Attractions in Malargüe

Close to the city:

Regional Museum

At present, "La Orteguina" (main house at the estancia once owned by General Rufino Ortega, founder of Malargüe) houses the archeological museum where very important fossil remains, fire pit remains, arrow and spear points are on display. The museum has history and mineralogy rooms. The paleontology room boasts the remains of an ictidosaurs found in Malargüe and dating back from 130 million years ago, during the Cretacious period. Open hours: from 9am to 1pm and from 5pm to 9pm.

Handicrafts Market

Another section of "La Orteguina" houses the handicrafts museum called "Mi Viejo Almacén", where typical handicrafts from Malargüe are sold. Open hours: from 9am to 1pm and from 5pm to 9pm.

"Thesaurus" Convention Center

This center has been designed for 1,000 guests to enjoy several activities simultaneously in different rooms: Canelo, Caldén and Maitén. The latter contains a cinema. Contact and reservations: 02627- 470027 congresos@malargue.gov.ar. Open hours: from 9am to 10pm.

Pierre Auger Cosmic Rays Observatory

The purpose of this project is to determine the nature and direction of cosmic rays with superior energies. The idea is to have a better understanding of the universe around us. It is being studied through 'hybrid' detectors with a system of atmospheric fluorescence telescopes. There is a plan to settle two observatories: one in the southern hemisphere (Malargüe) and another one in the northern hemisphere (Colorado, U.S.A). At present, the one in Malargüe is the largest in the world. The Observatory has a room for visitors' assistance, which opens from Monday thru Friday at 5pm: ONLY TIMETABLE. For students, the timetables are 9am, 11am and 3pm. In this case, an appointment should be made in advance. For guided tours, call 02627-471562. Access free of charge. For further information, see www.auger.or.ar or contact: centrodevisitas@auger.org.ar.

The Old Mill

The mill building is a national historic monument and it lies a few meters south of the old grand house in the main shell of Estancia "La Orteguina". It was raised in 1878. The mill stands out for its ancient building materials -mud and straw- and its one meter thick walls. *Only the outside may be visited year round.

Our Lady of the Rosary Historic Chapel

It lies at the access of the city on Route 40. The building dates from 1880 and was recently restored, with the typical local construction. It is one of the monuments that make up the history of this place. Open hours: Mondays thru Sundays from 9am to 12pm and from 4pm to 7pm.

Planetarium

Malargüe has a modern digital planetarium, the first and only one of its kind in Argentina. It provides a first-class audiovisual experience. It is a remarkable singular building, an icon of the planetarium complex built in the shape of a pyramid and housing a projection room that can comfortably seat 65 guests on special seats that adopt a horizontal position to watch the projections that reveal the mysteries of the Universe on the dome. For further information, contact: planetario@malargue.gov.ar. Telephone: 472116 ext.124 – Open year round. Ask about open hours. An access ticket is charged.

Tracks Park

The paleontological site has 700 dinosaur tracks in perfect preservation condition. They correspond to herbivorous dinosaurs of different sizes known as "Titanosaurus" and a wide range of fossil remains of various organisms in excellent preservation condition. The paleovertebrate tracks correspond to both dinosaurs and vertebrate and invertebrate organisms that dwelled in these latitudes 70 million years ago. They left their prints on the muddy plains of a typical continental environment dominated by rivers and lakes. Tourists will appreciate the tracks through suspension footbridges, observe the fossil remains and become familiar with the features and the geological history of this region, the evolution of these giants from the past and be immersed in unique scenes and sceneries. It will be inaugurated soon. For further information, please contact: apraderio@malargue.gov.ar - Telephone: 02627-15559665

The Trout Farm and the Dam

Just 12 kilometers away from the city, there lies Cuyam-Co Trout Farm, where a restaurant is open year round and serves varied recipes whose main ingredient is trout. Access to the restaurant is only allowed until 8pm. Besides, the venue has a fishing preserve for those who wish to catch their own trout. Tour duration: 2 hours minimum. Open year round. Access to the farm is free of charge. Make your reservations for the restaurant by calling (02627) 15661917.

Risco Plateado Golf Resort

This golf resort is a paradise amidst the city. It has over 500 trees, four artificial ponds and rocky areas. Besides, its fairways represent an excellent environment for strict players. The course has nine double teeing GREENS and 5,203 yards for its 18 holes.

Pincheira Castles

They are located 27 kilometers west of the City of Malargüe. Pincheira Castles consist in a great natural scene made up by the rock formations eroded by the wind and the rain, which resemble castles. Stories of bandits were mixed with popular legends and turned Pincheira into an attraction. There is a restaurant, a recreation area, restrooms and swimming-pool. Activities available include: hiking tours, rafting, horseback rides, photographic safaris and white trekking in the winter.

An access ticket is charged. The tour takes 3 hours minimum. The restaurant serves typical dishes and opens in the winter and summer season and on long weekends. Make reservations in advance.

Northern Circuit:

Laguna Blanca

Just 50 kilometers away from our city, there lies Laguna Blanca, a beautiful lake surrounded by hills. This is a fantastic natural water body that features spectacular sunset scenes. It is dwelled by a wide range of bird species. The main fish species is "pejerrey patagónico". This is an ideal site to enjoy photographic safaris, fishing and hiking. Information: ampcmosca@hotmail.com. An access ticket is charged. There is a shelter for campers and restrooms without showers. The shortest tour takes 2 hours.

Laguna de La niña Encantada
(Enchanted Girl Pond)

It lies about 40 kilometers from the City of Malargüe, on the way to Las Leñas Valley. This is a delightful lake with crystal-clear waters that come from underground rivers. The lake is framed by volcanic rocks that recreate curious formations when reflected by the water. They have given origin to legends and stories with the passing of time.

Fishing is not allowed at Niña Encantada. Visitors may enjoy hiking tours, horseback riding and photographic safaris. An access ticket is charged. The total duration of the visit is 3 hours minimum.

Available year round, this site offers minimum restroom services and convenience store. Camping is not allowed.

Los Molles Valley

Lying 50 kilometers away from Malargüe, the valley is crossed by the Salado River and surrounded by colorful hills. The first ski trails in Malargüe were located here. The valley contains a booming hotel offer that started back in 1930 with the traditional Hotel termas de Lahuen-Co. The tour takes at least 4 hours. Available year round.

Los Molles offers the following services:

  • Accommodation (Hotels and Cabins)
  • Restaurants
  • Hot springs

Pozo de las Ánimas
(Well of the Souls)

It is located 58 kilometers away from the City of Malargüe, on the way to Las Leñas Valley. This singular scene situated in Los Molles Valley features a curious formation that causes amazement to all visitors. It consists in two karstic sinkholes that were eroded by underground rivers that gave origin to green water bodies with an almost 100 meter diameter each.

No access ticket is charged. The total duration of the visit is 3 hours. No services available. Open year round.

Las Leñas Valley

Las Leñas Valley is located 75 kilometers away from the City of Malargüe. It is paradise for skiers as it features 17,500 skiable hectares, including trails and off-piste areas accessible through lifts. Maximum uninterrupted trail descent: 7 kilometers. There are 13 lifts seating 10,000 guests. The snow conditions are excellent. The climate is dry and its powder snow is famous worldwide. Nordic ski, snowboarding, off-piste and free style park are some of the activities available with the best postcard of the Andes Mountain Range in the background.

Services for skiers include: 150 instructors, ski school (for all levels), ski lockers, daycare, equipment rental, repairs workshops and medical assistance. The offer is equally varied in the summer season, as sports and adventure travel activities such as hiking, rafting, Tyrolean crossing, rock climbing and rappelling, horseback riding and mountain biking are practiced in the venue.

Open in the winter, summer and Holy Week. Minimum tour duration: 3 hours.

Valle Hermoso
(Beautiful Valley)

This valley lies 90 kilometers away from the City of Malargüe and approximately 21 kilometers from Las Leñas Valley. This is one of the most imposing sceneries we can find in Malargüe, as it is immersed in the Andes Mountain Range, where the color of the mountains, the native flowers and the springs turn Valle Hermoso into a paradise second to none.

Upon reaching the valley, Lake Valle Hermoso is the ideal site to enjoy angling as it is dwelled by large salmonidae specimens. Nautical activities, hiking, horseback riding and photographic safaris are some of the activities available. There is also a restaurant serving typical dishes, a convenience store and a campsite.

Open only in the summer season. The fishing season starts in November and ends in April. The minimum tour duration is 6 hours. Access to the campsite is charged. *The conditions of the road only allow access for high vehicles*.

Termas del Azufre
(Sulfur Hot Springs)

Our mountain range offers the best geological conditions for the formation of hot spring waters. They are associated to volcanism and the great deal of faults located within the provincial territory. In general, these waters have ferrous and sulfur properties and feature different temperatures.

El Azufre (3,500 meters MSL) is nestled in the Andes Mountain Range very close to the Peteroa Volcano. Mineral is breathed at this arid and beautiful mountain range nook, where starry nights seem to be at an arms reach. There is a resort with outdoor pools whose waters feature temperatures ranging between 35º and 55º and spring from the foothills of the Planchon Glacier, located on the Chilean border. These hot springs lie 190 kilometers away from our city and are accessed through one of the most attractive roads in the district, which borders creeks of pure water, meadows and hills teeming with minerals. The infrastructure is precarious. Accessed only in summer.

El Planchón International Pass

El Planchón (2,400 meters MSL), 198 kilometers away from Malargüe, is an international pass joining the Province of Mendoza and Chile. Located on a plain dominated by glaciers and peaks of terra-cotta hues in front of the imposing Peteroa Volcano, it is open only in the summer. It leads towards the City of Curicó.

This pass connects Argentina with neighboring Chile, through the Chilean city named San Clemente, which lies 297 kilometers away from our city.

Southeastern Circuit:

Malacara Volcano

This beautiful volcano is located approximately 42 kilometers southeast of the City of Malargüe, on the way to Laguna Llancanelo Reserve.

The Malacara Volcano reaches a height of 1,800 meters MSL. It is named after a kind of horse whose face has spots. Its eruption featured hydromagmatic characteristics. These manifestations occur when the lava ascends and makes contact with the water accumulated under the earth's crust, thus generating extremely violent eruptions. In addition to black, the colors that may be appreciated are yellow, red and green, generated by this kind of eruptions when in contact with the water. Lately, the volcano has been eroded by the rain and the wind, which unveils large ditches of almost 30 meters of height through which the excursions access the area. In order to go on this tour, you must get the tickets at any travel agency in Malargüe.

Laguna Llancanelo Reserve

The reserve is located 75 kilometers south of the city of Malargüe. It has been declared RAMSAR site by the international environmentalist community. These wetlands shelter an important flamingo colony, where there are other hundreds of bird species as well. Llancanelo is extremely important because it protects biodiversity. Its name stands for 'Chaquira' or greenish blue pearl. On reaching the lake, visitors are impressed by its horizon surrounded by hills and volcanic elevations of several hues. The Trapal Volcano is one of the best viewpoints over the lake, as it features its size and tributaries.

Various native species such as choiques, piches, foxes, hares and so on, may be seen on the way to Llancanelo. This is an ideal site for ornithological studies. Photographic safaris, wildlife mapping and hiking are also available.

Access is only allowed in the company of an authorized guide. The total tour takes 5 hours. Open year round. No restrooms available.

Manqui Malal Cascade

Located 30 kilometers south of the city, its name derives from two words in the Mapuche tongue: Manqui (condor) and Malal (cliff). This site is surrounded by large walls of marine origin that were elevated by Andean mountain movements, which makes it possible for visitors to come across fossil remains, ammonites and bivalves. Of course they will see all this in the company of an authorized guide. Manqui Malal is the perfect destination for hundreds of climbers who come along year after year to experience rock climbing and rappelling, as the walls feature over 40 meters of height.

This is a mandatory route for those who travel towards the Cavern of the Witches. There is a restaurant serving very good goat dishes. An access ticket is charged. The minimum duration of the visit is 4 hours. Open year round.

La Payunia Reserve

Payunia lies approximately 200 kilometers southeast of the City of Malargüe. This is the largest reserve in the Province of Mendoza and it has been nominated to be declared World heritage site. Its name derives from the Pehuenche word 'Payen', which refers to the place where there is copper. Its large territory is full of silent volcanoes that have given origin to wonderful geological formations such as large lava rivers whose size are among the largest in the world and materials of various levels of thickness, like lapilli and sand. This region of the delightfully arid Patagonian steppe is the kingdom of guanacos and choiques, which accompany tourists with their curious looks. Horseback rides, 4WD tours to the Payún Matrú Volcano, hiking tours and photographic safaris are available in this area.

Payunia is a paradise for vulcanologists. Scientists from all over the world arrive in Malargüe to discover the qualities of this singular scenery. Access to the reserve is free of charge. Visitors must be escorted by an authorized guide. The total duration of the visit is approximately 12 hours. Open year round, subject to weather conditions. *The conditions of the road only allow access for high vehicles*.

Southwest Circuit:

Caverna de las Brujas
(Witches Cavern)

Caverna de las Brujas is located 75 kilometers south of the City of Malargüe, in the spot known as Bardas Blancas. The cavern is formed by marine limestone. The water leaks have generated beautiful mineral formations with the passing of thousands of years, such as stalactites, stalagmites, columns and gorges. Visits are allowed in groups of 9 and take approximately 2 hours.

The tour has two levels. The first level is the room of the virgin and it is not suitable for children under 4. The complete tour is not suitable for children under 7.

Bear in mind

For enquiries, reservations and buying tickets, please contact Malargüe Tourist Office: TE 02627-471659. Access is only allowed in the company of an authorized guide. The total duration of the tour is 6 hours. Open year round.

Las Loicas

Lying 105 kilometers away from Malargüe, Gendarmería Nacional and the Argentine Customs Office, where all the proceedings to cross the Peuenche and Planchó Passes are to be carried out, are located at this spot.

Cajon Grande Hot Springs

Cajón Grande Hot Springs (2,400 meters MSL) are located on the way to Chile through the Pehuenche Pass. They lie 135 kilometers away from the City of Malargüe, at the foot of Mount Campanario (4,048 meters MSL). The landscape features amazing colorful hills, intensely green meadows, valleys and 5 pools where the hot spring waters emerge. Mostly ferrous, these waters have miraculous healing properties.

Pehuenche –Talca International Pass

A total distance of 315 kilometers separate Malargüe from Talca. There are gas stations in Malargüe and San Clemente (Chile), 297 kilometers away. The Customs Office is located in Las Loicas, 105 kilometers away from Malargüe. The road does not have any tourist infrastructure. The route is open from December through March.

To the South

La Pasarela
(The Footbridge)

This singular formation is an 8-meter-wide 500-meter-long basaltic ravine. The Grande River, the most plentiful in the province, runs along this formation. The waters roar as the river narrows down. It may be visited year round and it lies 120 kilometers away from the City of Malargüe. Following Route 40, visitors will come to the border between Mendoza and Neuquén 220 kilometers away.

Trout and Goat Gastronomic Routes

Gastronomy at this district stands out for the delicious dishes made with goat, as Malargüe is the main goat cattle producer in the country. Countless restaurants and rest areas offer the most varied recipes made with fresh trout caught in the rivers of Malargüe.

Popular Festivals

  • Goat National Festival and Lamb Provincial Festival: held every year during the first fortnight of January.
  • Snow Provincial Festival: generally held early during the ski season. This is an essentially tourist event with activities in Las Leñas Valley and the City of Malargüe.
  • Grape Harvest District Festival: held every year during the first fortnight in January.
  • Argentine-Chilean Encounter: late in January or early in February, at Pehuenche Pass.
  • Chivinsud: this is the fix matching of sense features originated by a certain wine accompanied with a dish made with goat meat of similar sense characteristics.

Malargüina Handicrafts

In the City of Malargüe, native handicrafts are seen in areas away from the city, where time seems to have stopped as a living witness of ancient cultures. In our district, it is usual to see braided goat leather items as well as lassos, torteras and boleadoras. There are also items woven in the vertical loom. The wool is tinged with local roots and plants. Geometric designs of araucano origin stand out.

Gallery:
Questions:
Terrazas en el Bosque: 425, Los Abedules (E) Street - Malargüe - Mendoza (Zip Code 5613) - Te.: 0260 - 154636622 / 154519063 - E-mail: Escribir correo