Things To Do
in Allen
Allen, Argentina is a small agricultural town in Río Negro province, located in the fertile Allen Valley along the Negro River at coordinates -38.9667, -67.8333. The town is known for its onion and vegetable production and has a friendly, rural charm. The landscape blends wide Patagonian steppe, river vistas, and easy access to nearby farming communities.
Visitors can experience Patagonian hospitality, a relaxed pace, and hands-on agriculture heritage.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a leisurely stroll around the historic center of Allen, taking in the charming architecture and vibrant atmosphere. Stop by the local market to sample fresh pastries and artisanal goods, immersing yourself in the local culture. Visit the Plaza San Martín, a central park where you can relax and enjoy the morning sun.
After lunch at a nearby café, visit the Museo Histórico de Allen to delve into the town's rich history and heritage. Spend some time exploring the quaint streets lined with boutiques and artisan shops, perfect for picking up unique souvenirs. As the afternoon sun sets, take a moment to reflect in one of the nearby parks.
In the evening, savor a traditional Argentinian barbecue at a local parrilla, where you can enjoy the flavors of asado with friends. After dinner, wander through the plaza to experience the local nightlife, filled with music and laughter from nearby cafés. End your night with a gelato from a popular ice cream shop, enjoying the warm evening air.
Embark on a scenic drive to the nearby Valle del Río Negro, known for its stunning vineyards and orchards. Start your day with a guided tour of a local winery, where you’ll learn about the winemaking process and the region's unique terroir. Enjoy a tasting session featuring award-winning wines paired with fresh local cheeses.
After the tasting, indulge in a gourmet lunch at the winery's restaurant, overlooking the picturesque vineyards. Spend your afternoon cycling through the vineyards, with opportunities to stop and take photos of the breathtaking landscapes. Visit a couple of family-owned wineries to meet the winemakers and sample their best offerings.
Return to Allen and unwind with a casual dinner at a local restaurant featuring dishes inspired by the region's culinary heritage. Engage in conversations with locals at the bar, learning more about their lives and traditions. As the night deepens, stroll through the town’s illuminated streets, enjoying the peaceful ambiance.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee | $2-4 |
| 🚎Local transit ticket (one-way) | $0.75-1.5 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (1 night) | $50-100 |
| 🧅Local produce (onions) per kg | $1-3 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Relaxed pace and friendly locals
- Access to Patagonian landscapes and agriculture heritage
- Good value for money and straightforward travel
- Limited nightlife and large-city amenities
- Distances to major attractions can be long
- Occasional limited English in rural venues
- "Hola" - Hello
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "¿Habla inglés?" - Do you speak English?
- "La cuenta, por favor" - The check, please
Places to Visit in Allen
Visit one of these nice places.
Wide river views with golden light, perfect for landscape photography and sunsets.
A central square with traditional architecture, benches, and locals going about daily life.
Early light over orderly onion fields and distant hills, a quintessential Patagonian pastoral scene.
Food in Allen
Allen Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Savory pastries filled with beef, cheese, or vegetables; widely available at markets and bakeries.
Must-Try!
Traditional Argentine grill with beef and sometimes lamb, commonly shared with friends and family.
A thick corn and bean stew with meat, popular in cooler months.
Grilled river trout, often caught locally in nearby streams.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A farmers market offering fresh produce, onions, dairy, and regional specialties in the town center.
Casual stalls and small eateries serving grilled meats, empanadas, and quick bites.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet people with a cordial Hola or a handshake; polite small talk is common.
Dressing neatly for restaurants and religious sites is appreciated; casual but tidy attire is typical in the countryside.
Be punctual for tours; avoid loud behavior in public spaces, especially in the evenings.
Safety
Tipping in Allen
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants and cafes, a tip of 5-10% is common if service is not included. Round up taxi fares. Give small tips to guides or hotel staff.
Cash (ARS) is widely accepted; many places take credit/debit cards in towns, but some smaller venues may be cash-only. ATMs are available in town centers.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm days with long daylight hours, often windy. Hydrate, use sun protection, and take advantage of river activities and outdoor markets.
Harvest season with cooler mornings and colorful skies. Great for photography and local farm tours.
Cold temperatures and possible frost; some services may operate on limited hours. Pack warm layers and a good rain/wind jacket.
Milder days with budding vegetation and more outdoor activities as nature reawakens.
Allen at Night
Hiking in Allen
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Gentle hikes along river valleys with scenic views and wildlife.
Open landscapes with expansive skies and occasional wildlife.
Airports
How to reach Allen by plane.
The major Patagonia gateway with regional and some international flights; from Allen, a longer drive or domestic flight connections are required.
A larger airport serving the Neuquén region with more flight options; a typical transfer point for longer trips.
A smaller regional airport serving Patagonia; closer to some routes in southern Patagonia; useful for day trips when available.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of long-time residents and farming families involved in onion and vegetable production.
Temporary workers during planting and harvest seasons.
A community with immigrant heritage common in many Patagonian towns.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in towns and schools; local teams often gather at community fields.
Played at schools and clubs; a growing presence in the region.
Patagonian rivers provide freshwater fishing and hunting opportunities under local regulations.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Allen.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Ask for vegetable empanadas, salads, and grilled vegetables; many places can accommodate with a vegetarian option. Consider visiting markets for fresh produce and prepared dishes.