Comahue

Comahue is a geographic and cultural region in northern Patagonia, Argentina. It encompasses most of Neuquén Province and Río Negro Province, centering on the Alto Valle del Río Negro and the river basins of the Neuquén and Limay. The area extends from the Andean foothills in the west to the plains near the Argentine Atlantic region in the east, spanning diverse landscapes from alpine lakes to steppe valleys.

Key landscapes and settlements include Nahuel Huapi National Park around Bariloche, Lanín National Park near the border with Chile, and the lake-filled valleys that host towns such as San Martín de los Andes, Villa La Angostura, Neuquén, Cipolletti, and General Roca. The climate varies from cool, wet conditions in the west to drier conditions farther east, supporting a mix of forests, valleys, and plateaus.

Economy in Comahue is diversified. The Neuquén portion hosts the Vaca Muerta shale oil formation, contributing to Argentina’s energy sector, while river valleys support fruit production (apples and pears) and wineries. Tourism is important, with ski resorts in the Andes and a Lake District circuit attracting visitors year-round. Hydroelectric projects and agriculture underpin the regional economy, complemented by manufacturing and services in urban centers.

Name and status: The term Comahue derives from the Mapuche language and is used informally to describe this northern Patagonia area. It is not an official administrative division, but a conventional regional concept that appears in historical, cultural, and economic contexts.