Piedra Parada (RP 12)

Chubut

One of the few unexplored, wild and natural routes in the country. A slow road that only a few know and where you will see the steppe in its purest form. The road follows the winding Chubut River and borders huge rock walls. It starts in a small town, surrounded by poplars and willow trees: Gualjaina. From this point onwards, the ochre steppe shines under the sun. Among hills and low bushes, the road extends like a magic carpet on an arid and firm ground.

Halfway, a big rock stands out. A vertical standing rock, sticking out in the middle of nowhere. This impressive rock, called Piedra Parada, with a base of 100 metres and a height of 240 metres was formed as a result of a volcanic eruption that took place more than 50 million years ago. You will see canyons and rock corridors over 100 metres high. The route continues all the way up to Paso del Sapo. If you decide to take this route, it will be forever engraved in your memory.

Distance: 94 kilometres
Route: Provincial Route 12
Road type: 100% gravel
When: September through April

You can follow this scenic route as part of the Circuit from the Valdés Peninsula to the Los Alerces National Park