The village was officially founded on January 20, 1989 by Decree Nbr 153 passed by the Executive Branch of Government in the Province of Neuquén, which provides for the creation of the Villa Pehuenia Community Action Commission, whose jurisdiction scope includes the entire perimeter of Lakes Aluminé and Moquehue.
The then governor of the Province, engineer Pedro Salvatori, created the Community Action Commission and appointed Don Raúl De Gregorio as its representative. In 2004, the Community Action Commission became a third-category municipality and Mr. Mauro del Castillo was voted by the people and is today the mayor of this district.
This administration has successfully and sustainably managed to attract tourism to the town while keeping its profile as a mountain village. The preservation of this essence will surely remain as the main challenge for the next generations.
Villa Pehuenia and Moquehue are very relevant destinations in Andean Patagonia due to the quality and beauty of its sceneries. The municipal authorities work to preserve natural spaces as well as the beauty of its public spaces and its neat and uniform urban layout.
Within a frame of respect and responsibility, the Municipality of Villa Pehuenia works successfully together with the local Chamber of Tourism, Industry, Commerce and Services in the planning of policies and actions to promote the district.
It is held every summer in January to celebrate the anniversary of Villa Pehuenia offering at the same time an additional attraction for visitors. This is a family celebration in which recreational and sport activities in contact with nature are enjoyed on the shores of Lake Aluminé and in various nooks of our mountain village.
This gastronomic event, declared of provincial interest, has become more and more important every year. It summons visitors, residents, producers and craftsmen. Mrs. Doli Irigoyen, godmother of this festival, is the hostess at this event in which excellent regional and national chefs come along to present their latest cuisine creations for attendants to enjoy.
It has been organized for over 10 years by a group of neighbors in this settlement. Past customs and traditions are commemorated which keep the origins of this town alive. Rodeo shows and riders exhibitions are presented while traditional dishes such as empanadas or goat roasted in a metal cross on a fire pit are tasted.
Held at our district, this encounter is aimed at the integration of Argentina and neighboring Chile through a cultural exchange representing the presence of various institutions and artists from both sides of the Andes.
Municipality of Villa Pehuenia - Moquehue
Phone / Fax +54 (02942) 498011 / 498027
Email info@villapehuenia.gov.ar
Tourist Office
Phone+54 (02942) 498044
