Chos Malal: Cultural History and Views

Chos Malal can be explored through two specific interests: historic architecture and cultural history, and trails with views of the valley, rivers, and mountains. If you’re looking for a hotel in Chos Malal, these highlights can help you decide what to see during your trip. Chos Malal is connected mainly by National Route 40. The Hito de la Ruta 40 is located at the southern entrance to the city. It was recognized by the Neuquén Legislature as Provincial Tourism Heritage No. 3767.

Views and time required

The trail up Cerro de la Cruz offers views across the Valle de Chos Malal, of the confluence of the Neuquén and Curi Leuvú rivers, and of the Cordillera del Viento. The viewpoint brings the valley, river landscape, and mountains together in a single vista. For the route to the monument on Cerro de la Virgen, the approximate walking time is a practical planning guide: it takes about 60 minutes to reach the monument on foot, and around two hours for the entire route. The information describes two different aspects of the trails: the views from Cerro de la Cruz and the time required for the Cerro de la Virgen route.

Buildings and city history

The María Auxiliadora Parish Church offers a glimpse into the architectural history of Chos Malal. It was inaugurated on December 7, 1888, by Salesian priests Domingo Milanesio and Bartolo Panaro in a ceremony supported by Governor Olascoaga. The building is made of adobe and has a roof of oak wood. The timber was brought from the Epulafquen lagoons by ox-drawn wagons. The church’s history thus centers not only on its inauguration date but also on its building materials and where they came from.

Another example of local architectural history is the Almacén de Ramos Generales Enrique Dewey, the first brick building constructed in Chos Malal. The church and the Almacén showcase different materials and building histories. The former Hotel de Turismo is also part of the city’s historic heritage. After standing vacant for years, it was completely renovated in 2013 and converted into the Centro Cultural del Norte Neuquino. The story of this building traces its transformation from a hotel to a cultural center.

Museum and festival

The Museo Histórico Provincial “Manuel José Olascoaga” has three exhibition rooms. They cover Indigenous peoples, the Campaña del Desierto, and the founding of Chos Malal. The subjects span the history of Indigenous groups, a historical military campaign, and the city’s beginnings. If you’re interested in the historical context of the area, the museum offers several distinct subject areas rather than just one aspect of the city’s history.

The Fiesta Nacional del Chivito, la Danza y la Canción is also part of Chos Malal’s cultural life and is held there every year. In 2004, Resolution No. 384/04 of the Secretaría General de la Presidencia de la Nación declared it an event of national interest, giving it the status of a national fiesta. If you’d like to plan your trip around the event, check the specific dates before making arrangements.

For an overview of the wider area: Chos Malal Department.