Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
way-narrow corridors. Lake views from the front rooms, however, make this one a win-
ner.
La Escondida
HOTEL $$$
$$$
( 02942-15-691166;
www.posadalaescondida.com
;
r from AR$1700; )
A small
posada
(inn)
tucked away down by the lakefront. There are just six rooms, all fitted out in fine detail
and with decks overlooking the water. Sitting areas are sumptuous, the restaurant is one
of the best in the village and there are good value cabins (without water views) on offer if
you're traveling in a group.
Parador del Lago
ARGENTINE $
(mains AR$60-120; 11am-11pm; )
A fine selection of Patagonian goodies served up on
pizzas, pastas and a few plated meals. Also boasts a great deck overlooking the lake and
a small selection of microbrew beers.
Information
9am-1pm Mon-Fri)
Next to the police
Banco de la Provincia del Neuquén
(RP13 s/n;
station; has an ATM.
the entrance to town; is extremely helpful and provides good maps of the region.
THE MAPUCHE
The Lake District's most prevalent indigenous group, the Mapuche, originally came
from Chilean territory. They resisted several attempts at subjugation by the Inca
and fought against Spanish domination for nearly 300 years. Their move into Ar-
gentina began slowly. Chilean Mapuche were making frequent voyages across the
Andes in search of trade as far back as the 17th century. Some chose to stay. In the
1880s the exodus became more pronounced as the Chilean government moved in-
to Mapuche land, forcing them out.
Another theory for the widespread move is that, for the Mapuche, the puelmapu
(eastern land) holds a special meaning, as it is believed that all good things (such
as the sun) come from the east.
Apart from trade, the Mapuche (whose name means 'people of the land' in
Mapudungun, their language) have traditionally survived as small-scale farmers
and hunter-gatherers. There is no central government - each extended family has
