For planning a trip around Pantanillo, two perspectives are helpful: nature trails in the surrounding area and cultural and scenic sites in the municipality of Merlo. The location details distinguish these destinations: some trails are in the area around Piedra Blanca and Pantanillo, while the nature reserve and botanical garden are in Villa de Merlo. On a broader scale, the Department of Junín adds further nature, culture, and food and drink destinations to the mix.

The paleontological discovery in the Barrio El Pantanillo neighborhood of Merlo was declared a matter of municipal interest.

Nature Trails in the Surrounding Area and Villa de Merlo

The Sendero de las Leyendas begins at the upper part of the Azud and is 1,100 meters long. Its name refers to the region’s legends, associated with the Azud, Piedra Blanca, and Pantanillo. The nearby reserve in Villa de Merlo is home to the 700-meter-long Sendero del Humedal. Along this trail, you can observe diverse vegetation nourished by a spring. The different lengths help you distinguish between the two routes; check the current trail conditions before hiking.

The Sendero de Huellas Nativas connects the Azud with Pasos Malos and is approximately three kilometers long. It is described as having a low to moderate difficulty level. A 2022 article also describes observations of nature at the foot of the mountains, various tree species, and native animals along this trail by the Azud. If you plan to hike it, check access and trail conditions in advance. In the reserve in Villa de Merlo, the interconnected trails have been used for trekking, cycling, and birdwatching; their difficulty ranges from easy to moderate.

The reserve is located in Piedra Blanca Arriba, at the foot of the Sierras de los Comechingones. The «El Pantanillo» Botanical Garden in Villa de Merlo adds a botanical focus: it is home to medicinal and exotic plants, a significant selection of native species, and a restored area of secondary forest. These two places complement the trail descriptions with scenic and botanical features, without assuming the same kind of nature experience at each.

More Nature and Culture Destinations in the Department of Junín

In the Department of Junín, the Mogote Bayo Nature Reserve offers two self-guided trails with panoramic views of the Valle del Conlara and the Sierras de los Comechingones. In Los Molles, water and mountain scenery take center stage: Cascada Anahí is 13 meters high and can be reached on a hike through the mountain forest. A climb along Arroyo Los Molles leads to Quebrada del Aguilucho; natural pools with emerald-green water, native flora, and fauna lie along the way. Los Siete Saltos adds high cascades formed by the stream’s steep gradient to the selection.

Culture can also be part of your visit to the Department of Junín. A municipal report for 2025 mentions free guided tours at Casa del Poeta Agüero in Villa de Merlo, as well as weekly visits by school groups and tourists. The house’s auditorium has 120 seats. Capilla Nuestra Señora del Rosario is also located in the historic center of Villa de Merlo. In Carpintería, Iglesia de la Virgen de Luján is part of the religious tour and stands opposite Manuel Zalazar main square.

For a different focus, you can consider paragliding in Carpintería: the town is known as the “Capital of Free Flight,” and takeoffs are from the Filo de los Comechingones. For culinary and handicraft experiences in the Department of Junín, visit the Ayflo alfajor factory, which has a restaurant and bar where visitors can sample specialties, or the El Cimarrón ranch in Carpintería, where you can watch mate gourds being made.

For getting around Villa de Merlo, the local bus El Merlino operates two tourist routes. As routes and service may change, check these details before planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: El Rincón, Cortaderas.

For the broader travel overview: Department of Junín.