Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
mara (Patagonian hare) and vizcacha, while birdlife includes the rhealike ñandú and
many birds of prey such as the carancho (crested caracara).
Lihué Calel receives only about 400mm of rainfall per year, but sudden storms can
create brief waterfalls over granite boulders near the visitor center. Even when the sky is
cloudless, the subterranean streams in the valleys nourish the
monte
(a scrub forest with a
surprising variety of plant species). Within the park's 10 sq km exist 345 plant species,
nearly half the total found in the entire province.
The most rewarding hike in the area is the hour-long climb to the 589m peak
Cerro de
la Sociedad Científica Argentina
; watch for flowering cacti such as
Trichocereus can-
dicans
between boulders. From the summit there are outstanding views of the entire si-
erra and surrounding marshes and salt lakes.
About 10km by car from the visitor center is the
Casona
, the ruins of the old house of
former Estancia Santa María. Another 2km further along, the road peters out at the park-
ing lot for the
Valle de las Pinturas
, where a 600m trail leads down a rock-strewn valley
to some petroglyphs. These same two attractions are accessible to walkers via a 9km
footpath from the visitor center.
More information is available at the
visitor center
, where there's a small museum.
Spring is the best time to visit; flowers bloom and temperatures aren't too hot.
Sleeping
Near the visitor center is a comfortable and free campground with shade trees, firepits
(bring wood), picnic tables, flush toilets and showers. Stock up on food before arriving;
the nearest decent supplies are at the town of Puelches, 32km south.
Parador de la Sierra
MOTEL $
( 436101; r from AR$120)
The closest lodging is this rustic motel on the highway 1km
south of the park entrance (or 1.5km from park headquarters via a trail), with a handful
of OK rooms and a restaurant.
Getting There & Away
Parque Nacional Lihué Calel is 228km southwest of Santa Rosa, and there are no direct
buses to the park. Most southbound buses (ie to Neuquén or Bariloche) can drop you off
on the highway near the entrance, or snag the daily minibus that heads to Puelches
(AR$100, three hours). Check with the provincial tourist office for details.
Driving (rent a car in Santa Rosa) is the best way to visit the park.
