Zapala is the gateway to one of Argentina's most extreme and least-known natural environments: the central Neuquén plateau, where active volcanoes, volcanic thermal waters, dinosaur fossils and millennial petroglyphs coexist in an landscape of inhospitable beauty. Unlike Bariloche or San Martín de los Andes, Zapala stays off mass tourism, offering demanding travellers access to natural wonders in total privacy.
The Copahue-Caviahue volcanic complex is the region's centrepiece: Lake Caviahue — an unreal turquoise at 1,600 metres — and active Volcán Copahue with its sulphur lagoon are unmatched on the continent. Copahue hot springs, volcanic and therapeutically unique, are prized by those who know them. Domuyo Provincial Park — Neuquén's highest point at 4,709 metres — and Huantraico Petrified Forest offer geological-scale landscapes. Zapala Paleontological Museum holds one of the world's most important Patagonian dinosaur fossil collections.
Top lodging concentrates around Caviahue-Copahue: Copahue Thermal Complex offers cabin stays with private volcanic thermal pools in absolute isolation between volcano and lake. For a city base, Hotel Pehuenche in Zapala is the local reference for travellers combining oil business with nature exploration. Privacy and human scale are intrinsic to the offer.
Neuquén plateau cuisine is honest Mapuche and criolla roots: Patagonian lamb on the open fire, kid goat on the disc, brown trout from mountain streams and roasted araucaria piñones — the sacred pehuén fruit. Caviahue grills and Zapala family dining rooms keep generous table traditions, complemented by high-altitude Neuquén wines, including among Patagonia's best Pinot Noir and Malbec.
Capitán Horacio Chiapero Zapala Airport (APZ / SAHZ) operates private flights on a paved runway with capacity for light jets and turboprops. A flight from San Fernando (FDO) covers 1,142 km in 1 h 35 min to 2 h 5 min, versus 14 hours by road. Volcán Copahue and Lake Caviahue lie 80 km from Zapala on a mountain road: arriving by private flight allows full-day programmes at the volcanic complex impossible if the journey from Buenos Aires is added overland.
Southern-hemisphere summer — December to March — is ideal for exploring Lake Caviahue, trekking Volcán Copahue and accessing the Petrified Forest with roads at their best. Winter (June to September) has its own appeal: Caviahue's small, uncrowded ski area with dry snow is a well-kept secret among Patagonia insiders. Copahue hot springs are especially prized in winter, when extreme cold and volcanic water create an unmatched sensory experience.
Select an aircraft option
Versatile turboprop with generous payload capacity and a comfortable cabin, ideal for groups and flights to destinations with short runways.
9 passengers
Not available
Non-pressurized
Moderate
Mobile Starlink
Compact light jet with excellent fuel efficiency, perfect for short-range executive flights.
5 passengers
Not available
Pressurized
Moderate
Not available
Light jet with a comfortable cabin for up to 8 passengers and strong regional range.
8 passengers
Not available
Pressurized
Moderate
Mobile Starlink
Executive turboprop with long range, a pressurized cabin and excellent performance on regional routes.
7 passengers
Not available
Pressurized
Moderate
Not available
Light jet with greater range than the CJ1, offering an excellent balance between cost and executive performance.
6 passengers
Yes
Pressurized
Moderate
Not available
Light jet ideal for short and medium sectors, with excellent cabin comfort and operating efficiency.
5 passengers
Yes
Pressurized
Moderate
Mobile Starlink
Next-generation light jet with over-the-wing engines, offering an excellent balance between efficiency and executive comfort.
5 passengers
Yes
Pressurized
Moderate
Not available
Midsize jet with an excellent balance of speed and range, featuring a comfortable and modern executive cabin.
6 passengers
Yes
Pressurized
Moderate
Not available
High-performance midsize jet, ideal for regional flights with a comfortable cabin.
8 passengers
Yes
Pressurized
Moderate
Not available
Midsize jet with a spacious cabin and excellent cruise speed, one of the most requested options for executive flights.
7 passengers
Yes
Pressurized
Moderate
Not available
Pressurized regional aircraft with greater capacity, ideal for larger groups and destinations with paved runways.
19 passengers
Not available
Pressurized
Moderate
Not available
Midsize jet with a spacious cabin and excellent range, ideal for regional and medium-haul international flights.
8 passengers
Yes
Pressurized
Moderate
Not available
Enhanced version offering greater range and efficiency while maintaining the speed and comfort of the Learjet 60.
6 passengers
Yes
Pressurized
Moderate
Not available
Super midsize jet with a spacious cabin, extended range and premium equipment for discerning passengers.
8 passengers
Yes
Pressurized
Generous
Mobile Starlink (extra cost)
Large jet with an exceptionally spacious cabin and long range, ideal for executive groups requiring maximum comfort.
14 passengers
Yes
Pressurized
Generous
Not available
Long-range, large-cabin jet with VIP equipment for executive groups demanding the highest level of comfort.
14 passengers
Yes
Pressurized
Generous
Starlink integrada
Please read carefully before requesting your quotation.
Published prices are provided for reference only.
Indicative prices in US dollars (USD). Prices may vary depending on aircraft availability and travel dates. For round-trip flights or itineraries with multiple destinations, please request a personalized quotation.
Taxes and flight-specific operational costs are not included, such as international fees, FBO charges, special services, overnight stays at destination, among others.
Most aircraft are based at San Fernando International Airport (FDO) in Buenos Aires. Rates include repositioning charges for flights to or from Aeroparque (AEP) or Ezeiza (EZE), or where applicable.
The aircraft displayed are for reference purposes only and may vary depending on operational availability. Contact us to learn about the available options for your trip.
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