Altitude: 773 meters/2,536 feet, Population: 10.302, Telephone Code: 02972
Often called the oldest town in Neuquén province, the area where JunÃn de los Andes now lies was long occupied by native peoples before the arrival of Argentine troops under General Julio Roca. As part of the Desert Campaign, Roca's troops waged unsuccessful battles against the native Mapuche people in 1882, but JunÃn de los Andes was founded a year later when more troops arrived and successfully built a fort. In 1883, missions led by the Catholic church began arriving to convert the Mapuches. A decade later, Catholic schools that fed, clothed, educated and converted Mapuche children were being founded in the area. The nearby valleysare well-suited for cattle ranching, and as more settlers arrived in the area, it became the livestock capital of the region. The name JunÃn is derived from the Mapuche word for "pastureland," and today cattle ranching is still the main form of income for many locals.
The other main industry in JunÃn de los Andes is fishing, which is evidenced by all of the town's fish-shaped street signs. JunÃn bills itself as the trout capital of the country, and in addition to the fishing carried out by locals, fly-fishing tourism is very popular here. The fishing season is in full-swing from November to May. Located right along the Chimehuin River, JunÃn provides visitors with a great source of fresh fish, but the views are less spectacular than those found at nearby towns located on lakes (such as San MartÃn de los Andes).
Aside from fishing enthusiasts, JunÃn receives far fewer tourists than nearby towns, so the tourism infrastructure is smaller but prices are generally lower as well. JunÃn feels more like a real Patagonian town than many of its more touristy neighbors because the majority of travelers simply pass through on their way to San MartÃn de los Andes or Pucon, Chile. Yet, JunÃn is also a great place to stay and eat for visitors who want to explore Parque LanÃn. Climbing the nearby snow-capped volcano LanÃn, which is covered by Pehnenia (Monkey Puzzle) trees, is a popular activity among hikers looking for a challenge. There are plenty of low-cost camping sites in the area, but visitors can also stay in one of the many hosterias, which are often popular with the fishing crowd. There aren't any stand-out must-visit restaurants in JunÃn, but diners will find several affordable restaurants that serve local Patagonian foods.
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Other places nearby JunÃn De Los Andes: El Bolson, Moquehue, Llao Llao, El Huecu, Lago Huechulafquen, Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi, Lago Lácar , Rucachoroi, Quillén and Neuquén .
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