From Viedma to Las Grutas

Viedma is one of the most important cities in Patagonia, and the capital city of the province. Located on the south bank of the Negro River, it has a beautiful promenade of over 5 km, beaches and quiet waters to go canoeing, sailing or boating. On the other side of the river, you will find Carmen de Patagones, the southernmost city in the province of Buenos Aires, also known as "Patagonia's cradle of history." Over 230 years of history are reflected in its monuments, attractions and historic sites, as well as in the most ancient and representative constructions of Argentine history. Together with Viedma, they are part of a region of astounding natural beauty.

Here is where the amazing trip along the Route of the Cliffs starts. Located 20 minutes away from the city of Viedma, along the Scenic Route 1, the El Cóndor Beach is the first stop offering more than 10 km of sandy beaches. It has all the services, including hotels, camping sites and restaurants.

In service since 1887 and recognized as historical heritage, it is the oldest lighthouse in Patagonia. On the beach, you will not only see sea birds and migratory birds, but you will also find the biggest colony of burrowing parrots in the world, and the only one of its kind.

La Lobería is a sand and pebble beach surrounded by cliffs with a unique characteristic: with low tide, you can enjoy the natural pools that start appearing in the rocks. There is a car park, a tea house, a restaurant and a camping site with a grocery store.

A paradise of blue and green waters with one of the largest South American sea lion colonies in the continent. From its viewpoints, you can also see swallows and burrowing parrots nesting on the cliffs. This reserve has a Fauna Interpretation Centre that you can visit all year round. From June to the beginning of December, you can find killer whales, Southern right whales and Commerson's dolphins.

The road winds down the cliffs to continue parallel to the sea. Rosas Bay appears among sand dunes with its wide and quiet beaches with deep waters that are ideal for fishing.

Located in the northern end of the San Matías Gulf, Bahía Creek is a small tourist town with a grocery store, a camping site with services and some accommodation options. It is a seaside retreat ideal for relaxing for a few days.

Located in Pozo Salado, the Caleta de los Loros Reserve is a 9000-hectare protected nature area. During low tide, the water moves away revealing a great ecosystem with rich flora and fauna.

It is a small fishing town on the shores of the San Antonio Bay with some accommodation options and services. With more than 10 km of beaches, you can fish from the shore or take a nautical tour to observe the sea fauna. The Bahía San Antonio Protected Nature Area was created here to preserve its natural environment where different migratory bird species breed, feed and rest. One of the species that inhabits this area is the grey plover. Every year, this bird migrates in big flocks from Tierra del Fuego to the North Pole and back. It is considered an IBA site (Important Bird and Biodiversity Area). The reserve ends to the south of Las Grutas.

An 11-kilometre-long beach that from far away looks like a white sandy beach, but from up close, you will realise it is covered with crunchy seashells that extend over to the sand dunes. Given its location, it is one of the few beaches in the Argentine coast from where you can see the sunset over the sea. It does not offer services, and there are only two facilities.

Inaugurated in 1983, this deep water port gave life to the town, which offers accommodation and camping sites near the sea, as well as seafood houses, bars and restaurants to enjoy the catch of the day.

Beaches with white sand and crystalline blue and green waters. You can rent kayaks or stand up paddle boards, take a nautical trip or go boat fishing.

A virgin beach of golden sand. With a colony of sea lions resting on its coasts, this spot is one of the best places to enjoy the beauty of solitude.

A fishing city with some accommodation options and services. La Mar Grande is its nicest beach with a huge sand desert, wild landscapes and shallow waters. You will find beach birds and even flamingos. If you enjoy fishing and kitesurfing, this is a place you cannot miss.

The journey ends in the most popular beach of Río Negro: Las Grutas. Its transparent waters are the warmest in the Argentine coast, with an average temperature of 20 degrees Celsius. It is one of the best places for diving: one of its main attractions is the Underwater Park, created with artificial reefs, with specific areas for first dives and other deeper areas for seasoned divers. Boat tours depart from this point to observe the sea fauna of the San Matías Gulf: sea lions, dolphins, and between August and October, whales. The whole area is ideal for birdwatching or wildlife photography.