VIEDMA (AV)- Somoncura covers a surface of 34.650 square kilometres. It is the second biggest water reserve in Patagonia and one of the most precious and protected areas in Rio Negro. Today Somoncura is open to visitors in a very cautious and respectful manner.

There are seven entrances to the reserve for you to observe wildlife and the beautiful natural environment. Tours are conducted by a local environmental guard specialized in each circuit:  Valcheta-Chipauquil; Sierra Grande-Arroyo Ventana-Cona Niyeu-La Maciega; Maquinchao-El Caín; Los Menucos-Prahuaniyeu-Vaca Laufquen-El Caín; El Caín-Pilquiniyeu; Los Menucos-Comicó-Yamninué-Treneta and Valcheta-Paileman.

This immense plateau is rich in archaeological and paleontological resources. This is the main reason why massive tourism is not allowed.

Somoncura is a gigantic cracked and spongy basalt plateau which filters melting snow and rainfall that seeps into the ground until it is forced out by natural pressure. Water emerges naturally and runs downhill irrigating fertile green valleys. According to DPA estimations, the plateau keeps 90 million cubic hectometres of water hidden in its interior which adds incalculable value to this natural area.

It seems ironic that this huge reserve is located in the middle of the Southern railway line where water is most needed as well as on the plateau itself at 1050 m above the sea level. Temporary lagoons faded out after the great draught in 2007 to become giant empty holes.

Wildlife is impressive. You may find the biggest variety of lizards parading bright yellow, orange and green colours until they stop on top of a volcanic rock for a few minutes and colours will "magically" fade away to become the same colour of the rock.

Species most commonly found are: "Pilquín" (stone squirrel), European hare, micro mammals unique to the plateau such as what locals call "mouse without tail". Although the latter is classified as marsupial, the specie is still being researched. There are many different types of unique frogs and invertebrates of black or grey colour and long legs. These 2.5 cm frogs are only found in Somoncura in addition to other species still under study which are unique in the world and call researchers´ interest.

Travesías y programas relacionados

• 4x4 travel adventure: Route 23: Bariloche - Puerto Madryn
• Somuncurá, Tierra de Misterios y Leyendas