In 2018, YPF acquired the exploration license for the Cerro Manrique block, located in the southeast part of the Neuquén Basin, in Rio Negro Province, where there were only 2 drilled wells and 47 2D seismic lines. During the same year and 2019, as part of the commitments assumed, a 3D seismic was recorded and surface geochemical prospecting were carried out. The latter, with the aim of identifying prospects based on surface geochemical anomalies. During the geochemical field campaigns, almost 400 soil samples were collected throughout the area. Analyzes of physicochemical parameters, microbiological analyzes and adsorbed gases were performed on each sample. In addition, some samples were selected for the realization of stables isotopes analysis. The results have shown the presence of 4 microbial anomalies, where the northern anomaly correlates with the gas and condensate reservoir from the Cuyo Gr. currently in production. Such anomaly extends to the south, in correlation with the main Play proposed for the area, where the hydrocarbon accumulations would be in Cuyo Gr. reservoirs with a combined trap with a pinch out closure against the Precuyo rocks high to the east. In addition, with the interpretation of the new 3D seismic and the refinement of all the structural maps, a good correlation of surface microbial anomalies with different subsurface structural features can be observed. On the other hand, the composition of the adsorbed gases shows correspondence to a thermogenic source and a sectorization of the resulting fluids stands out, being to the north and south a composition associated with gas and condensate and the central zone a composition of oil. The distribution of fluids in the area is explained by the presence of two source rocks, Los Molles Fm. and Precuyo rocks. Subsequently, this play was investigated by drilling a well, verifying the presence of hydrocarbons in the lower Cuyo Gr. levels. The surface geochemical prospecting technique shows a very good correlation with the interpretation of the 3D seismic combined with a calibrated geological model, becoming a low-cost methodology that can be used in other exploration blocks.