town’s railway past.

Also in Caleufú, the María Auxiliadora Chapel stands next to Plazoleta de la Estación on former railway land. The Museo del Deporte Motor opened in 2022 as part of Caleufú’s 111th anniversary; the former railway station is listed as the Museo Municipal Luis Fiandrino. A nighttime skywatching event with a telescope took place at Paseo del Lago in 2016.

Discover more destinations: Rancul.

Go to the wider travel overview: Rancul.