The Piedra Santa Complex is a preandean unit that crops out in the Neuquen province (Argentina) close to the Northpatagonian Andes. It consists of a low to intermediate P/T metamorphic sequence intruded by Carboniferous to Permian postkinematic granites. Its position into the preandean stratigraphic framework is analysed. Geochronological, petrological and structural data suggest a correlation of this unit with the well known Metamorphic Complex of the Coastal Belt of Central Chile. Both complexes could have integrated an igneous-metamorphic belt developed at Devonian to early Permian times, trending obliquely with respect to the present andean chain.