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| Neuquén | ||
| province | Neuquén | |
|---|---|---|
| Residents | 231.198 (2010) | |
| height | 250 m | |
| Tourist info | (0)299-4491200 http://www.muninqn.gov.ar/ | |
no tourist info on Wikidata:  | ||
| location | ||
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Neuquén is the capital of eponymous province and with 250,000 inhabitants the largest city in the argentinian part of Patagonia. It is located at the confluence of the two rivers Limay River and Río Neuquénthat here the Río Negro form. Hence the region too Confluencia, Estuary, called.
The city is modern and has seen strong growth over the past few decades. This was mainly due to the oil and the energy industry in the region, which made them ideal for industry. For the traveler there is little to discover besides a rich cultural scene and shady river beaches.
background
The capital of the province of Neuquén was originally located in the north of the province Chos Malal. When a railway line with a connection to the Atlantic coast was completed around 1900, the previously insignificant place was still alive at the time Confluencia was called, rapidly on. Therefore, the provincial government decided to relocate the capital, and in 1904 the city of Neuquén was officially established.
After the development of energy supplies in the 1970s, the population rose sharply. From around 80,000 inhabitants in 1980, it tripled by 2001 if you look at the metropolitan area, which also includes the city Cipolletti on the north bank of the Río Neuquén and some other small towns.
getting there
By plane
The airport Juan Domingo Perón is only used by a few cities, including Buenos Aires, San Martín de los Andes, San Carlos de Bariloche, Comodoro Rivadavia, Chos Malal and Rincon de los Sauces approached. It is located in the southwest of the city near the suburb Plotter.
By train
The railway line is currently reserved for freight traffic. But there are plans to take the city with you Bahía Blanca as well as a regional train in the densely populated metropolitan area, the Tren del Valleto use.
By bus
Neuquén has one of the most modern bus stations in Argentina. The city is approached from almost all important places in the country and is a hub for trips to the Andean regions of great tourist interest. The bus station is located 5 km west of the city center. For the eastern districts and even parts of the center, the bus station in Cipolletti is often worthwhile, directly behind the bridge over the Rio Limay, where all buses also stop.
In the street
The main access route is the Ruta Nacional 22, which the city with Bahía Blanca connects.
mobility
Public transport is limited to buses and taxis. The buses are paid for with a chip card.
Tourist Attractions
Because of the late founding, one looks in vain for special historical buildings. In return, Neuquén has a rich and steadily growing cultural life.
Buildings
The former train station in Parque Central is one of the few historical buildings in the city. However, it is comparable to numerous other train stations in Argentina and hardly appropriate for the size of the city, but it has been well restored.
Monuments
One of the most elaborate monuments in Argentina is this Memorial to those who fell in the Malvines War (Falklands War), which is located in Parque Central. An interesting modern one fountain also adorns the Parque Central, opposite the train station.
Museums
Since 2007 there is a branch of the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes (MNBA, National Museum of Fine Arts) in Parque Central, which hosts numerous interesting exhibitions. In the same park there is also an alternative cultural center, the Sala de Arte Emilio Saraco, in which the local avant-garde exhibits, often combining several art forms.
Streets and squares
- Mirador Balcon del Valle. A lookout at the top of Av. Argentina north of the center is not only used to take photos, but is also used by young people as a meeting point in the evening (the atmosphere remains peaceful). A monument with a large flag rounds off the lookout point.
Parks
- Parque Central. The park is the only large park in the city and is located on the site of the former train station. Almost all sights are concentrated here in this park.
various
- Observatory, on El Mirador Street. Visit only when the sky is clear.
- historical Museum, San Martín 280.
- Craft market, Roca 155.
- Mapuche market, Roca 62.
activities
In the south of the urban area there are numerous beaches on the Río Limay, which are very popular in hot summer. There are also a number of campsites there.
shop
The city's mall is located in the lower part called El Bajo.
kitchen
In contrast to the shopping centers in the upper Tel El Alto.
Cheap
- La Terraza, Av. Olascoaga / Perito Moreno. Fast food.
- Pastilandia, Félix de San Martín 246. Cheap pasta dishes.
medium
- Las Gaviotas II, J.B. Justo 120. Fish restaurant.
- Chin Wa, 9 de Julio 70.
Upscale
- 1904
- Holiday
- Hostal del Caminante
nightlife
Neuquén has a decent night life. In summer and on weekends, many outdoor events take place on the then closed main street Avenida Argentina in the El Alto district. Resto-bars are typical for Neuquén, where you can both eat and then listen to a band or dance.
- Juanito, Irigoyen 350. . Rocky bar in the city center, you can also have snacks.
- Amélie, Elordi 139. Nice bar with live music, stylistically somewhere between rock, reggae and Latin American music.
- Sherlock Pub & Resto, Buenos aires 133. Pub with live music, rock, metal and reggae.
- La Morocha, La rioja 424.
- Casino Magic, Planas 4005. Large modern casino, near the bus station (5 km west of the center).
- Bloke, Av. Olascoaga and Purmamarca. Large-capacity disco that also hosts live events. In the vicinity of the Balneario Río Grande.
accommodation
The hotels are also concentrated in El Alto.
Cheap
- Residencial Alcorta, Alcorta 84.
- Residencial Neuquén, Roca 109.
medium
- Hotel Italia *, Juan B. Justo 782. Tel.: 54 442-2652.
Upscale
- Hotel del Comahue ****, Av. Argentina 387. Tel.: 54 448-0112.
- Hotel Holiday Inn ***, Goya / Costa Rica. Tel.: 54 443-8073.
Learn
In Neuquén is the largest university in Patagonia, the Universidad Nacional del Comahue. Your campus is near the Mirador del Valle on the plateau.
Work
The unemployment rate is low, but most jobs can be found in the public sector, the energy industry and in trade. There are few special opportunities for foreigners as there is hardly any tourism.
security
Despite its bad reputation within Patagonia, Neuquén is a relatively safe city. The area around the Rio Limay, which is also quite poor, is known as the focus of crime. The bridge should not be crossed on foot after dark.
health
Neuquén has several hospitals and is otherwise medically well-equipped. The emergency number is 107.
Practical advice
There are two tourist offices: the Provincial one at 182 Félix de San Martín Street and the City one at 160 Buenos Aires Street.
Telephone area code is 0299.
trips
Worthwhile trips go to the two large reservoirs El Chocón (south of the city), the second largest hydroelectric power station in Argentina, which also offers bathing beaches, Mari Menuco (west of the city, part of the Cerros-Colorados Complex) as well as the Lake Pellegrini, at this there is on the peninsula Ruca Có a popular bathing beach, which does, however, have an entrance fee
literature
Web links
http://www.muninqn.gov.ar/ - Neuquén official website
