Buta Ranquil

Buta Ranquil (“great pastures” in Mapudungun) is the seat of the Pehuenches department in northern Neuquén, at the foot of Tromen volcano. It is 100 km from Chos Malal along National Route 40, 110 km from Rincón de los Sauces and 180 km from Bardas Blancas, close to Mendoza. It has 3,430 residents (2022 census).

Things to do

• El Tromen Protected Area: just 7 km from town, 30,000 hectares created in 1971 to protect one of the province’s most important wetlands; a Ramsar site since 2006. Birds nest in Tromen lagoon and Los Barros marsh at the foot of Tromen volcano (4,118 m), one of Patagonia’s highest points. Trekking, climbing and birdwatching, with a bird hide at the lagoon and park rangers on site.
• Rock art: more than ten archaeological sites have been identified in the area, with pictographs and petroglyphs about 3,900 years old.
• Snow: in winter the Cerro Wayle snow park operates, with a shelter, café and lifts.

History

In 1895 Chilean families from Los Huayes settled in the area after crossing the Las Lástimas pass. The official founding date is 27 May 1931, and that November the town became the department seat.

Distances: 100 km from Chos Malal · 110 km from Rincón de los Sauces · National Route 40