CHANGING THE WORLD ALWAYS NEEDS VOLUNTEERS
Junin de los Andes
In the Southwest of the Neuquén province stands Junín de los Andes. It is a small city surrounded by a marvellous landscape. Here, you can enjoy either a quiet and educational holiday or an adventurous one. The “Fiesta Nacional del Puestero” is a festival that takes place during February, in this celebration you can try different typical dishes and drinks and learn a little about the city’s culture. Tourists visit this city to enjoy the marvels of this land: fishing at lakes, trekking at forests, climbing mountains, snowboarding at ski resorts, and many more!
The beautiful crystal-clear lakes, breathtaking forests and the outstanding mountain range with its eternal snows make up the amazing landscape of Junín de los Andes. The city is full of interesting places to visit, but, anyway, you should take a look at its surroundings.
Cultural Places: In the city you can witness and appreciate the perfect mix of catholic and mapuche cultures. Some must-sees are “Santuario Nuestra Señora de las Nieves y Beata Laura Vicuña” (a magnificent catholic building placed in the center of the city) and “Santuario Ceferino Namuncurá” (here rests Ceferino Namuncurá, an Argentinian saint), among other places.
Unique Places: The city is full of worthwhile places. There are many sites you should visit, but you cannot leave Junín without checking out “Lanín volcano”. There are many sites from which you can see the volcano, but the best is watching it from a viewer placed at the “Paimún” lake. Also, you cannot miss the chance of visiting the “Siete Lagos”. You can go by yourself or with your family or friends by car (you can rent a car in the city) or you can take one of the several tours parting from the city.
Surroundings & Recreational Activities: Junín de los Andes is just a few kilometres away from many interesting places, such as “Chapelco” (a ski resort with more than 25 slopes, restaurants, coffee shops and a snowboard park) or the National Park “Parque Nahuel Huapi”. There are also many recreational activities you can do; for example, you can go trekking or canoeing, or, if you are more of a calm person, you may choose a tour.
Nightlife & Food: This lively city never sleeps. There are many options to choose from: you can go to a restaurant and ask for a typical dish with fresh trout; to a coffee shop where you can drink a warm submarino (hot milk with a black chocolate bar); or to a chocolate shop and taste some delightful Patagonian chocolate. There are pubs where you can drink a tasteful craft beer or discos where you can dance all night long. If you are a slot gaming fan, you may consider going to the “Casino Magic”, placed in the bank of Chimehuín river.
The average climate of the city is dry cold. There is a large fluctuation between day and night temperatures. The wind is really strong due to the height of the place; windy season is during spring and summer. The month with more rainfall is September. The average annual temperature is 20°C, in winter it can reach colds of -10°C, and in summer, heats of 30°C. It snows during winter.
You can arrive at Junín by bus or by car. There is the possibility of going by plane but the airport is in Chapelco, so, either way, you must reach the city by car or bus. The city has taxi services and offers the possibility of renting a car.
-Ecotourism: Parque Nahuel Huapi, Chapelco, Siete Lagos, Paimún Lake, Lanín volcano, trekking, fishing, and many more sites and activities.
-Unique Places: Catedral Metropolitana, historical buildings, Santuario Nuestra Señora de las Nieves y Beata Laura Vicuña and Santuario Ceferino Namuncurá, among others.
-Entertainment: Casino Magic, pubs, restaurants, discos, coffee and chocolate shops, food, drinks.
TESTIMONIALS
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''The teaching experience has improved my confidence in my presentation skills and has been a useful first insight into the teaching career, which I may choose to take up in the future. However, I have also had insights into the daily family and working life in Argentina through this program which does differ from England significantly in its routine and approach, and I think by experiencing this I have developed new values which has opened my mind to new ideas about my future plans.'' Teaching English. Ben Tollington, UK
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