From Comodoro Rivadavia to Río Gallegos

This circuit begins in one of the most important cities in Patagonia. One of its attractions is the Chenque hill trail, 212 metres high, from where you have a panoramic view of the city centre, the plateaus and the sea. In the surroundings you can visit the San Jorge Lighthouse (17 km away), the Caleta Córdova viewpoint (18 km away) and the Rocas Coloradas Protected Natural Area (20 km away) with geoforms and petrified logs.

The city has its old town with local architecture and some museums. If you want to learn about the development history of the area, it is recommended to visit the Railway and Oil museums. To try their typical dishes, on weekends you can visit the Seafood Fair in the Caleta Córdova neighbourhood.

More information in the unmissable Comodoro Rivadavia and in the official website of the city.

This circuit begins in one of the most important cities in Patagonia. One of its attractions is the Chenque hill trail, 212 metres high, from where you have a panoramic view of the city centre, the plateaus and the sea. In the surroundings you can visit the San Jorge Lighthouse (17 km away), the Caleta Córdova viewpoint (18 km away) and the Rocas Coloradas Protected Natural Area (20 km away) with geoforms and petrified logs.

The city has its old town with local architecture and some museums. If you want to learn about the development history of the area, it is recommended to visit the Railway and Oil museums. To try their typical dishes, on weekends you can visit the Seafood Fair in the Caleta Córdova neighbourhood.

More information in the unmissable Comodoro Rivadavia and in the official website of the city.

Taking national route 3 towards the south - also known as the Juan Domingo Perón road - you reach the town of Rada Tilly, a summer resort with an impressive 3.5 km beach of fine sand, where you can go diving, kitesurfing and paragliding. It has accommodations, restaurants and services.

8 km away you can visit the Punta Marqués Protected Natural Area, with spectacular sea views. It is an ideal place for bird watching, visiting sea lions colonies and, depending on the time of year, watching toninas, dolphins and whales (to plan the visit, it is important to take into account the wildlife calendar and weather forecast).

More information about these destinations in the Comodoro Turismo website.

Taking national route 3 towards the south - also known as the Juan Domingo Perón road - you reach the town of Rada Tilly, a summer resort with an impressive 3.5 km beach of fine sand, where you can go diving, kitesurfing and paragliding. It has accommodations, restaurants and services.

8 km away you can visit the Punta Marqués Protected Natural Area, with spectacular sea views. It is an ideal place for bird watching, visiting sea lions colonies and, depending on the time of year, watching toninas, dolphins and whales (to plan the visit, it is important to take into account the wildlife calendar and weather forecast).

More information about these destinations in the Comodoro Turismo website.

Continuing along National Route 3 there are several beaches along the way, such as Alsina and Barco Hundido, the ideal for those who practise kitesurfing and windsurfing.

Already in the town of Caleta Olivia, it is worth visiting the coastal promenade, the 26 de Junio theme park, its downtown and the “Gorosito”, an oil worker monument. Just 10 km to the south you can see South American sea lions (Otaria flavescens) in the Caleta Olivia Provincial Reserve.

More information about this destination at the official website of the province of Santa Cruz.

Continuing along National Route 3 there are several beaches along the way, such as Alsina and Barco Hundido, the ideal for those who practise kitesurfing and windsurfing.

Already in the town of Caleta Olivia, it is worth visiting the coastal promenade, the 26 de Junio theme park, its downtown and the “Gorosito”, an oil worker monument. Just 10 km to the south you can see South American sea lions (Otaria flavescens) in the Caleta Olivia Provincial Reserve.

More information about this destination at the official website of the province of Santa Cruz.

The next stop is the town of Fitz Roy, 76 km south of Caleta Olivia along national route 3. Here you can see the old railway station that was a symbol of the rural strikes of 1921, and visit the Rural Interpretation Centre , a museum dedicated to the rural labourer. You can also visit the “Ice Age” site, where remains of two prehistoric mammals were found approximately 18,000 years ago.

19 km from Fitz Roy, in the town of Jaramillo, there is a restored old railway station and a permanent exhibition that tells the history of the strikes.

The next stop is the town of Fitz Roy, 76 km south of Caleta Olivia along national route 3. Here you can see the old railway station that was a symbol of the rural strikes of 1921, and visit the Rural Interpretation Centre , a museum dedicated to the rural labourer. You can also visit the “Ice Age” site, where remains of two prehistoric mammals were found approximately 18,000 years ago.

19 km from Fitz Roy, in the town of Jaramillo, there is a restored old railway station and a permanent exhibition that tells the history of the strikes.

Taking national route 281 in the direction of Puerto Deseado, you reach a detour that goes towards the Cabo Blanco Natural Reserve.

In total, are 140 km of gravel (round trip) that are worth travelling to reach this place of unique beauty: immense beaches and solitary bays, incredible stone walls, many birds, penguins and sea lions. In addition, the Cabo Blanco lighthouse—built in 1917 and still in use—gives a more than special touch to this geography.

It is recommended to visit this reserve from Puerto Deseado.

Taking national route 281 in the direction of Puerto Deseado, you reach a detour that goes towards the Cabo Blanco Natural Reserve.

In total, are 140 km of gravel (round trip) that are worth travelling to reach this place of unique beauty: immense beaches and solitary bays, incredible stone walls, many birds, penguins and sea lions. In addition, the Cabo Blanco lighthouse—built in 1917 and still in use—gives a more than special touch to this geography.

It is recommended to visit this reserve from Puerto Deseado.

Going back to National Route 281, you reach Puerto Deseado. It has accommodations, restaurants and services. 

One of its must-sees is the guided excursion to the Deseado estuary, where birds, sea lions, dolphins and Magellanic penguins live. At the end of the estuary is the area known as “Darwin's Camp”, where the naturalist camped in 1833.

In the city there are different historical circuits to explore: the Railway Museum, the Mario Brozoski Municipal Museum and other buildings that were part of the rural strikes of 1921.

Puerto Deseado is also the starting or ending point of the “Three Ports, Three Parks” circuit, a route that connects the towns of Puerto Deseado, Puerto San Julián and Puerto Santa Cruz with the Penguin Island, Makenke and Monte León national parks.

More information in the unmissable Puerto Deseado and Isla Pingüino.

Going back to National Route 281, you reach Puerto Deseado. It has accommodations, restaurants and services. 

One of its must-sees is the guided excursion to the Deseado estuary, where birds, sea lions, dolphins and Magellanic penguins live. At the end of the estuary is the area known as “Darwin's Camp”, where the naturalist camped in 1833.

In the city there are different historical circuits to explore: the Railway Museum, the Mario Brozoski Municipal Museum and other buildings that were part of the rural strikes of 1921.

Puerto Deseado is also the starting or ending point of the “Three Ports, Three Parks” circuit, a route that connects the towns of Puerto Deseado, Puerto San Julián and Puerto Santa Cruz with the Penguin Island, Makenke and Monte León national parks.

More information in the unmissable Puerto Deseado and Isla Pingüino.

By hiring a guided excursion in Puerto Deseado, you can discover this great nature must-see.

During the navigation to Penguin Island (approximately one hour) you will see different types of birds such as South American terns, southern and kelp gulls, gray cormorants, albatrosses, petrels and skuas. If you are lucky, also Commerson's and Oceanic dolphins.

Once on the island, you can see sea lions and elephant seals colonies up close on the shore. And as if that wasn`t enough, you can walk to the only easily accessible rockhopper penguin colony in Argentina.

This excursion takes place from October to March and lasts approximately six hours (to plan the trip, it is recommended to check the nature calendar Due to the island's terrain, good physical mobility is important.

More information in the unmissable Puerto Deseado and Isla Pingüino and in the official tourism website of Puerto Deseado.

By hiring a guided excursion in Puerto Deseado, you can discover this great nature must-see.

During the navigation to Penguin Island (approximately one hour) you will see different types of birds such as South American terns, southern and kelp gulls, gray cormorants, albatrosses, petrels and skuas. If you are lucky, also Commerson's and Oceanic dolphins.

Once on the island, you can see sea lions and elephant seals colonies up close on the shore. And as if that wasn`t enough, you can walk to the only easily accessible rockhopper penguin colony in Argentina.

This excursion takes place from October to March and lasts approximately six hours (to plan the trip, it is recommended to check the nature calendar Due to the island's terrain, good physical mobility is important.

More information in the unmissable Puerto Deseado and Isla Pingüino and in the official tourism website of Puerto Deseado.

Returning to national route 3, turn to the left heading south and a few kilometres after take a detour to the right along gravel provincial route 49 for about 50 km. You will cross the steppe to reach the Petrified Forests of Jaramillo National Park. In this place there is one of the most important fossilised forests in Argentina, including remains of enormous araucarias from 150 million years ago—they are the largest petrified trees in the world.

At the entrance to the park, next to the park ranger station, there is a small museum with information about the place and the phenomenon of petrification. You can also walk the Paleontological trail (2 km, low difficulty) that leads to the fossilised trunks of several enormous araucarias that lie on the ground and can be seen very closely.

More information in the unmissable Jaramillo Petrified Forests National Park.

Returning to national route 3, turn to the left heading south and a few kilometres after take a detour to the right along gravel provincial route 49 for about 50 km. You will cross the steppe to reach the Petrified Forests of Jaramillo National Park. In this place there is one of the most important fossilised forests in Argentina, including remains of enormous araucarias from 150 million years ago—they are the largest petrified trees in the world.

At the entrance to the park, next to the park ranger station, there is a small museum with information about the place and the phenomenon of petrification. You can also walk the Paleontological trail (2 km, low difficulty) that leads to the fossilised trunks of several enormous araucarias that lie on the ground and can be seen very closely.

More information in the unmissable Jaramillo Petrified Forests National Park.

Puerto San Julián is a port city with immense natural wealth and 500 years of history: in addition to seeing sea wildlife, it invites you to discover the place in which the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan arrived in 1520.

Whether by bike or car, you can travel the 27 km of the coastal circuit that goes along San Julián Bay to the northern area of the Makenke Interjurisdictional Marine Park, with beaches, great views and sea wildlife (more information about this park in the next stop).

You can also visit, on board excursions, the Cormorán and Justicia islands. In the first you can descend, take a guided walk and see Magellanic penguins (from October to April), and in the second you can spot colonies of cormorants. Outings depart from San Julián Bay to watch dolphins, as well as kayak rides with local guides.

It is worth visiting the Nao Victoria Thematic Museum, an interactive space that recreates one of Magellan's ships, and Hoffman's Rosa Novak Pioneer Museum. It has accommodations and places to taste its typical cuisine.

More information in the unmissable Puerto San Julián and in the official website of the province of Santa Cruz.

Puerto San Julián is a port city with immense natural wealth and 500 years of history: in addition to seeing sea wildlife, it invites you to discover the place in which the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan arrived in 1520.

Whether by bike or car, you can travel the 27 km of the coastal circuit that goes along San Julián Bay to the northern area of the Makenke Interjurisdictional Marine Park, with beaches, great views and sea wildlife (more information about this park in the next stop).

You can also visit, on board excursions, the Cormorán and Justicia islands. In the first you can descend, take a guided walk and see Magellanic penguins (from October to April), and in the second you can spot colonies of cormorants. Outings depart from San Julián Bay to watch dolphins, as well as kayak rides with local guides.

It is worth visiting the Nao Victoria Thematic Museum, an interactive space that recreates one of Magellan's ships, and Hoffman's Rosa Novak Pioneer Museum. It has accommodations and places to taste its typical cuisine.

More information in the unmissable Puerto San Julián and in the official website of the province of Santa Cruz.

After travelling the 27 km of the coastal circuit that goes through San Julián Bay, you reach the northern area of the Makenke Interjurisdictional Marine Park.

There are several beaches to enjoy the landscape, panoramic points and viewpoints to spot sea wildlife. On the cliffs of the Makenke station and La Mina beach you can see the main reproductive colony of Red-legged cormorant in Argentina.

After travelling the 27 km of the coastal circuit that goes through San Julián Bay, you reach the northern area of the Makenke Interjurisdictional Marine Park.

There are several beaches to enjoy the landscape, panoramic points and viewpoints to spot sea wildlife. On the cliffs of the Makenke station and La Mina beach you can see the main reproductive colony of Red-legged cormorant in Argentina.

Located on the northern bank of the Santa Cruz River, the town of Luis Piedra Buena is the oldest city in the province and is characterised by its imposing Pavón Island. Art is present in all its streets, recreating the flora, fauna, stories of pioneers and Tehuelche myths.

In the Santa Cruz River, from November to May, sport fishing is practised by expert guides.

Located on the northern bank of the Santa Cruz River, the town of Luis Piedra Buena is the oldest city in the province and is characterised by its imposing Pavón Island. Art is present in all its streets, recreating the flora, fauna, stories of pioneers and Tehuelche myths.

In the Santa Cruz River, from November to May, sport fishing is practised by expert guides.

39 km eastwards from Luis Piedrabuena, taking national routes 3 and 288, you reach the second oldest city in the province: Puerto Santa Cruz. This is one of the main bases to visit the Monte León National Park where you can walk and see marine fauna.

In the city, along the Piedrabuena avenues, there is an estuary for hiking, kayaking, canoeing, fishing or even taking a nautical excursion. From the end of August to April, you can visit the Punta Entrada penguin colony, whose entry on foot and in the company of a guide depends on the tides as it is located on the edge of cliffs. To get there, you have to take national route 288, on the way to Puerto Punta Quilla, 17 km from Puerto Santa Cruz.

This town has great historical value and old buildings through which you can learn about the history of the settlement of the region. It is worth visiting the Misioneros Canyon, the first settlement in Puerto Santa Cruz; the Mario Hernández House of Pioneers Museum and the Carlos Borgialli Regional Museum.

More information about this destination at the official website of the province of Santa Cruz.

39 km eastwards from Luis Piedrabuena, taking national routes 3 and 288, you reach the second oldest city in the province: Puerto Santa Cruz. This is one of the main bases to visit the Monte León National Park where you can walk and see marine fauna.

In the city, along the Piedrabuena avenues, there is an estuary for hiking, kayaking, canoeing, fishing or even taking a nautical excursion. From the end of August to April, you can visit the Punta Entrada penguin colony, whose entry on foot and in the company of a guide depends on the tides as it is located on the edge of cliffs. To get there, you have to take national route 288, on the way to Puerto Punta Quilla, 17 km from Puerto Santa Cruz.

This town has great historical value and old buildings through which you can learn about the history of the settlement of the region. It is worth visiting the Misioneros Canyon, the first settlement in Puerto Santa Cruz; the Mario Hernández House of Pioneers Museum and the Carlos Borgialli Regional Museum.

More information about this destination at the official website of the province of Santa Cruz.

54 km south of Puerto Santa Cruz and taking a 16 km gravel detour along provincial route 63, is the Monte León National Park, with one of the main colonies of Magellanic penguins in the country and more than 60,000 pairs. You can spot different types of birds such as terns, seagulls, cormorants and double-collared plovers.

It has walking trails: the main route of only 400 meters invites you to observe a sea lion roost. You can also do a three-hour, medium-difficult trek to the confluence of the Santa Cruz and Chico rivers (it is recommended to check the tide table beforehand). Another route that can be done on foot is through the penguin colony area.

To enter, you must register in advance at the information center. More information in the unmissable Monte León National Park.

54 km south of Puerto Santa Cruz and taking a 16 km gravel detour along provincial route 63, is the Monte León National Park, with one of the main colonies of Magellanic penguins in the country and more than 60,000 pairs. You can spot different types of birds such as terns, seagulls, cormorants and double-collared plovers.

It has walking trails: the main route of only 400 meters invites you to observe a sea lion roost. You can also do a three-hour, medium-difficult trek to the confluence of the Santa Cruz and Chico rivers (it is recommended to check the tide table beforehand). Another route that can be done on foot is through the penguin colony area.

To enter, you must register in advance at the information center. More information in the unmissable Monte León National Park.

208 km from Monte León along national route 3 you reach Río Gallegos, the capital of Santa Cruz and the most important urban centre of the province.

30 km from the city is Punta Loyola, where the Gallegos River flow into the Atlantic Ocean. On its beaches, there is the Marjorie Glenn, an old wrecked ship from where you can have a unique panoramic view. You can also visit the Blue Lagoon, 62 km to the south along RN 3, where the Pali Aike geological formation is located.

Walking through the old town you can see typical buildings and some museums that tell the shistory of the first settlers, as well as the recent past: the Governor Gregores Historical House and that of María Auxiliadora, the Malvinas Argentinas War Museum, the Naval Museum, the Pioneers Museum, among others.

More information in the official website of Río Gallegos.

208 km from Monte León along national route 3 you reach Río Gallegos, the capital of Santa Cruz and the most important urban centre of the province.

30 km from the city is Punta Loyola, where the Gallegos River flow into the Atlantic Ocean. On its beaches, there is the Marjorie Glenn, an old wrecked ship from where you can have a unique panoramic view. You can also visit the Blue Lagoon, 62 km to the south along RN 3, where the Pali Aike geological formation is located.

Walking through the old town you can see typical buildings and some museums that tell the shistory of the first settlers, as well as the recent past: the Governor Gregores Historical House and that of María Auxiliadora, the Malvinas Argentinas War Museum, the Naval Museum, the Pioneers Museum, among others.

More information in the official website of Río Gallegos.

Continuing south for about 110 km of gravel, you reach the Cabo Vírgenes Provincial Reserve, the southernmost continental point in Argentina where the Argentine Sea meets the Magellan Strait. Here you can see a colony of Magellanic penguins, the second largest in South America, with more than 250,000 pairs. The best time of year to visit is from October to March.

A must-see is to take a photo at the sign that indicates the beginning of the legendary National Route 40 and its milestone at kilometre 0. There is located the Cabo Vírgenes lighthouse (dating from 1904) and the Museum of the National University of Southern Patagonia. In summer, next to the lighthouse, the southernmost confectionery and tea house in the country operates with a unique panoramic view of the Strait of Magellan.

Continuing south for about 110 km of gravel, you reach the Cabo Vírgenes Provincial Reserve, the southernmost continental point in Argentina where the Argentine Sea meets the Magellan Strait. Here you can see a colony of Magellanic penguins, the second largest in South America, with more than 250,000 pairs. The best time of year to visit is from October to March.

A must-see is to take a photo at the sign that indicates the beginning of the legendary National Route 40 and its milestone at kilometre 0. There is located the Cabo Vírgenes lighthouse (dating from 1904) and the Museum of the National University of Southern Patagonia. In summer, next to the lighthouse, the southernmost confectionery and tea house in the country operates with a unique panoramic view of the Strait of Magellan.