Circuito El Sosneado
To the south of San Rafael lies the "El Sosneado" circuit, a perfect place to grasp the vastness of the Andes mountain range. Mountains, rivers, lagoons, valleys, and volcanoes are just some of the stunning features you'll encounter along this route, which is also home to stories like the "Tragedy of the Andes."
On the southern edge of the San Rafael department, along Route 40 or 144, you’ll find a small town called "El Sosneado," which serves as the gateway to a circuit of breathtaking Andean landscapes.
It is recommended to travel this road in high-clearance vehicles, as there are several streams to cross and the road conditions are often poor.
The circuit follows the Atuel River from its source at the Atuel Lagoon to the town of El Sosneado. Along the way, you'll witness stunning scenery featuring volcanoes, lagoons, rivers, and valleys.
Among the popular activities in the area, trekking, fishing, and horseback riding stand out. Some points of interest include:
Salinas del Diamante: Located along Route 144 before reaching El Sosneado, this is a massive open-pit salt mine.
Volcán Diamante: A diamond-shaped volcano situated on Route 40 before reaching El Sosneado.
Laguna El Sosneado: A lagoon at the base of Cerro Sosneado, ideal for fishing and birdwatching.
Cerro Sosneado: The southernmost mountain in the Andes that exceeds 5,000 meters above sea level. Its beauty and grandeur are truly awe-inspiring.
Hotel Termas del Sosneado: The ruins of an old hotel that operated until 1953, featuring an impressive stone structure alongside ancient thermal pools.
Atuel Lagoon and Waterfalls: At the foot of Volcán Overo, you’ll find the Atuel Lagoon, the source of the Atuel River. Just a few meters away are the famous waterfalls that feed into the lagoon.
Horseback riding
Name in English: Circuit of 'El Sosneado'
Fishing Mountain Bike Trekking
History
In the spring of 1972, a plane carrying a Uruguayan rugby team crashed into Mount Seler in the "Valley of Tears" near the El Sosneado circuit. The survivors, without any resources, endured a 72-day ordeal before their rescue. This event, known as the "Miracle of the Andes," is remembered as they were presumed dead.
Excursions
Excursions or activities to be done in Zona Sur
This excursion takes you to the site of the Andes plane crash and invites you to reflect on the harrowing experience of the survivors. The vast, unique, and breathtaking landscapes of this region allow you to appreciate the Andes mountain range in an entirely new way.
Read more aboutAvión de los Uruguayos
Join us on an exhilarating horseback ride to the site of the famous Andes plane crash! This unique experience invites you to reflect on the extraordinary ordeal faced by the survivors during the 72 days until their rescue. The breathtaking landscapes of the region offer a chance to admire the Andes from a completely new perspective.
Read more aboutCabalgata al Avión de los Uruguayos