Las Lajas

Las Lajas is the seat of the Picunches department, on the right bank of the Agrio River, 713 metres above sea level. It is 58 km from Zapala and 234 km from Neuquén city, at the junction of national routes 40 and 242.

Things to do

Its historic centre, from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, is built mostly of adobe, brick and stone. Its location makes it a stopover for travellers heading to Caviahue-Copahue, Aluminé, Villa El Chocón or the lakes in the south of the province.

50 km along National Route 242, within the town’s boundaries, lies Pino Hachado, a border area with Chile offering settings for skiing, fishing and mountaineering in summer and winter. The international pass is open all year round.

Climate

Dry mountain climate, with 200 to 400 mm of rain a year. A microclimate keeps winters and summers milder than in the surrounding area, though it sometimes snows. In spring winds can exceed 60 km/h.

History

General Enrique Godoy founded it on 8 February 1897 as the base of the 8th and 9th Cavalry regiments. In 1899 a flood of the Agrio River destroyed the settlement, which was rebuilt higher up the valley. For years it was known as “the League of the Exchanges”, because engineer Juan Ignacio Alsina, who owned the land, swapped it with the State for a summer pasture. Today it is home to the 21st Mountain Infantry Regiment.

Distances: 58 km from Zapala · 234 km from Neuquén city