Villa Pehuenia is a sleepy little resort village overlooking Lago Alumine in the west of Neuquen province close to the Cordillera de los Andes. Much of the surrounding landscape is arid besides the marvellous pehuen or araucaria (monkey puzzle) forests. There are a few good restaurants and plenty of accommodation in and around the village, which includes the Posada La Escondida. It has a particularly privileged location and a lovely terraced restaurant beside the lake. To the north of the village is Volcan Batea Mahuida. If you hike to the top there are some fabulous views of Lago Alumine and the surrounding volcanoes. It’s also possible to drive up in an all-terrain vehicle. Also nearby is a small ski resort which operates during the winter months.