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How to Get to Aluminé

Aluminé, nestled in the heart of Argentine Patagonia's Lake District, is a pristine paradise for adventurers. Surrounded by towering Andes peaks, ancient Araucaria forests, and crystal-clear lakes, it offers unparalleled opportunities for fly fishing, rafting, hiking, and immersing oneself in the wild beauty of Neuquén province. Discover its tranquil charm and vibrant outdoor culture.

7 min readUpdated for 2025–2026 Season
PatagoniaHub
By PatagoniaHub Travel Team|Verified local expertsLast updated: Apr 29, 2026
Full guide to Aluminé →

Reaching Aluminé, a hidden gem in the northern Patagonian province of Neuquén, Argentina, is an adventure in itself. While its remote location contributes to its untouched beauty, planning your journey is key to a smooth arrival. Whether you choose to fly into a regional airport and then drive, embark on an epic road trip, or opt for bus travel, understanding the best routes and options will enhance your experience in this captivating destination. For ultimate freedom to explore the vast landscapes, renting a car is highly recommended.

Nearest Airports

Aviador Carlos Campos Airport (Chapelco)

SAP120 km

Located near San Martín de los Andes, SAP is the closest airport with regular commercial flights, primarily from Buenos Aires. A scenic drive connects it to Aluminé via Ruta 23.

Presidente Perón International Airport

NQN300 km

Serving Neuquén city, this is a larger airport with more frequent flights and connections. From NQN, you'll need to drive or take a bus for approximately 4-5 hours to reach Aluminé.

San Carlos de Bariloche International Airport

BRC300 km

A major Patagonian hub, Bariloche offers many flight options, especially during peak season. The drive to Aluminé from here is incredibly scenic but takes around 4-5 hours.

By Flight

Flying is the quickest way to cover the vast distances to Patagonia. While there's no airport directly in Aluminé, you can fly into one of the nearby regional airports and then complete your journey by car or bus. Chapelco (SAP) is the most convenient for proximity.

Airlines

Aerolíneas ArgentinasLATAM (international connections)FlybondiJetSMART

Flight Tips

  • Book flights well in advance, especially for high season (December-March) as prices can surge.
  • Consider flying into Neuquén (NQN) for potentially cheaper fares and more frequent flights, then renting a car or taking a bus.
  • Check baggage allowances, as budget airlines often charge extra for checked luggage.
  • Factor in transfer time from the airport to Aluminé when planning your itinerary.

By Car

Driving to Aluminé offers the ultimate freedom to explore the stunning Patagonian landscapes at your own pace. The routes are incredibly scenic, winding through mountains, lakes, and vast steppes. A rental car is strongly recommended for exploring the region around Aluminé.

Main Driving Routes

FromRouteDistanceDurationRoad Condition
Neuquén CityRuta 22 Oeste to Zapala, then Ruta 40 Norte to Las Lajas, then Ruta Provincial 23 OesteApproximately 300 km4-5 hoursMostly paved on Ruta 22 and Ruta 40, with sections of Ruta 23 potentially gravel, especially closer to Aluminé. Check conditions during heavy rain or snow.
San Martín de los AndesRuta Provincial 23 EsteApproximately 120 km1.5-2 hoursParts of Ruta 23 are paved, while other sections are gravel. The road can be winding and mountainous. Drive carefully, especially on unpaved sections and during adverse weather.
San Carlos de BarilocheRuta Nacional 40 Norte to junction with Ruta Provincial 23, then Ruta Provincial 23 EsteApproximately 300 km4-5 hoursRuta 40 is mostly paved and in good condition. Ruta 23 will have mixed paved and gravel sections, similar to the route from San Martín de los Andes. Expect stunning mountain and lake views.

Driving Tips

  • Always fill up your fuel tank when you see a gas station, as services can be sparse between towns.
  • Check road conditions before you depart, especially outside of summer, as some gravel roads or mountain passes can be affected by weather.
  • Carry spare tire, basic tools, and sufficient water/snacks, as cell service can be intermittent.
  • A 4x4 vehicle is not strictly necessary for main routes in summer, but it offers greater comfort and capability for exploring unpaved secondary roads or during winter months.

By Bus

Bus travel is a reliable and economical option for reaching Aluminé, though it offers less flexibility than driving. Long-distance buses in Argentina are generally comfortable, with different service levels available.

Bus Companies

Via BarilocheAlbus (regional services)Crucero del Norte (connections to major cities)

Bus Tips

  • Buses typically connect major cities like Buenos Aires or Neuquén to Zapala or San Martín de los Andes, from where you can find a regional bus to Aluminé.
  • Purchase tickets in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, as routes can sell out.
  • Be prepared for long journeys; buses from Buenos Aires can take 20+ hours to reach Neuquén or San Martín de los Andes.
  • Confirm your exact destination with the bus company, as some regional services might have specific drop-off points within Aluminé.

From Major Cities

CityBest MethodTravel TimeCost
Buenos AiresFlight to Neuquén (NQN) or Chapelco (SAP), then rental car or bus to Aluminé.Flight (2 hours) + Drive/Bus (4-5 hours)Flight (USD 50-200), Car Rental (USD 40-80/day), Bus (USD 30-60)
Neuquén CityRental car or direct bus service.4-5 hours by car, 5-6 hours by busCar Rental (USD 40-80/day), Bus (USD 20-40)
San Martín de los AndesRental car or regional bus service (Albus).1.5-2 hours by car, 2-3 hours by busCar Rental (USD 40-80/day), Bus (USD 10-20)
San Carlos de BarilocheRental car or long-distance bus with connections.4-5 hours by car, 5-7 hours by busCar Rental (USD 40-80/day), Bus (USD 25-45)

Local Transport

Once you arrive in Aluminé, local transport options are limited. The town itself is small enough to navigate on foot. For exploring the surrounding lakes, national parks, and fishing spots, taxis or 'remises' (private cars for hire) are available but can be costly and require pre-arrangement. There is no extensive public bus system for tourist attractions outside the town center. This further underscores the benefit of having your own vehicle.

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