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Epuyén

CHARACTERISTICS

The Epuyén city was founded on September 1, 1908. The name of Epuyén means “Two that go” due to the two streams that run through the town to empty into the Epuyén river, born from the lake of the same name.
The lake, located 290 meters. above sea level, allows a favorable climate, where slopes covered with forests and hills like El Pirque and Epuyén, make the place something magical.
The oldest known inhabitants have been the Tehuelches, of nomadic customs, who traveled all over Patagonia, stopping at its pampas, mallines and forests. Later, in a migratory stream from Chile, Araucanos and Mapuches settled more sedentary, giving rise to the flourishing of the Mapuche culture, with its language, religious customs and respect for nature.
At the beginning of this century, the first western-style settlement trend was produced.
From 1908 a certain boom of the rural economy begins, there were extensive areas planted with potatoes, peas, wheat, oats, and corn, for their sustainability. Wheat was transported by the inhabitants to the swallows area, at that time by cart, it is there where the mill was located in which they processed the flour. This economy was self-sufficient and also of exchange. Its technology was primitive, implements with blood traction were used and since the families were numerous, it had an abundant labor force.
It is in the 40s when a second important migratory current occurs, the new settlers were of European origin; they introduce technological advances, they begin with the production of stone fruit plantations, but this does not become part of an economic base.
Almost simultaneously, the lumber industry settled in Epuyén, removed the labor from the farms and overestimated the size of the natural resource on which production was based.
Although the population growth of Epuyén is slow, there is a third migratory flow starting in the 1970s, made up of young families from the big cities – Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Rosario – looking for a way of life in permanent contact with nature
These new settlers attempted an alternative economy: fine fruit, lavender cultivation, the production of handicrafts, the development of adventure tourism, the manufacture of natural products (sweets, fruits in syrup) and artisan furniture.
This beautiful town has Lake Epuyén as its main attraction, which is located within the Puerto Bonito Municipal Park at 400 meters. above sea level at the foot of Cerro Pirque, within the Epuyén Lake Multiple Use Forest Reserve, which covers some 30,000 hectares.
Lake Epuyén is characterized by the warmth and transparency of its waters, with an average temperature of 15 degrees, being warmer in the summer season, where tourists and residents share the enjoyment of the waters and the natural environment. It is an ideal area for water sports, horseback riding, trekking and canoing that allow you to discover the beautiful nature that makes up the place.
The town has the characteristic landscape of the Andean region and offers accommodation and gastronomy.
The valleys, lake, rivers, streams, forests and its flora and fauna make Epuyén a unique place.

LOCATION

It is located to the Northwest of the province of Chubut, in the Andean region of the 42 ° parallel, on National Route 40. It is accessed by route 40 north (Bariloche / El Bolsón) and route 40 south (Esquel).

WHAT TO DO?

– Puerto Bonito Municipal Park
– Trails within the forest reserve
– Antú Quillen Cultural Center
– La Rinconada Circuit
– Agrotourism with guided visits to artisan candy factories, honey producers, nurseries or establishments dedicated to the production of fine fruit.

-Stupa Samanthabadra

CONTACT

Dirección de Turismo/Information Center
Address: Las Taguas N°285
TE.: 02945- 499375
Web Site: www.epuyenpatagonia.com.ar
E-mail: turismoepuyen@gmail.com