Discover Río Mayo

Río Mayo brings together the history of the wool route, historical exhibitions, river landscapes and guided activities. If you are looking for a hotel for your stay, these different attractions can help you decide on a destination: cultural history, views and wildlife watching, or individual local experiences.

Wool history and historic sites

The Museo Galpón de Esquila Valerio Caruso Bestil preserves the history of the wool route and the National Shearing Festival. According to the municipal tourism portal (as of 2026), a guided presentation focuses on the work of the rural laborer in the shearing trade and lasts 45 minutes. It highlights both the broader context of the wool route and the festival, and the specific work of the shearer.

A historical exhibition about the Malvinas conflict is on display at the Museo sala histórica de Malvinas. According to the municipal tourism portal (as of 2026), the museum also preserves one of four war flags that returned to the continent. According to the municipal tourism portal (as of 2026), the museum therefore offers a distinct historical focus alongside the history of wool.

According to the municipal tourism portal (as of 2026), “La Carreta” stands in Plaza San Martín. It represents the transport of food, wool and other goods, which was used until the 1940s. According to the municipal tourism portal (as of 2026), the Hotel El Viejo Covadonga building also dates from 1929. According to the municipal tourism portal (as of 2026), a photographic tour explores the architectural development of Hotel El Viejo Covadonga and the important events associated with it.

The National Shearing Festival takes place every January in Río Mayo. If you want to plan your trip around it, check the dates before you depart.

River, wildlife watching and views

According to the municipal tourism portal (as of 2026), birds can be watched along the river from Paseo Costero, including ducks, tinamous, bandurria storks and other small birds. According to the municipal tourism portal (as of 2026), locals and visitors also go to Paseo Costero in summer to sunbathe, swim and fish. Birdwatching and the summer use of the riverbank offer different ways to experience the river landscape.

According to the municipal tourism portal (as of 2026), Punto Panorámico is located on a plateau near the airfield. According to the municipal tourism portal (as of 2026), it offers a view of Río Mayo and its surroundings; an information panel explains the geomorphology of the landscape. According to the municipal tourism portal (as of 2026), the views from El Mirador natural safari fotográfico extend across the Patagonian steppe, the sky and the Río Mayo valley, toward the confluence with the Río Senguer. One viewpoint looks out over the town and its surroundings, while the other takes in the steppe and river valley.

Guided activities and regional experiences

According to the municipal tourism portal (as of 2026), an activity at Orizón includes a walk along a footbridge to a natural spring, from which there is a special view of the Río Guenguel valley. According to the municipal tourism portal (as of 2026), the activity lasts 40 minutes. Another part of the program is a tour of the mineral water plant, where the processes for marketing the water are explained. The walk combines a route through the landscape with a view of the valley; the plant tour focuses on the marketing of the water.

At the confluence of the Guenguel and Chalía rivers, which form the Río Mayo, fly fishing offers the chance to catch rainbow trout, perch and pejerreyes. According to the municipal tourism portal (as of 2026), Tracking PachaSur offers guided adventure activities in Río Mayo and its surroundings: challenging trekking over hills, hiking, canoeing and photo safaris. The Río Mayo region also has six mountain biking circuits.

According to the municipal tourism portal (as of 2026), visitors can taste honey in its pure form at Chacra Don Tito. According to the municipal tourism portal (as of 2026), a talk covers bees, beekeeping, the characteristics and classification of species, and honey and its importance in human nutrition. The tasting and the talk offer different perspectives on honey. Río Mayo also offers a gastronomic experience featuring local Patagonian lamb.

For the broader travel overview: Departamento Río Senguer.