Neuquén

Where to stay

The city is split by the railway line into the Alto (north, near the hills) and the Bajo (south, commercial). Budget travelers cluster around Parque Central, where the train station and museums sit, or in the Alto near Avenida Argentina for better nightlife. The Río Grande neighborhood, further out near the Limay River, offers riverside parks and beaches but requires a taxi or bus ride back to the center after dark.

Getting around

• Neuquén is a hub for Patagonia. Buses to Bariloche, San Martín de los Andes, and El Bolsón depart from the ETON terminal about 5 km west of the center. Book these long-distance rides a day ahead in high season, as seats fill fast.
• The wind is a real factor, especially in spring. Even if the sun is shining, it can feel significantly colder than the thermometer reads. Bring a windbreaker or light jacket for evenings, and secure your belongings on open balconies.
• Use the local Tren del Valle commuter train to reach Plottier and Cipolletti across the river. It is a cheap, reliable way to access the other side of the conurbation, which has its own shopping centers and bus connections, without needing a taxi.

When to go

Hostels are cheapest and quietest in the winter months of June through August, when the weather is cold and windy, though this is ski season for nearby resorts. Prices spike during the Argentine summer holidays (December through February) and around Semana Santa, when domestic tourists flood the city as a base for exploring the region.