In Piedra del Águila, views of the dam, sculptures and water activities shape your stay. Santo Tomás offers a different focus: sheep-shearing traditions and regional festivals come together there.
Piedra del Águila: Views, Trails and Water
Piedra del Águila lies on National Route No. 237, almost halfway between Bariloche, San Martín de los Andes and the capital of Neuquén. A public viewpoint offers a view of the Piedra del Águila Hydroelectric Dam. The dam is 172 metres high and has been in operation since 1993. Check the current access conditions before visiting the viewpoint.
Walking, mountain biking, canoeing and fishing are possible around the dam. You can also explore Piedra del Águila on foot via its natural viewpoints. Mountain bike circuits can be used year-round; check current conditions before setting out. This makes it easy to tailor your stay to your interests, whether you prefer walking, cycling or water-based activities.
Sport fishing is another highlight. Piedra del Águila has designated fishing spots that attract anglers from around the world year after year. Anglers consider the Middle Limay River one of the best brown trout fishing waters in northern Patagonia. Fishing is possible year-round at Embalse Pichi Picún Leufú, one of the two bodies of water near Piedra del Águila. Rules and access conditions may change; check the current regulations before fishing.
The Kumelkayen complex is also near Piedra del Águila. It has a swimming area with crystal-clear water, as well as opportunities for sport fishing and water sports such as waterskiing, windsurfing and rowing. The complex adds more waterside activities to those available around the dam.
Sculptures and Cultural Heritage
The Paseo de las Esculturas in Piedra del Águila features sculptures made from recycled iron. Spanish sculptor Juan Borges Linares also carved large figures into the town’s ridges. These include “Maternidad India,” a carving up to ten metres high, inspired by the history of Indigenous culture. The traditional Monumento al águila is also among Piedra del Águila’s natural and cultural resources; rock paintings are another of the town’s characteristic cultural resources.
The Museo Arqueológico focuses on the region’s history, traditions and cultural heritage, and is listed among Piedra del Águila’s attractions and activities. Check its current opening hours before planning a visit.
Santo Tomás: Ruta de la Esquila and Fiesta
Santo Tomás is part of the Ruta de la Esquila. The visitor route also includes Paso Aguerre, El Sauce, Picún Leufú and Villa del Puente Picún Leufú. It focuses on the history and tradition of sheep shearing and the people involved. In 2022, the route was still described as being under development. At previous editions of the Fiesta del Agua Mineral, livestock farmers, craftspeople and producers from the region came together; textiles, leather goods and goat meat raised with mineral water were presented.
On 21 and 22 March 2026, Santo Tomás hosted the 13th Regional Fiesta and 1st Provincial Fiesta del Agua Mineral. The programme included gaucho competitions, a horse parade, jineteadas and musical performances. This dated edition offers a specific insight into the festival, but is not a current events calendar. If you are planning a trip around a festival, check the dates for the edition you want to attend.
Getting There and Choosing Where to Stay
Santo Tomás is accessible via Provincial Route No. 47 and lies 227 kilometres from the capital of Neuquén. Piedra del Águila and Santo Tomás therefore offer different reference points for planning your trip: Piedra del Águila focuses on views, sculptures, cycling and fishing; Santo Tomás on the Ruta de la Esquila and Fiesta del Agua Mineral. Choose where to stay based on which focus matters more to you. Check current road conditions before setting out for Santo Tomás.
Discover more destinations: Piedra del Águila, Confluencia Department, Catán Lil, Pehuenches Department, Huiliches Department, Zapala Department, Picunches, Aluminé Department.
For the main travel overview: Neuquén.
