Epu Lauquen Natural Protected Area

Information

It is a natural protected area of 7450 hectares that preserves its steppe, forest, water resources and fauna. It includes the Laguna Inferior and Laguna Superior (like lakes), joined together by the La Nasa Stream. The Nahueve River originates from the Laguna Inferior, into which several streams flow and which is one of the main tributaries of the Neuquén River.

To get to the body of water, first take the asphalted Provincial Route 43 that joins Chos Malal with Andacollo and Las Ovejas. About 3.5 km before Las Ovejas you take a gravel road that opens up. After 33 km on this road you will reach a gendarmerie post where you have to register, and 100 metres further on you will find the park ranger's booth where you pay and enter the protected area.

The best time of the year to go is around summer (November to April), since in winter (June to September) you cannot enter due to snowfalls.

Driving along the main road, if we take as kilometre 0 (zero) the entrance to the area, we will see the following:
- Immediately we will see the Laguna Inferior. After 200 metres there is a descent to its beach with some tables in the surrounding forest.
- After 1 kilometre there is a parking area and a 400 metre trail to a bird watching point.
- Kilometre 1.5: the route between the two lakes begins.
- Kilometre 2.5: there is a huge rock that was dragged by a glacier.
- Kilometre 4: the main path splits in two. If you take right you cross a stream over a bridge (recommended) and if you take left you cross it over a ford. Then the two paths join.
- Km 7: the Laguna Superior begins and there is access to its shore. There is a day-use area with tables and chairs in a wooded area.
- Km 7.5: there is an organised campsite with a toilet and supplies (when I was there there, there was no electricity).
- Then the road ends. There is a car park where the Los Robles and Cascada Chaquiras trail begins.

Regarding the fauna that can be seen, among the birds there is the chestnut-throated huet-huet (Pteroptochos castaneus), which is the only place in Argentina where it has been recorded, in spite of being common in some areas of Chile.