Catán Lil offers two distinct starting points for planning a trip: the river landscape near Las Coloradas, and rock art and nature around Pilo Lil. If you’re looking for a vacation rental, first consider whether the gorge and Río Catán Lil, or the caves, rock formations and Río Aluminé, should play a bigger role in your trip.

Las Coloradas: River and Gorge

The Río Catán Lil runs through Las Coloradas. The Garganta del Diablo, a gorge more than 154 meters long through which the river flows, is located near Las Coloradas. The river and gorge are two specific landscape features you can consider together when planning your trip.

For road directions, Ruta Nacional 40 connects Las Coloradas with Zapala to the northeast and Junín de los Andes to the southeast. Ruta Provincial 24 branches off Ruta Nacional 40 and provides direct access to the Municipio Las Coloradas over 20 kilometers. Check distances and current road conditions before setting out.

Pilo Lil: Name, Caves and Nature

The name Pilo Lil comes from Mapudungun and means “perforated rock.” It refers to the area’s natural caves, several of which feature rock art. Two natural caves with animal depictions and abstract motifs are located near the town center. Roca Agujereada near Pilo Lil is a geological formation with tourism and cultural heritage value. If you’re planning to visit a cave or formation as a specific destination, check current access beforehand.

The area’s natural environment also gives a stay its own distinct focus: the flora around Pilo Lil includes pehuenes, jarillas and coirones. Wildlife includes pumas, guanacos and Andean condors.

On the Río Aluminé: Activities by the Water

The clear waters of the Río Aluminé near Pilo Lil are known for sport fishing, river trips and rafting. The river also forms paths that invite you to hike or spend time by the water. This offers different leisure interests side by side: an activity on the water, fishing or time by the river. If you’re planning a specific activity, check the conditions beforehand.

Riverside Project in Las Coloradas

A provincial report from February 2026 described the riverside projects in Las Coloradas as completed; however, it listed the individual features of the Paseo Costero as planned. The Paseo Costero was to include a 1,400-meter-long walkway providing access to the entire riverside area. The planned concept included a camping area with barbecue grills, tables and shade-providing pergolas. It also called for street furniture, lighting and signage, a riverside access area with inclusive furnishings, and restroom facilities with showers. If you want to include these amenities in your trip planning, check the current status of the development beforehand.

Festivals and Sporting Events

A torchlight procession in honor of Gauchito Gil, gaucho skill demonstrations and dancing were announced for the Fiesta del Gauchito Gil in Las Coloradas on January 10 and 11, 2020. According to a statement from 2020, the festival had already been celebrated for 19 years; the Fiesta mentioned in 2023 was its 20th edition.

Annual Rally Neuquino races in Las Coloradas were listed as sporting events for 2025. The Aniversario de Las Coloradas announced for 2025 included 20K, 15K, 10K and 5K events; the 5K was intended especially for younger participants. This information refers to past editions. If you want to plan your trip around an event, check the current calendar.

Discover more destinations: Ñorquín Department, Confluencia Department, Zapala Department, Lácar Department, Collón Curá Department, Loncopué Department, Añelo Department, Pehuenches Department

For the main travel overview: Neuquén.