Neuquén (City) & Villa El Chocón: What to do in Patagonia’s Badlands

When you google Neuquén you’ll see snow capped mountains, alpine lakes, and mountain villages.

Neuquén is a beautiful province.

But I’m not talking about that Neuquén here.

This is a guide to the city of Neuquén, that desert urban wasteland. And fine, wasteland may be hyperbolic, but my point is that this city is rarely the destination for most travelers. It’s a work trip for many and a pit stop for the rest.

And, look, I get it. I’ve been through the city of Neuquén a few times now en route to the south.

It is not a beautiful city.

But I truly believe that there is always something to see, everywhere.

And for a recent stop in Neuquén I called on my followers on Instagram for things to do and they definitely delivered. I did as much as I could and have enough left over to justify another trip in the future.

Here are things to do in (and around) Neuquén city – what I’ve done and what I’ve saved for future inevitable pit stops in Neuquén.

Things to do in Neuquén (Ciudad)

Neuquén may not be a beautiful city but it IS surrounded by beauty.

Wineries, canyons, hikes, and fossils abound in the outskirts of Neuquén.

So first, rent a car because you will definitely need your own car to get around here.

Here is a helpful guide to Neuquén, whether it is your destination or a pit stop on a road trip to Bariloche.

Map of Neuquén & Villa El Chocón

A lot of the things to do in Neuquén in this post are actually in nearby Villa El Chocón. The wineries are more to the north in San Patricio del Chañar and a few sites are to the east.

Reference the map below to better organize your itinerary. Everything can be seen as a day trip from the city.

Wineries in San Patricio del Chañar

Surprise, there are high quality wineries in Patagonia and you can visit a few them right here just 50 kilometers outside of Neuquén.

This is San Patricio del Chañar, an agricultural region home to apple, cherry and pear orchards and best of all, wineries. The high temperature variance here from day to night, arid climate and proximity to Neuquén River for irrigation creates the perfect conditions for the vineyards here.

The star varietal in this region is Pinot Noir.

aThe strong wind and cold nights result in a much thicker skin and more robust wine than your average Pinot Noir.

Neuquen wineries to visit:

• Bodega Familia Schroeder | Tours & Reservations | A dinosaur fossil was discovered here when they were excavating, the Panamericansaurus Schroederi. Tours are offered daily and they have a great restaurant for lunch.
• Malma | Tours & Reservations
• Bodega Fin del Mundo | Tours & Reservations | Being the big name in the region, their website leaves a lot to be desired in terms of user friendliness, but they do offer tours so email them for up to date information (as the website is a bit of a dead end).
• Secreto Patagonico | A fourth winery in Neuquen but unfortunately, last time I checked they are not open to the public.
• For more, read my full guide to the best wineries in Patagonia.

Mirador de la Confluencia

An easy 900 meter trail leading uphill to a viewpoint of where the Limay and Neuquén Rivers meet.

The walk is very easy and takes around 15-20 minutes. Some hikers recommend avoiding it on an extremely windy day as it’s very exposed.

Here is the Google Map pin to find the trail.

Municipal Natural Protected Area Paso Córdoba

Municipal Natural Protected Area Paso Córdoba is a nature reserve 40 kilometers east of Neuquén.

You can hike, run, or bike a number of easy and medium difficulty trails through its epic natural formations.

Different trails and formations here include el Valle de la Luna Rojo, el Valle de la Luna Amarillo, la Bajada de las Vacas, La Bajada de los Caballos, los Balcones, la Subida de las Tres Cruces, and the coast along the río Negro.

I did not have time to explore here so I can’t offer first hand advice. Reviews online complain about a lack of signage marking the trails so come with an open mind. Bring water, snacks, and sun protection.

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Quesería Ventimiglia

Quesería Ventimiglia is a highly acclaimed artisan cheese farm on the outskirst of Neuquén.

While the farm itself is closed to visitors, you can try their cheeses at their restaurant downtown – La Toscana.

Make a reservation to dine in or simply purchase some cheese to go, this is the spot to buy their cheese in Neuquén.

Museo del Botón & Dino Footprints

I recently had one afternoon to spend in Neuquén and this is how I chose to spend it. I regret nothing.

Back in 2023 we drove from Buenos to Patagonia and made an emergency pit stop to let my screaming toddler stretch his legs. On that random pit stop I saw a sign for a button museum.

A button museum in the middle of the desert? I made a mental note to return if I was ever in the area and in 2025, I was in the area. I Whatsapp’d the owner and button curator to ask if I could come and then bee-lined for El Chocón, an hour drive from Neuquén city.

Museo del Botón is Mirta Palandri’s personal collection. It’s expertly organized and surprisingly fascinating. When Mirta informed me that the experience lasts around 2 hours I was a little hesitant about what I’d gotten myself into – 2 hours about buttons? But the time flew.

She ties all of the buttons into historical context. I loved every minute. Book it, it’s worth the time! I loved chatting with Mirta after the tour, and if you speak Spanish you’ll get the most out of your experience.

After the button museum I drove down to the reservoir to see fossilized dinosaur footprints.

It’s free and easy to see on your own. Follow directions to this Google Maps pin.

There is a metal walkway built above the footprints. If you scan the QR code on the sign it generates an AI dinosaur in your camera wherever you point it (a ton of fun if you’re there with little ones).

If you have the time and the weather is nice, bring mate or a snack to enjoy by the water. While I was there a man was going for a swim.

El Museo Ernesto Bachmann in Villa El Chocón

Just down the road from the button museum in Villa El Chocón is the region’s most important museum – The Ernesto Bachmann Paleontological Museum. It’s open 7 days a week from 9 am to 7 pm, but confirm here.

You’ll see the remains of the Giganotosaurus Carolinii, the largest carnivorous dinosaur (yes, bigger even than the T-Rex). It was discovered right here in 1993.

If you want to stay in this area instead of the city, book a room at Posada del Dinosaurio (everything is dino-themed here), right on the reservoir. Their restaurant is great for lunch or dinner, as well.

If you want a good spot to go for a swim or hike in the red rocks typical to the area then head over to la boca del sapo.

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Cañadon Escondido

This hike just outside of Villa El Chocón came highly recommended by a few readers but I couldn’t make it work. Being sleep deprived from my early travel day plus hiking alone meant I needed to save this for next time.

The hike is easy but not very well marked. This was the main reason I did not want to go further without company.

It will take around 3-4 hours total round trip.

I recommend reading first hand reviews on TripAdvisor and Google Maps for tips since it really isn’t that well marked after the initial trailhead. Once on the canyon floor its 80 meter walls will tower over you.

Wear good shoes for walking and a hat for sun protection. Bring water and snacks.

Cañadon del Cocodrilo

Another canyon in the surroundings of Villa El Chocón. Cañadon del Cocodrilo, where the Limay River pours into the reservoir.

To get here you’ll need to drive down a fairly unkept narrow gravel road. It’s recommended to go with a higher car that can pass over the rocks and overgrowth, just to be on the safe side. Once you reach the dead end, you’ll park and can start your short hike.

I had a hard time finding information on this canyon, so read through recent reviews on Google Maps for first-hand tips from recent visitors.

It’s said to be an easy walk but, as always, bring plenty of water and sun protection. Don’t forget, most of Patagonia is a desert. Always come prepared.

Read More about Patagonia

What else to do in the region? Explore:

• Estancia Ranquilco – I last visited Neuquen on the way to a horse pack trip at Estancia Ranquilco
• The Best Wineries in Patagonia
• Things to do in San Martin de los Andes
• Things to do in Bariloche
• Things to do in Villa La Angostura
• Argentina Packing List