Caviahue-Copahue
Neuquén
Caviahue-Copahue is a village and municipality located in the Neuquén Province of southwestern Argentina. The area is situated within the Caldera de Caviahue, a volcanic caldera featuring the village of Caviahue on the shore of Lake Caviahue and the nearby Copahue thermal center. Caviahue lies at an elevation of 1600 meters, nestled in a narrow valley at the foot of the Copahue volcano, while Copahue is located 19 km away at 2100 meters altitude. The region is renowned globally for its thermal springs, known as the Termas de Copahue, which are highly valued for their mineromedicinal waters, therapeutic muds, algae, and vapors. These natural resources are used to treat osteoarticular, dermatological, respiratory, and gastrointestinal conditions. The village is surrounded by native forests of araucaria (Pehuén), lenga, and ñire trees, creating a rich natural environment. Caviahue also hosts a ski center with 13 slopes and 9 lifts, attracting winter sports enthusiasts. The local cuisine highlights Patagonian goat and lamb dishes. The municipality has a small population that has grown modestly over recent decades. The area’s infrastructure includes a geothermal street heating system in Copahue to keep streets free of snow during winter, although it has faced maintenance challenges. Caviahue-Copahue offers a blend of natural beauty, therapeutic tourism, and outdoor activities, making it a distinctive destination in Patagonia.
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Tip: The best time to visit Copahue thermal baths is from November to April when the center operates and is accessible, as winter snows cover the area heavily. Booking treatments in advance is recommended due to the high daily capacity. For skiing, winter months offer optimal conditions on the 13 slopes of Caviahue ski center. Visitors can enjoy snowshoeing and cross-country skiing around the village. Note that the geothermal street heating in Copahue helps keep streets clear but may be less reliable in severe winters. Fly fishing enthusiasts should bring proper licenses and practice catch-and-release in the local rivers and lakes.
Interesting facts
- •Copahue is one of the three most important hydrothermal centers worldwide, known for its high-quality mineromedicinal waters.
- •The geothermal street heating system in Copahue uses vapor from 1300 meters deep wells at temperatures above 110°C to keep streets free of snow.
- •The names 'Caviahue' and 'Copahue' come from the Mapuche language meaning 'sacred place of gathering' and 'place of sulfur' respectively.
- •The area hosts native araucaria forests mixed with lenga and ñire trees, typical of Patagonian ecosystems.
- •The Caviahue ski center features 13 ski slopes and 9 ski lifts, making it a notable winter sports destination in Patagonia.
History
The therapeutic value of the Caviahue-Copahue region has been recognized for centuries, initially by indigenous peoples.
In 1870, Argentine doctor Pedro Ortiz Vélez obtained permission from local Mapuche chief Cheuquel to bring patients to the area, marking the start of organized therapeutic tourism.
The village of Caviahue developed in the volcanic caldera near Lake Caviahue, with Copahue becoming a significant thermal center.
In 1999, a geothermal street heating system was installed in Copahue to extend the tourist season by preventing snow accumulation on streets.
The population of the municipality has grown steadily from 475 inhabitants in 2001 to over 1,000 by 2022.
The area remains volcanically active, with alerts issued during eruptions of the Copahue volcano in neighboring Chile.
Place Guide
Copahue Thermal Baths
World-renowned thermal springs offering mineromedicinal waters, therapeutic muds, and vapors used for treating various health conditions including osteoarticular, dermatological, and respiratory ailments. Facilities provide hydroponic therapies with drinkable waters believed to aid digestion and energy.
Caviahue Ski Center
A winter sports resort featuring 13 ski slopes and 9 lifts, suitable for skiing and snowboarding. The village allows snowshoeing and cross-country skiing on forest trails and around the village.
Araucaria Forests
Native Patagonian forests of araucaria (Pehuén) trees intermixed with lenga and ñire species, typically growing between 900 and 1700 meters elevation, surrounding the village and contributing to the unique natural landscape.
