Junín De Los Andes

Altitude: 773 meters/2,536 feet, Population: 10.302, Telephone Code: 02972

Often called the oldest town in Neuquén province, the area where Junín 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 Junín 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 Junín 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 Junín de los Andes is fishing, which is evidenced by all of the town's fish-shaped street signs. Junín 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, Junín 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 Martín de los Andes).

Aside from fishing enthusiasts, Junín receives far fewer tourists than nearby towns, so the tourism infrastructure is smaller but prices are generally lower as well. Junín 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 Martín de los Andes or Pucon, Chile. Yet, Junín is also a great place to stay and eat for visitors who want to explore Parque Lanín. Climbing the nearby snow-capped volcano Lanín, 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 Junín, but diners will find several affordable restaurants that serve local Patagonian foods.

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Other places nearby Junín De Los Andes: Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi, Quillén, El Bolson, Moquehue, Chos Malal, Lago Norquinco, Villa Pehuenia, Zapala, San Martín de Los Andes and Rucachoroi.