Things to do in Santa Cruz
Activities
El Chaltén, at the foot of Fitz Roy El Chlatén, located at the foot of Fitz Roy Mountain, is the town from where you can see and climb this beautiful mountain's needle like peaks that stand out in Santa Cruz in the south of Patagonia. El Chaltén is also the youngest city in Argentina. The stone needles of Fitz Roy, a challenge for climbers Mount Fitz Roy is a part, as the Perito Moreno glacier, in Los Glaciares National Park in the south of Patagonia. To reach it you have to go to El Chaltén, located at its feet and at few kilometers from the border with Chile. Things to do in El Chaltén El Chaltén is the trekking capital of Patagonia. An ideal place for hiking the trails of little difficulty or, for the more adventurous, the challenge of ascending to Torre Hill and to the imposing Fitz Roy. Nacional Trekking Festival The city of El Chaltén get ready every March for a new edition of the National Trekking Festival, an event that brings athletic and cultural events to the south of Patagonia. A weekend in El Chaltén El Chalten offers tranquility and magnificent scenery to explore and photograph Patagonia. The city is ideal for those who enjoy mountaineering, hiking, bird watching and biking, among others things.. El Calafate, the glacier town of Patagonia The Perito Moreno glacier, the eighth wonder of the world, is near El Calafate. This town is also the access point to a multitude of mountains of ice that make up the Glaciares National Park, and making it a privileged place in Patagonia and the world. Perito Moreno Glacier: the eighth wonder of the world The Perito Moreno glacier is considered the eighth wonder of the world because of the spectacular views it offers. The imposing mass of ice surrounded by endless forests and mountains is a spectacle that few want to miss when traveling to Patagonia. Perito Moreno Glacier, what you need to know Every year the Perito Moreno glacier generate expectations when it seems ready to breakup. Some information on its characteristics and its history to help understand this phenomenon. The periodic breaking of the Perito Moreno Glacier The Perito Moreno Glacier is an active glacier. It is one of the few advancing glaciers in the world, and the only one in Patagonia. It advances approximately 100 meters per year, generating another phenomenon of shoking beauty: the breaking of the dam it forms in the brazo Rico of Lago Argentino. Punta Bandera Naval detachment The Punta Bandera Argentina Naval detachment is located 45 kilometers from El Calafate. Since its creation in 1978, the detachment provides professional services. The legend of the calafate The tehuelches lived in the El Calafate area and had a legend about the birth of the bush that gives the name of the town. "He who eats calafate will always return" Los Glaciares National Park The Perito Moreno glacier is near El Calafate, a territory ruled by eternal ice. The entire area is inside Los Glaciares National Park, created in 1937 in order to preserve the continental ice field, its thirteen glaciers and various sub-Antarctic forest environments and the steppe of Patagonia. Glaciers, forests and mountains There are infinite possibilities for those who tour the glacier region. On foot, by car or by boat, all are good options to explore this unique area of Patagonia, Argentina. Ice Festival in Calafate For three weekends in a row, in July and August, the Ice Festival is held in El Calafate. True to its name this festival pays tribute to ice with skating, ice hockey, torchlight parades, sleds, sculptures and a "Chueca" match, a very popular sport typical of the area. Lake Argentino Lake Argentino is the largest in Patagonia with its 1,560 square kilometer, and the third one in South America. At 185 meters above sea level, it has a length of 125 km and a maximum width of between 14 and 20 kilometers. The Glaciers and the End of the World Perito Moreno Glacier and Ushuaia are two of the main attractions of the Patagonia. Both destinations attract thousands of tourists from around the world each year. Municipal Ecological Reserve A circuit just 1 km from El Calafate that invites you to bird watching. More than 80 species provide a unique spectacle in the nature reserve. Torres del Paine from El Calafate Torres del Paine National Park is 210 km south from El Calafate. A national park that belongs to the Chilean territory and where you can see lakes and emerald green small lakes in a mountainous frame outlined by the Cuernos and Torres del Paine hills. Traveling to Lake Roca from El Calafate Lake Roca is 50 kilometers from El Calafate and its within Los Glaciares National Park, an ideal place to enjoy the typical Patagonia steppe landscape in contrast to the lenga and ñires forests. Puerto Deseado: port, cliffs and sea animals Puerto Deseado is a wonderful city of cliffs and a port surrounded by a steppe broken by small hills north of the city. It is on the northeastern coast of Santa Cruz in Patagonia, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Deseado river runs through it and ends in an ria in the sea, called Gulf San Jorge. The Jaramillo Petrified Forest The Jaramillo Petrified Forest is located in northern Santa Cruz in Patagonia, 256 kilometers from Puerto Deseado. The site is impressive and it is considered one of the most important fossil sites in the country. The strikes of 1921, a testimony Strikes in area of Puerto Deseado between 1917 and 1921 were part of a much broader movement that affected the workers of the whole of the province of Santa Cruz in Patagonia. Ria Deseado Nature Reserve The Ria Deseado nature reserve, on whose entrance stands Puerto Deseado in the Patagonia, is a wonderful place to visit and enjoy. The ria is a river that left its channel, and it was occupied by the sea. The Grotto of Lourdes in Puerto Deseado The pilgrimage to the Virgin of Lourdes is the most important annual event in Puerto Deseado in Patagonia. The Grotto of Lourdes is located 14 km from the town. It is a majestic sanctuary located in the canyon "De las Bandurrias". Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve Cabo Blanco is an Nature Reserve that is close to Puerto Deseado in Patagonia. There you can visit a colony of fur seals and a lighthouse. Rockhopper penguins in Puerto Deseado There is a colony of Rockhopper penguins near Puerto Deseado. That species is found only in the southern hemisphere. Because of its accessibility and proximity, Puerto Deseado is perhaps the best place to see them. The Historic Wagon of Puerto Deseado The historic wagon of Puerto Deseado is located at the corner of San Martin and Admiral Brown and is visited by most tourists passing through town. Activities in the Ría Puerto Deseado Athletes from around the country visit Puerto Deseado to participate in the two disciplines: the Cross to the Ria and the Descent of the Ria Deseado. They are held between late January and early February every year. Trekking in Puerto Deseado Several hiking options are available to discover nature and the history of Patagonia near Puerto Deseado. Laura Bay Nature Reserve Laura Bay Nature Reserve is located 150 kilometers south of Puerto Deseado. It covers the area between the lighthouse Camapana and Cape Guardian. Puerto San Julián Puerto San Julian, of about 7000 inhabitants, is located in a picturesque bay between Cape Curioso and Punta Desengaño and it is an ideal place to meet, relax and enjoy being in the Atlantic coast. Places to visit in San Julián The town of Puerto San Julian invites you to visit the various attractions that make it an interesting and compelling place to explore and enjoy a pleasant stay. The natural richness of the bay of San Julián The great diversity of species on the coast makes of Puerto San Julian a site with great potential for tourism as few places in the province have. There it was created the Natural Reserve of San Julián Peninsula on the eastern shore of the bay, 25 km from the city. Nautical Excursions in Puerto San Julián From Puerto San Julián you can take a ride in small boats from which you will see species of Patagonian seabirds and know some of the world's best corners as the penguin colony. Río Turbio The city of Río Turbio is located in the south of Santa Cruz, about 268 km from Río Gallegos, capital of the province. Here is one of the most important coalfields of Patagonia that gave birth to the town. The Valdelen ski resort of Río Turbio Just 4 km from the city of Río Turbio, in the vicinity of Mina 1 spot on the hill Dorotea, is the Winter Sports Resort Valdelén (Beech Valley) run by the Club Andino Río Turbio. Cape Vírgenes Nature Reserve From Río Gallegos you can visit Cape Vírgenes in Patagonia. This is one of the main colonies of Magellanic penguins on the coast of Argentina and it also has the distinction of being the southernmost point of continental Argentina and America. Magellanic Penguins Magellanic penguins (Spheniseus magellanicus) spotted by the first Europeans in Magellan's voyage in 1520 were described by the chronicler Antonio Pigafetta as "strang geese." It is one of the few flightless birds and their wings have become flippers in order to swim. The Eduardo Minnicelli Atrs Museum On November 1st 1996 in the city of Río Gallegos oppened the Arts Museum "Eduardo Minnicelli". It is the first in the province and the southernmost in its specialty. Argoturism: Hill Station tourist farm From Río Gallegos out by the National Route 3 heading east to reach Güer Aike after 27 km. From there continue on National Route 3 north 6 kilometers where there is a junction with Provincial Highway 55, gravel road that runs along the north bank of Gallegos river. Follow it about 30 km to the Hill Station. Grandma Paredes' House, a city attraction In Rio Gallegos you can visit the historic monument dedicated to Grandma Paredes. She had the house on the wharf that had the first telephone in the city. Today it is a historic monument that can be visited. What to do in Río Gallegos Río Gallegos is a strategic point of Patagonia. Visitors to the city can find many attractions to enjoy. Stone Crosses in Patagonia A stone cross is a monument that is built and rised towards a homage or devotion. Usually they are religious and are located in public places, mainly in crosses at churches and roads. In Río Gallegos one was rosed to the memory of the founders of this town. To Punta Loyola from Río Gallegos Punta Loyola is located 37 kilometers west from Río Gallegos and is the point where the Argentine sea joins the ria of Gallegos river. It is also the final point of the traditional National Route 40 that crosses Patagonia. Caleta Olivia: oil city Caleta Olivia, near the border with Chubut, is almost the gateway to the province of Santa Cruz and an area of unmatched beauty. El Gorosito: oil national symbol The city of Caleta Olivia has a monument to the oil workers "El Gorosito", which actually stands for the oil monument in our country. Places to go: coastal road The city of Caleta Olivia offers tourists a lot of activities and places to know in its territory and its surroundings, where you can learn about the history, geography and fauna of the locality. Caleta Olivia, historic circuit Caleta Olivia proposes to go through a circuit along the old historic neighborhoods and homes of the early settlers to learn more about its history. Festivals in Caleta Olivia Various cultural and sports activities are conducted in the city of Caleta Olivia throughout the year. Here are the main events taking place in the town. Patagonian Worker Festival In Caleta Olivia it is done a special celebration to honor all workers. It is the Worker Festival that brings together artists and artisans throughout the region. Provincial Reserve Caleta Olivia An important colony of sea lions is in the Gulf San Jorge, just 10 km from Caleta Olivia. Because of the danger of extinction of this species, it was declared a Nature Reserve to the place where they live, as a way to preserve the species and ensure a not invasive tourism. Perito Moreno Perito Moreno is presented as a typical Patagonian town located 56 km from Los Antiguos, surrounded by rivers and natural beauties. Places to visit in Perito Moreno There are several points of interest presented by Perito Moreno in the northwest of the province of Santa Cruz. Get to know them and enjoy the scenery. Around Perito Moreno From Perito Moreno, you can visit various attractions in the province of Santa Cruz, such as Los Antiguos, the lake Buenos Aires, the cave of the condors and the Cave of the Hands, among others. Cave of the Hands Festival Every year the Cave of the Hands Festival is celebrated in Perito Moreno. This is an event to honor the main attraction available on the town in which local and national artists meet. Los Antiguos, what to do An oasis in Patagonia, Los Antiguos is located in the northwest corner of the province of Santa Cruz. It offers a world of tourist attractions, a magical place nestled in a fertile valley with the Andes as backdrop. Lake Buenos Aires has its festival Since 2002 the city of Los Antiguos in Santa Cruz celebrates the "Lake Buenos Aires Festival". During the last days of October and early November this party celebrates sports practice on the lake and awareness of the environment. Fly Cast Congress The Fly Cast Congress takes place in mid-August in Los Antiguos, Santa Cruz. The conference extends over three days where fishing, tying, exchange of information and other actvities are held, and of course anecdotes on everything. Cherry Festival Since 1991, during the first days of January the city of Los Antiguos in Patagonia celebrates the Cherry Festival. After the harvest of cherry, the city honors this delicious red fruit. Road of Mount Zeballos from Los Antiguos Route 41, also known as the Road of Mount Zeballos, goes through lakes, rivers, hills, forest and steppes, a landscapes combination you can enjoy walking, horseback riding or fishing. A ranch day in Los Antiguos The city of Los Antiguos offers the possibility to visit the variety of farms that surround it in which you will be able to tour the plantations of fruits and vegetables, taste products, learn how they are processed on a farm. Puerto Santa Cruz Puerto Santa Cruz is located on the south bank of the broad estuary of the Santa Cruz river, only 17 km away from the deep water port of Punta Quilla, at the mouth of the river in the Atlantic Ocean. Provincial Snook Festival The Provincial Snook Festival is held every February in Puerto Santa Cruz. It is a sporting, artistic, cultural and tourism event including craft shows, concerts, the election of the queen of the festival and the traditional fishing competition "12 hours of snook" that convenes every year more fishing enthusiasts in the region and country. To get to know the city The town of Puerto Santa Cruz has an important historical content and a unique richness that can be seen in its various tourist spots. Sailing Voyage in Puerto Santa Cruz In Puerto Santa Cruz it is held every year the Sailing Voyage in commemoration of Charles Darwin who visited Patagonia with Fitz Roy in 1833. Gobernador Gregores City Gobernador Gregores is a town of 7,000 inhabitants that is located in the center of the province of Santa Cruz on the Chico river valley surrounded by plateaus and a prime location. Perito Moreno National Park Perito Moreno National Park was created in 1937 on the northwest of the province of Santa Cruz in order to preserve the fauna, flora and fossils found in the region. Gobernador Gregores: In the Footsteps of the Strikers From the town of Gobernador Gregores is presented another option to learn more about the history of Santa Cruz and our country. The historic circuit "In the footsteps of the strikers" is a tribute to workers killed in the strikes of 1921. Lake Strobel from Gobernador Gregores Lake Strobel is located in the center of Santa Cruz province at 115 kilometers from the town of Gobernador Gregores. This lake is known for the large size of the trouts that can be fished in it. Comandante Luis Piedrabuena: general data The people of Santa Cruz say that Comandante Luis Piedrabuena is an oasis in the Patagonia. An oasis that has 5000 inhabitants and stands on the great estuary formed by the rivers Santa Cruz and Chico at the foot of a large plateau. Pavón Island Resort Pavón Island is located 3 km from the town of Comandante Luis Piedra, between the main bridge and the secondary bridge over Santa Cruz river. The Resort offers visitors the chance to spend a pleasant, quiet and at peace stay with friends or family. International Steelhead Trout Festival The International Steelhead Trout Festival takes place in late March or early April in Luis Piedrabuena, because this town is considered the "National Capital of Steelhead Trout", for being one of the places in the country where you can find this variety of "heads of steel" trouts in greater numbers and size. Children's Theme Park Comandate Piedrabuena has a new recreational space for the young ones with the theme of cartoon characters as Patoruzú and Isidoro Cañonez. Botanical and Recreational Garden Park San Carlos The city of Piedrabuena has the only botanical garden in the province of Santa Cruz and it is the southernmost in the world. There you can live a unique and magical experience learning about nature and its historical context. Swans arrive to Piedrabuena The sighting of black-necked and coscoroba swans is one of the attractions of the town of Piedrabuena in the month of November because you can see whole families wandering the shores of river. Pico Truncado The city of Pico Truncado, also known as the Gas Capital and the National Southern Folklore Capital, is the third largest city in the province of Santa Cruz. It is located on the steppe of Patagonia, an area of great aridity by winds from the west. Wind Farm in Pico Truncado The Wind Farm "Jorge Romanutti" is in the southwest of the town of Pico Truncado and it was reopened on March 5, 2001 after having been out of operation because of one of the turbines had failed. Cueva de las Manos: a Cultural Heritage of Humanity The rock art that keeps the Cueva de las Manos, the oldest known of South American peoples led UNESCO to declare it Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The whole surrounding area is a rich archaeological and paleontological site.