Argentina

Chos Malal

Chos Malal

Chos Malal is a small town located in the province of Neuquén, Argentina. Situated at the foothills of the Andes Mountains, it is known for…

Best for you if…

  • A week-long stay
  • Exploring with transit or a car
  • Adventure tourism travelers
  • Cultural tourism travelers
  • Visiting in December to February
Recommended stay
5-7 days days
Best time
December to February
Walkability
Spread
Guide depth
Deep guide
More about this guide

Chos Malal is a strong pick for adventure tourism & cultural tourism — plan about 5-7 days days; group places into half-day loops. Peak season: December to February.

Deep guide guide · about 4 min to read · depth score 93/100 (coverage of intro, tips, and mapped places)

Spread density — Wide area — group nearby places into half-day loops. (≈161.8 km span)

32 Places to explore
5-7 days Recommended days
December to February Best season
8 Nearby places

Find nearby destinations

When to go

High season: December to February

JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC

Best months for lower-cost travel: April · September · October

Weather

Autumn

March to May

Spring

September to November

Summer

December to February

Winter

June to August

How to get there

How to Reach Chos Malal in Argentina

Located in the province of Neuquén, Chos Malal is a charming city nestled in the picturesque region of Patagonia in Argentina. If you are planning a trip to this hidden gem, here are some ways to reach Chos Malal:

By Air

The easiest and quickest way to reach Chos Malal is by air. The nearest airport is Aviador Carlos Campos Airport, which is located just 9 kilometers away from the city center. Several domestic airlines operate regular flights to this airport from major cities in Argentina. From the airport, you can take a taxi or hire a car to reach Chos Malal.

By Road

If you prefer a scenic journey, traveling by road to Chos Malal is a great option. The city is well-connected by a network of roads, making it accessible from various parts of Argentina. You can drive to Chos Malal from Neuquén, which is approximately 380 kilometers away, or from other nearby cities like San Martin de los Andes or Zapala. The roads offer breathtaking views of the Patagonian landscape, so make sure to stop and admire the natural beauty along the way.

By Bus

Another convenient option to reach Chos Malal is by bus. Several bus companies operate regular services to the city from different locations in Argentina. The journey by bus may take longer compared to flying or driving, but it allows you to enjoy the scenic beauty of the region. The bus terminal in Chos Malal is centrally located, making it easy to access various parts of the city upon arrival.

By Train

Although Chos Malal does not have a train station, you can still enjoy a train journey to the nearby city of Zapala. From Zapala, you can take a bus or hire a car to reach Chos Malal. Trains in Argentina offer a unique travel experience, allowing you to witness the vast landscapes and immerse yourself in the local culture.

No matter which mode of transportation you choose, reaching Chos Malal is an adventure in itself. Once you arrive, you can explore the city's rich history, indulge in local cuisine, and embark on exciting outdoor activities amidst the stunning Patagonian scenery.

Getting to know Chos Malal

Chos Malal is a small town located in the province of Neuquén, Argentina. Situated at the foothills of the Andes Mountains, it is known for its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. The town is surrounded by picturesque landscapes, including snow-capped mountains, crystal-clear rivers, and vast expanses of forests.

Chos Malal has a population of approximately 15,000 people and is the main urban center in the region. It serves as a gateway to several nearby attractions, such as the Nahuel Huapi National Park and the Lanín National Park. The town itself offers a charming atmosphere with its narrow streets, colonial-style buildings, and traditional architecture.

One of the main highlights of Chos Malal is its vibrant cultural scene. The town is home to several museums, art galleries, and theaters, showcasing the region's history and artistic expressions. Visitors can explore the Museo Municipal Carlos Ameghino, which houses a collection of archaeological artifacts and exhibits on the indigenous cultures that once inhabited the area.

In addition to its cultural offerings, Chos Malal is also a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The surrounding area provides ample opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and birdwatching. Adventure seekers can embark on thrilling excursions to nearby mountains, such as the Volcán Domuyo, the highest peak in Patagonia.

Pre-trip checklist

Compiled from local tips, stay length, and season notes.

Local tips

  • Visit the nearby Los Molles and Las Ovejas for stunning natural landscapes
  • Don't miss the traditional Mapuche culture and crafts
  • Try the local delicacies like empanadas and regional wines
  • Pack appropriate clothing for varying weather conditions

Places worth exploring

32 places mapped for this destination

0–1
1–3
3–8
8–20
20+

Walking loops

Evening strolls, half-days, and fuller day loops — clustered by proximity.

Suggested 5-day outline

Places ordered by proximity into day buckets. Add what you like to your trip.

Hotels nearby

Stays around Chos Malal — sorted so you can pick quickly.

La Farfalla

Well-reviewed by many guests

4.1 Booking.com (311)

Salta 358 Chos Malal Neuquén Province

64 km 02942 64-1809

More details

Listings update over time — confirm availability before you book.

Frequently asked questions

Answers compiled from stay length, season, and local tips for this guide.

How many days do you need in Chos Malal?

Most travelers spend about 5-7 days days in Chos Malal, Argentina.

When is the best time to visit Chos Malal?

High season is typically December to February.

Which months are more budget-friendly in Chos Malal?

Travelers often find better value in April, September, October.

What kind of trip is Chos Malal good for?

Chos Malal suits Adventure tourism, Cultural tourism, Nature tourism, Wine tourism.

Is Chos Malal walkable?

Wide area — group nearby places into half-day loops.

Any local tips for Chos Malal?

Visit the nearby Los Molles and Las Ovejas for stunning natural landscapes

Build your trip

Add Chos Malal and the places you want to see — your itinerary stays on this device.

Multi-city ideas

Nearby combinations sharing travel styles. See all routes

  • Chos Malal → Barrancas → Buta Ranquil · ≈57 km
  • Chos Malal → Buta Ranquil → Barrancas · ≈69 km
  • Chos Malal → Las Ovejas → Andacollo · ≈72 km

Same vibe

Destinations sharing travel styles, stay length, or region.

Explore nearby

Nearby places worth adding to your trip

Barrancas

Argentina

31 km · Best: December to February · 5-7 days · Spread

Barrancas is a picturesque town located in Argentina, known for its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Situated on the ban…

Buta Ranquil

Argentina

42 km · Best: Summer · 3-5 days · Compact

Buta Ranquil is a small town located in the province of Neuquén, Argentina. Situated in the Patagonian region, it is known for its stunning…

Las Ovejas

Argentina

49 km · Best: November to February · 4-7 days · Spread

Las Ovejas is a small town located in the province of Neuquén, Argentina. Situated in the Patagonian region, Las Ovejas offers visitors a u…

Andacollo

Argentina

55 km · Best: Summer · 3-5 days · Spread

Andacollo is a captivating town located in the picturesque region of Argentina. Nestled amidst breathtaking landscapes, this charming town…

El Huecu

Argentina

99 km · Best: December to February · 4-7 days days · Spread

El Huecu is a charming village located in the province of Neuquén, Argentina. Nestled in the picturesque Andes mountain range, this peacefu…

Colbun

Chile

110 km · Best: Summer · 5-7 days · Spread

Colbun is a prominent energy company located in Chile. With its headquarters in Santiago, Colbun is one of the largest electricity generati…

Rincon De Los Sauces

Argentina

134 km · Best: November to March · 3-5 days days · Spread

Rincon De Los Sauces is a charming town located in the Neuquén province of Argentina. Nestled amidst breathtaking natural scenery, this hid…

Parral

Chile

138 km · Best: December to February · 3-5 days days · Spread

Parral, Chile is a charming city located in the Maule Region of central Chile. Situated in the heart of the country, Parral is surrounded b…