El Sosneado: Lagoon, Route 220 and Historic Sites

El Sosneado brings together nature, route planning, and historic sites. When planning your trip, it helps to decide what you want to focus on: Laguna El Sosneado is known for its clear water, fishing, and high-altitude diving; Provincial Route 220 is associated with multi-day expeditions. Also here are the ruins of Hotel Termal El Sosneado and the Cueva del Indio archaeological site. These different attractions offer a concrete starting point when looking for a hotel for your trip.

Lagoon, River, and Route

Laguna El Sosneado is a clear lake suitable for fishing and high-altitude diving. This gives you two specific activities to choose from at the same body of water: fishing and diving at high altitude. A paved access road in El Sosneado follows the upper reaches of the Río Atuel. Provincial Route 220 runs west from El Sosneado along the northern bank of the Río Atuel toward the Andes. It is an unpaved route visited by local and international tourists. Check road conditions before driving on Route 220, as they can change.

Expeditions to the Crash Site

Provincial Route 220 is the starting point for three-day expeditions to the crash site of a plane that went down in October 1972. It was carrying Uruguay’s national rugby team. Expeditions to the plane’s wreckage are offered from El Sosneado; their logistics may vary by season. If you plan to take one of these tours, confirm the details in advance and allow for the three-day timeframe. The route, duration, and historic destination give this excursion a clearly defined profile.

Ruins and Archaeological Site

The ruins of Hotel Termal El Sosneado are located at almost 2,200 meters above sea level. Cueva del Indio is an archaeological site associated with the cultures of Indigenous groups who once inhabited this area. The two sites offer different historical perspectives: the remains of the named hotel and the cave’s cultural connection to the area’s earlier inhabitants. For visits to Cueva del Indio, contact authorized agencies.

More Attractions in the Department of San Rafael

The wider destination of the Department of San Rafael offers additional landscapes and activities. Reserva Laguna del Atuel is currently one of the department’s two protected natural areas. At Lake El Nihuil, you can windsurf and kitesurf; the reservoir is also suitable for sport fishing. The landscape around El Nihuil includes dunes up to 200 meters high. The Valle Grande reservoir offers catamaran trips. Another natural attraction is the Cañón del Atuel, formed by the Río Atuel’s erosion and the wind over millions of years. These examples are attractions in the Department of San Rafael as a whole; they are distinct from the lagoon, routes, and historic sites in El Sosneado.

Discover more destinations: Pedro Vargas, Las Paredes, El Nihuil, San Rafael, Rama Caída, Punta Del Agua, Rincón Del Atuel, Salto De Las Rosas.

For the wider travel overview: Department of San Rafael.