Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
verse up rightward over loose slopes into a gap to reach Laguna Termal, 1¼ to 1½
hours from the end of the 4WD track (3½ to 4¼ hours from Copahue).
Filling Volcán Copahue's eastern crater, this steaming hot lake feeds itself by
melting the snout of a glacier that forms a massive rim of ice above its back wall.
Sulfurous fumes often force trekkers to retreat from the lake, but these high slopes
also grant a wonderful vista across the vast basin (where both villages are visible)
between the horseshoe-shaped Lago Caviahue (Lago Agrio) and the elongated
Lago Trolope to the northeast. From here, more experienced trekkers can continue
up to the summit of Volcán Copahue.
To get back to Copahue, retrace your ascent route. If you have a decent map of
the area, you can follow the Arroyo Caviahue (Río Agrio) and RN26 back to town.
Warning
Particularly on windy days, acrid fumes rising from Laguna Termal can be over-
powering due to sulfur dioxide gas (which attacks your airways). Approach the lake
cautiously - don't even consider swimming in it. Less experienced trekkers are ad-
vised to go with an organized tour.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Chos Malal
02948 / POP 13,100 / ELEV 862M
Cruising through the stark, desertlike landscape north of Zapala doesn't really prepare
you for arrival at this pretty little oasis town. Set at the convergence of Río Neuquén and
Río Curi Leuvú, the town boasts two main plazas, bearing the names of the two super-
heroes of Argentina - San Martín and Sarmiento. Around the former is the majority of
the historic buildings, including the Fuerte IV Division fort (go around the back for
sweeping views out over the river valley). Five blocks south is Plaza Sarmiento, where
you'll find banks and businesses.
Sleeping & Eating
Most accommodations are located between the two plazas. People in Chos Malal eat a lot
of goat, and you may find yourself doing the same while you're there.
Alto Chos Malal HOTEL $
( 02948-421263; www.altochosmalal.com.ar ; Jujuy 60; s/d AR$200/300, apt AR$550; ) The
best budget deal in town has clean, spacious rooms half a block from Plaza Sarmiento.
 
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