«Sometimes you think that with the cold we can only stay at home, but If one goes out, nature offers us these wonders«says photographer Martín Muñoz. The prize of his tour yesterday was to photograph and film the La Fragua waterfall partly frozen four kilometers from Manzano Amargo in the north of Neuquén. This morning, very early, she returned and found a similar panorama: half of the motionless jump, stopped in time by the extreme cold, the other half with the sound of falling water.
Here, in the middle of the mountains, the streams and the endless succession of hills, Martín left yesterday, took Provincial Route 43, crossed the bridge over the Neuquén River and joined Provincial Route 54, which begins exactly there. From there it is about 20 km to Bitter Apple and after that charming town it is another four to the waterfall. There is a walkway, a deck, and a viewpoint to see this jewel of the south up close, but it was almost all covered by snow.
«You have to walk about a km from where you leave the car and stepping on the snow one sinks up to one’s kneesbut it’s worth it: it’s beautiful to see the waterfall like this,” says Martín
This is how he describes it: “The La Fragua waterfall is a winter wonder, when temperatures drop it slowly begins to freeze. This winter 2024 that is just beginning with the first frosts it’s already half frozen«.
“The temperature reached -15°C at nine in the morning”
“It’s a magical place. These days, all the greenery and summer colours are covered by snow and ice. The temperature reached -15 at 9 in the morning. I stayed two days there in Manzano to enjoy these incredible landscapes, in that beautiful place where I also have to work,” adds Martín.
The winter that the La Fraga waterfall froze completely at -25°C
In it In 2017 the waterfall completely froze. “I had the opportunity to see this unique phenomenon and many news programs and newspapers echoed it,” recalls Martín
How to get to Manzano Amargo and La Fragua waterfall
Manzano Amargo is 528 km from Neuquén. From the provincial capital you have to take Route 22 to Zapala, from there 40 to Chos Malal (you can load up on fuel), continue on 43, pass through Andacollo (you can also load up on fuel), Villa Nahueve and Las Ovejas, where the route ends. asphalt.
When the 43 turns right towards Varvarco, the also spectacular Route 54. About 5 km later you cross a bridge over a stream (good place to take some photos of the Domuyo volcano) and from there you go along the river on a path sandwiched between walls and rocks, where the condoreras are until you reach Manzano Amargo, about 40 km from Las Ovejas.
Precautions for driving in snow and ice
The Icy or snowy road conditions are common at this time of year. in the Río Negro and Neuquén mountain range, so drivers must take into account a series of recommendations provided by National Roads before starting the trip and during circulation on routes.
Among the basic measures before embarking on the trip to the mountain range, it is recommended to consult the official route status report, check the weather, the forecast and the condition of the vehicle, especially the brakes, lights and heating system.
In areas with snow and ice it is recommended:
Avoid traveling while it is snowing. Unless extremely necessary, wait for weather conditions to improve.
Avoid traveling at night, no sunlight.
Avoid traveling alone.
Always wear warm clothescold weather shoes, gloves, water and high-calorie foods.
How to drive during the trip
Do not accelerate or brake violently; use the gearbox.
I keep the braking distance of the vehicle in front of you. It should be considerably larger than under normal conditions.
Avoid stopping the vehicle on slopes, bridges, curves or places with poor visibility. Don’t stop on the road either: park on the shoulder.
Respect and give priority to teams and personnel who are carrying out winter maintenance tasks.
Remember that On slopes, vehicles that are ascending have priority.
Respect the instructions of the National Highway Staff, National Gendarmerie, police forces, road safety agencies, Civil Defense or Civil Protection.
What to do if you are stopped by snow or ice
I stayed in the vehicle, since it is the safest place.
Keep the vehicle closed, but with ventilation to renew the air. Do not use heaters fuel to heat the interior of the vehicle.
Try to keep the snow-free vehicle roof. Check that the exhaust is not blocked by snow.
Start the engine at intervals to maintain the temperature inside.
Necessary vehicle conditions
keep the full tankeven on short distance outings.
Use antifreeze fluid in the engine and windshield wiper cooling system.
Drive with chains for ice and snow in winter season.
In light units you can use studded tires.
Don’t forget to bring the following items: towing spear, ropes, blankets, flashlight, tools, small shovel, starter cable, reflective vest or a cloth to place as an indicator flag.
More tourist information and about the state of the roads:
Municipality of Manzano Amargo, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.: 02948-494096
Manzano Amargo Detachment, 24 hours a day: 299 409-3009
Provincial Roads of Neuquén: 0810-333-ROUTE (7882).
You can also consult the daily report on the state of the roads in Provincial Roads of Neuquén
