Villarino Partido: Landscapes, Thermal Baths and Cultural Heritage

Villarino Partido brings together vast plains, an Atlantic coastline, lagoons, salt flats and the irrigated valley of the Río Colorado. This diversity offers a range of travel experiences: at Balneario La Chiquita, wide beaches, clear water and large dunes define the unspoiled surroundings. The area is especially known for fishing and water sports. Other destinations focus on thermal baths, historic sites or salt production.

Landscapes, Water and Thermal Baths

Laguna Chasicó lies 21 meters below sea level and is designated a provincial nature reserve for its size and the diversity of its flora and fauna. It is also known for abundant pejerrey fishing. Near Nicolás Levalle, the Salinas Chicas shape the landscape with vast expanses of water and white salt; salt is still produced there.

At Lago Parque La Salada, a signposted nine-kilometer trail offers the chance to get around on foot, by bicycle or by vehicle. Swimming, windsurfing and kitesurfing are also possible at the lake. The focus here is on both land-based activities and water sports.

Termas de Médanos is set on an 18-hectare wooded site surrounded by nature and wildlife. Its facilities include indoor swimming pools and an artificial thermal lake that you can explore on foot or by kayak. Termas de Luro Hotel Spa has water at 70 °C, valued for its mineral composition and associated therapeutic effects. The beach is accessible from the hotel via a private entrance.

History and Cultural Sites

The history of Fortín Mercedes began with an initial fort built in 1833 by order of Juan Manuel de Rosas and named Fortín Colorado. After a flood, it was moved to its current location in 1858; in 1966, the Argentine Army rebuilt it. Complejo Fortín Mercedes offers a historic nature walk along the banks of the Río Colorado.

Paseo La Chimenea is a green space at a site marked by a ruin, bringing together history and religion. The site was once home to the first factory producing tomato paste in Villarino Partido. Casona de San Adolfo also offers a glimpse of architectural history: the Luro family residence dates from the early 20th century, is designed in the French Neoclassical style, has 26 rooms and is a municipal historic monument.

The historic Divisadero de Rosas viewpoint is associated with Juan Manuel de Rosas’s First Expedition to the Desert. Permission from the Salesian institution is required to visit. Estación Nicolás Levalle offers a different perspective on local history: the former railway station has been converted into a museum, cultural center and tea room. Its exhibitions explore salt production, local life and rural culture.

Museo Regional y Misionero Padre Juan Edmundo Vecchi preserves historical objects related to the educational, evangelizing and missionary work of the Salesian congregation founded by Don Bosco. Its collection includes more than 6,000 botanical, zoological and mineralogical objects from the region. You can also encounter religious history at Ermita de Ceferino Namuncurá, inaugurated in 2000 and featuring a statue of Ceferino Namuncurá. Sinagoga de Médanos is a provincial monument associated with the first Jewish settlers who arrived in the town at the beginning of the 20th century.

At the historic railway bridge over the Río Colorado in Pedro Luro, panoramic views go hand in hand with opportunities for birdwatching. Villa Pajarito, near Estación Nicolás Levalle, also offers birdwatching opportunities and a themed space.

Wine and Regional Production

You can also discover regional production in a variety of ways. The vineyards of Bodega y Viñedos Al Este cover 25 hectares. A tour there covers every stage of production, and tastings are also available. Sabor Pampeano offers tours of its farm and growing areas with tastings, and explains how its products are made by hand.

Getting There and Planning Your Hotel Stay

RN 22 and RN 3 are important routes for getting to Villarino Partido. Transporte El Villarino is listed as a bus connection. Then check which hotel location best suits the destinations you have planned.

Discover more destinations: Pedro Luro, Suipacha Partido, Pila Partido, Dolores Partido, Adolfo Alsina Partido, 9 De Julio, Cañuelas Partido, Lanús Partido.

For the regional travel overview: Buenos Aires.