Argentina Guide
Neuquén and the Lake District
Plaza Huincul
Plaza Huincul, just over 110km west of Neuquén along RN-22, is where the region's petroleum reserves were discovered in 1918. Memorabilia from those pioneering days is displayed at the Museo Carmen Funes on the main street (Mon– Fri 9am–7.30pm, Sat & Sun 9am–8.30pm; $1), though you'll find it impossible to concentrate on petroleum with the full-size reconstruction of Argentinosaurus huinculensis looming in the hangar next door. Walking between the legs of this beast – 40m long, 18m high and weighing 100 tonnes – is a bit like walking under a jumbo jet. The only fossils of this giant beast that have been found are the pelvis, tibia, sacrum and some vertebrae – the reconstruction of the rest of the animal is based on educated guesswork. María del Carmen Gravino, who was responsible for the reproduction, also worked on dinosaur models for the film Jurassic Park. Gravino lives at Perito Moreno 155 ( 
0299/496-2116), and he usually has smaller, equally realistic pieces for sale at his museum. From Neuquén, the easiest way to Plaza Huincul is on the Zapala bus from the terminal (Centenario, El Petróleo or Cono Sur hourly). Though you won't want to linger in town, if necessary there's accommodation at Hotel Tunquelén, Alberdi 1553 ( 0299/496-3423; Price: $45-75); the tourist office on the main street (daily 8am–8pm) can also help you find family lodging.