Maraco in La Pampa brings together a water-focused natural environment and cultural sites in General Pico. The Reserva Natural Urbana “Benicio Delfín Pérez” is located in the city of General Pico, in the Departamento Maracó. Several cultural attractions are also in General Pico, giving the natural area and the city sites a shared local connection.

Nature at the Reserva Natural Urbana

The Reserva Natural Urbana “Benicio Delfín Pérez” covers approximately 170 hectares. More than 60 percent of the area is covered by water; the main body of water is called “La Arocena.” Water therefore defines a large part of this natural area. Biodiversity is also an important part of its profile: surveys in the area record more than 100 plant species, of which over 50 percent are native and endemic. There are also more than 150 bird species. This figure is based on surveys in the area; most of these bird species are resident, while more than 20 percent are migratory. Those looking to explore Maraco’s natural environment will find information here about water areas, plant life, and bird species in a protected area.

Cultural Sites in General Pico

The Centro Cultural Maracó is located in the former building of “Industrias Maracó.” El Viejo Galpón is also connected to the company’s former premises: the venue was established there in the early 1990s. Peñas are held at El Viejo Galpón, and it also hosts the “Jam de El Viejo Galpón.” The two venues are thus linked by their history in the context of Industrias Maracó, while peñas and the jam are specific to El Viejo Galpón’s program.

The Sala de Artes Escénicas has a different historical setting: it is located in General Pico’s historic railway station. Former industrial premises, musical events, and a railway station as a venue give these cultural sites different associations. Together, they offer a way to understand the cultural focus of a trip through the different sites and their histories.

Getting There and Event Dates

General Pico can be reached via provincial routes No. 1, 4, 101, and 102. For travelers interested in events, the city’s information on Pico Cumple and El Reto offers two different points of reference in time. In the city’s 2025 agenda, the Pico Cumple festival was described as one of the most important events on the local calendar.

A second edition of the El Reto event, announced for March 2025, was planned to include running, mountain biking, and an optional duathlon. The Reserva Natural Urbana “Benicio Delfín Pérez” in General Pico was named as the venue. Travelers wishing to include events as a reason for their trip should check current dates before planning.

La Pampa as a Broader Destination

The wider destination of La Pampa offers other distinct nature and culture experiences. The Reserva Provincial Parque Luro is a 7,600-hectare protected area with more than 160 bird species. The Museo El Castillo is also located there and is designated an Argentine National Historic Monument. Parque Nacional Lihué Calel offers a trekking circuit through mountain valleys and forests of caldén and jarilla trees. The ruins of an old estancia lie along the Arroyo de las Sierras; rock paintings can be found in a cave in the Sierras Malas. These sites broaden the picture of La Pampa province, while the reserve in General Pico offers its own natural highlight with its water areas.

Discover more destinations: General Pico, Capital, Rancul, Atreuco, Departamento Caleu Caleu, Pulen, Loventué, Hucal.

Return to the main travel overview: La Pampa.