At Cerro Caviahue, exploration begins with a clear sense of scale: the ski resort has 13 lifts, 22 slopes and 325 hectares of skiable terrain. Its base station is 1,650 metres above sea level; the resort is located in a protected area with ancient araucaria trees. This combination of winter sports and protected landscape shapes Caviahue-Copahue in Ñorquín Department. Thermal attractions, volcanic trails and lagoons offer different kinds of exploration, too.
Between the slopes and thermal springs
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. At the Termas de Copahue, another side of the destination comes into view: natural mineral waters, therapeutic mud, steam and algae come together in one place. The offerings include hydrokinetic therapy, mud and algae treatments, immersion baths and hydromassage.
There are also practical reference points for getting around the area: Caviahue and Copahue each have a service centre with accommodation and dining options. The Copahue Provincial Reserve also offers thermal baths, trekking, skiing and excursions to the crater of Volcán Copahue.
Waterfalls and seasonal trails
The Cascadas del Agrio were shaped by volcanic processes and glaciation. The circuit leads to four waterfalls: Cascada del Basalto, Cascada de la Cabellera de la Virgen, Cascada de la Culebra and Cascada del Gigante. The marked trail serves as a trekking route in summer; in winter, it can be explored with snowshoes or touring skis, accompanied by a guide.
The Cascada Escondida offers a different perspective on the trails: its 1,800-metre walking path passes through a forest of lenga, araucaria and ñire trees. Trekking is possible in summer, while in winter the trail can be walked with snowshoes. The two waterfall areas therefore differ not only in their landscapes: at Cascada Escondida, the forest trail is the main attraction, while the Cascadas del Agrio combine four named waterfalls with a guided winter option.
Lagoons, craters and habitats
The Copahue Provincial Reserve covers 28,500 hectares and has a volcanic and glacial landscape. Araucaria forests and endemic species are part of its natural environment; local wildlife includes condors, pumas and the rare Tuco tuco del Maule. Volcán Copahue also has distinctive volcanic features: its easternmost crater of the nine contains an acidic lake and has persistent fumarolic activity.
Laguna Hualcupen is a freshwater lagoon about 20 metres deep, fed by streams from the surrounding mountains’ snowmelt. Visitors can kayak, fly-fish and take raft trips on the lagoon. During the summer grazing season, it lies on the land of the Millain Currical Mapuche community. Laguna Escondida, meanwhile, is a small natural lagoon behind the town. It offers views of Lago Caviahue and Volcán Copahue; in summer it can be reached by trekking, and in winter by snowshoes, touring skis or snowmobiles.
Rock formations and regional character
Puente de Piedra is a natural bridge among steep cliffs along the southern shore of the Lago Caviahue peninsula. The bridge consists of volcanic rocks shaped by several erosion processes. The route can be hiked in summer and walked with snowshoes in winter. To get your bearings, start at the tourist office and follow Ruta Provincial 26 towards Loncopué. After about 5 kilometres, a small yellow sign at a junction points to the dirt road and trail; road conditions can vary by season.
Another landmark is Salto del Agrio, 18 kilometres northeast of Caviahue in Copahue Provincial Park. The rural settlements around Caviahue-Copahue are also part of the area’s character: Mapuche and Criollo communities live there and practise transhumance. Regional cuisine features dishes made with piñón, the fruit of the pehuén, as well as trout. Chivito al asador is also associated with the region; it is usually marinated with flour, beer or ñaco and has received a national designation of origin.
Discover more destinations: Caviahue, Lácar Department, Aluminé Department, Pehuenches Department, Minas Department, Picunches, Loncopué Department, Huiliches Department.
For the main travel overview: Neuquén.
