Ñorquín Department: Volcanic Landscapes, Thermal Baths and Trails

Explore Ñorquín Department through a range of travel interests: skiing at Cerro Caviahue, the thermal offerings of Termas de Copahue and volcanic landscapes. Caviahue-Copahue is located in Parque Provincial Copahue. The following places and activities can help you plan your stay around your interests.

Volcanic Landscapes, Protected Areas and Waterfalls

Cerro Caviahue ski resort is located in a protected area with ancient araucaria trees. Its base station is 1,650 meters above sea level. The ski resort's size is also specific: it has 13 lifts, 22 runs and 325 hectares of skiable terrain. Reserva Provincial Copahue offers another perspective on the landscape: it covers 28,500 hectares and was shaped by volcanic and glacial processes. The reserve is home to araucaria forests and endemic species; its wildlife includes condors, pumas and the rare Tuco tuco del Maule.

Volcán Copahue has nine craters. The easternmost one contains an acidic lake and is a site of continuous fumarolic activity. Cascadas del Agrio reveal another aspect of the geology: they were formed by volcanic processes and glaciation. The circuit visits four waterfalls: Cascada del Basalto, Cascada de la Cabellera de la Virgen, Cascada de la Culebra and Cascada del Gigante.

Thermal Baths, Skiing and Seasonal Trails

Termas de Copahue bring together natural mineral waters, therapeutic mud, steam and algae in one place. Available treatments include hydrokinesiotherapy, mud and algae applications, immersion baths and hydromassages. This means the department offers two distinct highlights: winter sports at Cerro Caviahue and thermal offerings at Termas de Copahue.

The Cerro Caviahue ski school offers private and group lessons for all ages and ability levels. Group lessons are available for groups of five or more. Trail options, by contrast, vary by season: the marked route to Cascadas del Agrio can be hiked in summer and explored in winter with snowshoes or touring skis, accompanied by a guide.

Cascada Escondida is reached by a 1,800-meter walking trail through a forest of lenga, araucaria and ñire trees. The trail can be hiked in summer and explored on snowshoes in winter. Do not confuse Cascada Escondida with Laguna Escondida: this small natural lagoon lies behind the settlement and offers views of Lago Caviahue and Volcán Copahue. It can be reached by hiking in summer and by snowshoe, touring ski or snowmobile in winter.

Lagoons and Cultural Landscapes

Laguna Hualcupen is a freshwater lagoon about 20 meters deep, fed by streams from the snowmelt in the surrounding mountains. Visitors can kayak, fly-fish and take raft trips there. During the summer grazing season, the lagoon lies on the land of the Millain Currical Mapuche community. The area around Caviahue-Copahue is also home to small rural settlements where Mapuche and Criollo communities live and practice transhumance.

Puente de Piedra is a natural bridge on the steep cliffs along the southern shore of the peninsula in Lago Caviahue. Its volcanic rocks were shaped by several erosion processes. The route there can be hiked in summer and traversed on snowshoes in winter. To find your way: from the tourist information office, follow Ruta Provincial 26 toward Loncopué. After about five kilometers, a small yellow sign at a junction points to the dirt road and trail; road conditions can vary by season.

Getting Around and Regional Cuisine

Salto del Agrio is 18 kilometers northeast of Caviahue in Parque Provincial Copahue. The protected area has two service centers with accommodation and dining options, in Caviahue and Copahue.

Regional cuisine includes dishes made with piñón, the fruit of the Pehuén, and trout. Chivito al asador is also associated with the region: the dish is usually marinated with flour, beer or ñaco and has received a national designation of origin.

Discover more destinations: Caviahue, Zapala Department, Huiliches Department, Pehuenches Department, Aluminé Department, Lácar Department, Picunches, Loncopué Department.

For the broader travel overview: Neuquén.