With an economy based on animal husbandry, forest exploitation and tourism, it serves as a service center for the nearby rural areas.

Located near the Andes, the town benefits from mountainous landscapes featuring clearwater lakes, streams and typical local vegetation, including the official provincial tree Araucaria araucana, coihue and mallín.

Aluminé is a name of Mapudungun origin, meaning shining at the bottom, referring to the clear waters found in the region.

The fortress Paso de los Andes was founded after the Argentine Army reached the area, and the first settlers arrived in February 1884.

[2] The first authorities, such as the local court, the civil registry and the police station, started working in the nearby rural area known as Ruca Choroy.

[11] There are also some Mapuche and araucanized Tehuelche communities near Aluminé that though influenced by the dominant trends outside their society, are open to visitors who want to know more about their culture.

The natural environment offers the possibility of practicing different outdoor activities including hiking, trekking, horse riding, sport-fishing, rafting, and kayaking as well as winter sports like skiing on the mountain Batea Mahuida.