Picunches brings together river landscapes, geological features and palaeontological themes. In Quili Malal, the Río Agrio and its surroundings take centre stage; the neighbouring municipality of Las Lajas adds dinosaur discoveries, a museum and a riverside promenade. The Cuchillo Curá cave system is another focus for nature and science. When planning your trip, it is worth keeping the different places and their respective visitor options in mind.

Quili Malal at the Confluence

Quili Malal is located in Picunches Department at the mouth of the Río Agrio, where it flows into the Río Neuquén. Several access points lead to the banks of the Río Agrio. The town also has geological formations of particular scenic beauty. Here, a striking confluence meets a landscape shaped by geology—two distinct features that define Quili Malal’s natural character.

Quili Malal can be reached via Provincial Routes 14 and 10. A 2024 provincial government report gives the distance from Zapala as 85 kilometres. Check road conditions before setting out. The town is also on the Ruta del Petróleo / Vaca Muerta.

Las Lajas: Dinosaur Discoveries and Riverside Walk

Remains of Pilmatueia faundezi were found in the neighbouring municipality of Las Lajas. It is a newly identified, four-legged, plant-eating sauropod species. The find is among the oldest Early Cretaceous dinosaur discoveries in the Neuquén Basin and among the oldest in South America. Comparisons of its age place the discovery in both a regional and a continental context.

Many of the specimens found at Cuchillo Curá are currently on display at the Museo Municipal de Las Lajas. The municipal museum also exhibits historical objects, geological finds and dinosaur replicas. Local history, geology and palaeontology therefore come together under one roof. Las Lajas offers walking tours within the town and in its surroundings, including to the Río Agrio; the Museo Municipal is also included in the visitor tours.

The Costanera stretches for one kilometre along the Río Agrio. It includes three viewpoints, as well as a cycle path and a footpath. Its stated length gives a clear sense of scale, while the viewpoints and different types of paths characterise this stretch of riverbank. The river landscape and walking tours complement the museum’s cultural and natural history themes, though they offer different visitor experiences.

Cuchillo Curá: Cave Heritage and Visitor Conditions

The Cuchillo Curá protected area lies near Las Lajas. It was established in 2003 primarily to protect its cave system, which is considered a natural and scientific heritage site of great value. The four main caves are Cueva de los Cabritos, Del Arenal, Del Templo and Del Gendarme. They contain branching galleries and various bodies of water; the underground complex extends for more than five kilometres of interconnected galleries, walkways and chambers. The protected area preserves a cave system with more than 20 endemic species of troglobitic fauna.

Important for planning your trip: Entry to the cave system is currently prohibited because visitor safety cannot be guaranteed. The area above ground can preferably be explored on foot; more experienced visitors can ride through it on mountain bikes. These activities are for the surface area, not for visits to the caves.

Birdwatching and Regional Connections

Birdwatching is another way to experience Picunches’ natural environment. A 2020 account described the department as one of the best-represented areas in Neuquén on eBird. In Las Lajas, the birdwatching group organises talks at schools, a radio programme about birdwatching and outings to raise awareness of bird conservation and habitat preservation.

Nearby, the Pino Hachado border crossing connects the Argentine town of Las Lajas with Liucura in Chile’s La Araucanía Region. It also provides access to natural landscapes such as the Andes and the Araucaria forests. These cross-border landscape connections complement the local highlights along the rivers, in museums and in the protected cave area.

Discover more destinations: Pino Hachado, Ñorquín Department, Confluencia Department, Minas Department, Huiliches Department, Los Lagos Department, Chos Malal Department, Aluminé Department.

Go to the main travel overview: Neuquén.