Argentina Travel Planet

Piedra del Aguila

Piedra del Aguila, Neuquén, Patagonia

Piedra del Aguila — or Eagle Rock, in English — seemingly gets its name from being a nesting place for these great birds, in the hills that surround the town.

This great little town is known as being the prelude to the Andean Cordillera that is Piedra del Aguila. Its unique rock formations are dotted with thorny and shrubby vegetation that is characteristic of the area, gradually giving way to Andean flora to the west. The vast solitude of the landscape will fill your heart when rising up the hills to take in the surrounding views, giving you just a taste of the grandeur that is Patagonia.

Flora and fauna are plentiful, including certain species, such as the guanaco, that are unique to Argentina or to Patagonia. Birds flit through the open skies, reminding you once again of just how immense this part of the world is. Ostriches trot through the landscape, with no particular destination in mind, and the unique vegetation provides refuge to a number of other species, which you are sure to catch a glimpse of while contemplating the open air.

The Limay River, which flows through the zone of Piedra del Aguila, is considered one of the best sport fishing spots in the area, lending its plentiful waters to fly fishing and spinning alike. Brown and rainbow trout can be found in the currents here, as well as the native perch. Local rules and customs must be respected, to learn more about the local fishing culture, it is suggested that visitors fish with a local guide.

There are numerous breathtaking lookout points in the area, but there is one official Mirador, where the monument of the eagle sits, and where 360º views can be appreciated. The path from the main route takes you 200 meters up, along an easily navigable stone staircase. From here, you can see a panorama of the small village, the camping areas, and whimsical rock formations, created by years of weather and wind. Heading south, you can reach the encase Sanicó river, crossing it to arrive at yet another stunning lookout point.

In the town, you will find an invaluable archaeological museum, called the Opened in 1998, it offers to its visitors a unique look at the history of the area, displaying artifacts and information that show the traditions and cultures that have inhabited the local lands. Not only focusing on indigenous cultures, it also takes a look at post-European Patagonia, with coins, stamps, and photographs from the not-so-distant past. Read more about the Museo Arqueológico de Piedra del Aguila in this Argentina travel guide.

There are various operators in the area, who can help you decide how to best use your time in Piedra del Aguila, from fishing to bird watching to hiking. The town is 225 km from Neuquén, and can be accessed by RN 22 and 237. It is just 190 km from Bariloche, from which you will travel along Ruta 237. It is recommended to visit any area in Patagonia during the warmer months of the year, from October through April.