Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Zapala
02942 / POP 32,100 / ELEV 1200M
Taking its name as an adaptation of the Mapuche word
chapadla
(dead swamp), Zapala
got off to a bad start, image-wise. Not much has changed. This is a humble little place
where the locals amuse themselves with walks up and down the main street, punctuated
by lengthy pauses on street corners.
Sights & Activities
The main excuse for rolling through town is to visit the nearby Parque Nacional Laguna
Blanca, with its awesome array of birdlife, or to take advantage of the town's bus con-
nections for the rarely visited northern reaches of the Lake District.
Centro Cultural
ARTS CENTER
(San Martín & Chaneton; 5-10pm)
In front of the plaza, this hosts concerts and shows
work by local artists and recently released Hollywood blockbusters.
Festivals
Zapala's
Feria de la Tradición
, held in the second week in November, showcases region-
al culture, with plenty of folk music, gaucho horse skill demonstrations, handicraft ex-
hibits plus some delicious regional food on sale.
Sleeping & Eating
Be aware that Zapala has very limited accommodations options.
Hotel Pehuén
HOTEL $
( 02942-423135; cnr Etcheluz & Elena de la Vega; s/d AR$240/320; )
Despite its (rather
mysterious) two-star status, this is the best budget deal in town, conveniently near the
bus terminal, with clean rooms, an attractive (classy, even) lobby and a good restaurant
below.
Hotel Hue Melén
HOTEL $$$
( 02942-432109;
www.hotelhuemelen.com
;
Almirante Brown 929; s/d AR$400/600; )
You may be faintly surprised by the quiet stylishness of this hotel-casino complex. King-
