Malargüe

Although technically a town, Malargüe maintains a small-town feel that hasn’t diminished despite its continuous growth. Since 1980, the population has doubled from a quiet 15,000 to a bustling 30,000 residents. Oddly, the residents have developed an unusual-for-Argentina habit of driving slowly up and down Calle San Martín for countless hours on weekends, rather than speeding dangerously fast between destinations.

Oil and gas production is the main reason for the area’s continued growth. More than 10% of Argentina’s oil and gas comes from this southern corner of Mendoza, and the high-paying jobs have encouraged countless people from throughout both Mendoza and Argentina to make the move in search of employment.

Tourism steps in as the department’s second biggest industry. Taking advantage of Malargüe’s stunning natural surroundings, which include the volcanic peaks of La Payunia, stunning geology of Caverna de Las Brujas, and the soaring Andes mountains. Until recently, Malargüe acted as an accommodation hub and local tour guides trucked busloads of tourists out of town each morning to see the aforementioned highlights, but recent projects have helped improve in-town attractions as well. The Pierre Auger Observatory sparked a scientific interest in the area and the municipality responded by building a modern Planetarium, complete with a stunning IMAX movie experience of the night sky. Other city-based attractions include spacious Parque de Ayer and the regional museum, which both highlight the zone’s residents of yesteryear.

As a popular destination for Mendoza residents looking to escape the capital, Malargüe is prepared to handle a crowd. Accommodation options range from the nearly free Camping Municipal to high-end cabin rentals, but affordable one- and two-star hotels are abundant. Both Hotel Bambi and Hotel El Cisne offer clean rooms at cheap-for-Argentina prices.

In keeping with the area’s rich farming history, hearty meat-fueled meals are the area’s specialty. El Quincho de Maria and El Bodegon both offer up tender beef and chivito barbeques, while the later does great pizzas and pasts for those looking for a meatless option, just beware of disapproving looks from local gaucho’s that are known to walk along the city’s streets in their traditional garb.

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Other places nearby Malargüe : La Rioja, San Rafael, Uspallata, Potrerillos, Mendoza, Calingasta, Las Cuevas, Los Penitentes, Puente Del Inca and Barreal.