Discover Zapala

Zapala combines fascinating insights into the history of the Earth and the city with landscapes of steppe, scrubland, wetlands and lagoons. There are also themed routes, a municipal park with swimming pools and sports areas, and opportunities to discover nature and regional products. This lets you plan your trip around whether you prefer visiting exhibitions, being active outdoors or combining different interests.

Routes with different themes

Zapala is part of the themed routes Ruta de los Dinosaurios and Ruta de la Fe. The well-known Ruta del Pehuén circuit also begins here. It connects several destinations of high tourist value, with plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation in araucaria forests. If you want to make this circuit the focus of your trip, you can include Zapala as a starting point in your plans: the route begins here, while its other destinations and nature experiences take you beyond the city.

Fossils and city history

The Museo Provincial de Ciencias Naturales “Prof. Juan A. Olsacher” houses more than 15,000 paleontological specimens. Its collection includes notable examples of marine reptiles, including Dakosaurus andiniensis, as well as belemnites.

The Museo Histórico Municipal de Zapala offers a different perspective. It features exhibitions on the city’s history and also hosts art exhibitions and book presentations. Alongside the natural science collections, the city’s history and cultural events can therefore also be interests to consider when planning your trip. If you’re traveling with people who enjoy different subjects, you can see the museums as different opportunities for discovery rather than assuming there is just one focus.

Exercise and relaxation at Bosque Comunal

Bosque Comunal has two swimming pools, landscaped areas, changing rooms, toilets and palapas. A walking trail and areas for beach volleyball, soccer and field hockey round out the facilities. The municipal park on Ruta 13 offers different ways to spend your leisure time: you can plan swimming, walking the trail and ball sports around the different interests in your group.

Steppe, wetlands and local discoveries

Zapala lies in a steppe landscape. Scrubland and steppe areas with wetlands and lagoons provide habitats for black-necked swans, flamingos, ducks and grebes. For nature lovers, these varied landscape features and bird species are part of the region’s character.

The Cristo Rey monument stands at the entrance to Zapala. It draws hundreds of worshippers and tourists on important dates and religious holidays. This site also offers an opportunity to learn about religious traditions and the city’s public life.

BROWN offers another glimpse of local life: the company makes and sells craft beer in Zapala, in the province of Neuquén. Los Pinos campground offers camping and barbecue grills. If you’re looking for a vacation rental, the focus of your trip can guide your choice: museums and city history, nature and the circuit, or leisure activities at Bosque Comunal each offer a different emphasis, without assuming that any particular accommodation amenities are needed.

For the broader travel overview: Zapala Department.