A small city in western Argentina known for its ski resorts, astronomy research center, and goat farming. Located near volcanoes and thermal springs at 1,400m elevation.
Malargüe sits in the high desert of southwest Mendoza Province, 1,402 meters above sea level, where dry mountain air meets vast volcanic plains. This area gives access to the Andes and places like the Payunia Reserve with its 800 volcanic cones, the Llancanelo Lagoon’s pink flamingos, and South America’s largest cosmic ray observatory. In winter, skiers head to Las Leñas for fresh snow, and in summer, visitors explore limestone caves or relax in thermal springs. Plan your trip in January to see the National Festival of the Goat, where locals roast chivito over open fires and play folk music late into the night.
Visit La Payunia Reserve’s Volcanic Fields
Walk across jet-black lava fields that stretch for miles in this 4,500 km² protected area. Over 800 volcanic cones rise from the plains, including Payún Matrú, a dormant stratovolcano with a caldera spanning 9 kilometers. Guided 4x4 tours travel past cinder cones and mineral deposits stained red and orange by iron oxides. Watch for guanacos grazing near scrubby vegetation, and step carefully—the ground crunches with pumice fragments. Rangers ask visitors to stay on marked trails to protect llareta, a slow-growing plant that takes 3,000 years to reach full size. Early mornings provide the best light for photography, with shadows highlighting the sharp contrasts between dark rocks and colored soils.
Observe Birds at Llancanelo Lagoon
Located 120 km east of Malargüe, this wetland shelters up to 150,000 birds each year. Look for Andean flamingos wading in shallow waters, their pink feathers standing out against the pale salt flats. Between November and March, Chilean flamingos join them, creating large flocks along the shoreline. Kayak tours led by park staff let you glide past capybaras resting on muddy banks and black-necked swans swimming in quiet channels. Stay on raised platforms during nesting season from September to December to avoid disturbing eggs hidden in the reeds.
Ski at Las Leñas Resort
From June to September, Las Leñas draws skiers and snowboarders to its 43 runs spread across 330 hectares. The Marte chairlift takes you to the highest starting point at 3,430 meters, where a 7-kilometer downhill run winds back to the base. Rent equipment at the resort or sign up for lessons focused on handling deep snow in the off-piste areas. After skiing, warm up in outdoor pools or try fondue paired with local Mendoza wines. Check daily updates on weather conditions—the resort sometimes closes lifts during storms due to high winds or avalanche risks.
Learn About Cosmic Rays at the Pierre Auger Observatory
Evening tours at this research center explain how 1,600 water tanks scattered across 3,000 km² detect particles from distant galaxies. Guides demonstrate how these cosmic rays, far more powerful than those studied at CERN, help scientists understand events like supernova explosions. Use telescopes to view the Milky Way without light pollution interfering, and explore interactive displays showing real-time data from the detectors. August workshops let visitors talk directly with researchers about their latest findings.
Explore Caverna de las Brujas Cave System
Guided tours take you 120 meters underground into a maze of limestone passages. Squeeze through tight spaces like “The Needle’s Eye” to reach rooms filled with helictites—oddly shaped mineral growths that curve in all directions. Guides share stories about the cave’s name, which means “Cave of the Witches,” and point out fossilized seashells embedded in the walls. Tours last 2-3 hours and require helmets, headlamps, and sturdy shoes. Only 15 people can enter each day to protect the cave’s delicate environment, so book permits through the local tourism office in advance.
Relax at Manqui Malal Hot Springs
Natural geothermal pools 70 km northwest of town sit at the base of 4,000-meter Andean peaks. Soak in water heated to 38°C, rich in minerals like lithium and sulfur. Choose between a pool shaded by rock formations or one open to the sun. Arrive early to secure a spot, and wear shoes with grip—the bottom rocks can be slippery. A short hike leads to Manqui Malal Waterfall, where cold meltwater crashes into deep green pools perfect for a quick swim.
Attend the National Festival of the Goat in January
This week-long event fills Malargüe with gauchos on horseback, live music, and the smell of roasting meat. Watch chefs compete to prepare the best chivito al asador, a whole young goat cooked over wood coals for hours. Try empanadas stuffed with beef, olives, and raisins from street vendors, or visit the Malargüe Regional Museum to see artifacts from the Puelche people and exhibits on the town’s uranium mining history. On Friday nights, join locals at Plaza San Martín for folk performances and lamb roasted over open fires.
Tour the European Space Agency’s Tracking Station
Located 45 km south of town, this facility uses a 35-meter antenna to communicate with spacecraft like ExoMars. Learn how engineers adjust the 610-ton dish using hydraulic systems to account for ground shifts caused by earthquakes. Exhibits detail how signals from this station help guide missions millions of kilometers from Earth. Check the ESA’s schedule for open days, when staff demonstrate live satellite tracking.
Plan Your Trip to Malargüe
Fly into Comodoro Salomón Airport, which has weekly flights from Buenos Aires, or drive 4 hours from Mendoza City via Route 40. Bring layers—summer days are warm, but winter nights can drop below freezing. Reserve hotels early if visiting during ski season (June–September) or the January goat festival. Book guided tours to La Payunia or Caverna de las Brujas at least two days ahead through local agencies. Carry cash, as many businesses struggle with unreliable card payment systems.
