Deseado Department: Coast, Nature and History
Accommodation in Deseado Department
Commerson’s dolphins, sea lions, Magellanic penguins and cormorants are among the coastal species visitors may encounter at the RĂa Deseado Provincial Reserve. The protected area is located in Puerto Deseado, in Deseado Department; the Isla PingĂĽino Marine Interjurisdictional Park is also located there. Each protected area brings its own character to the coastal landscape.
Coast, Wildlife and Excursions
A boat trip on the RĂa Deseado is an activity for visitors to Puerto Deseado. An excursion to the Isla PingĂĽino Marine Interjurisdictional Park is also offered from Puerto Deseado. Visiting the Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve and hiking in Monte Loayza Provincial Park are also activities for visitors to Puerto Deseado. The options differ considerably: the focus on the RĂa is a boat trip, Monte Loayza is associated with hiking, and Cabo Blanco with a visit to the nature reserve.
An old lighthouse stands on Isla PingĂĽino; it was inaugurated in 1903. It adds a concrete historical connection to the natural attractions. Puerto Deseado can be reached by car via National Route 3, followed by Provincial Route 27.
Petrified Flora and Local History
Jaramillo Petrified Forests National Park preserves one of the country’s most significant concentrations of fossil flora. This distinctive feature also gives Jaramillo a natural history dimension. Those interested in regional history will find further points of interest in Jaramillo and Fitz Roy: the historic and tourist route commemorating the “1921 Strike” ends in both towns. The first school to be declared provincial cultural heritage is preserved there.
The “La Era del Hielo” themed museum is another excursion destination in Jaramillo and Fitz Roy. Together, the route, the school and the museum offer different ways to explore history and cultural heritage. You can include these themes in your travel plans alongside nature experiences, rather than focusing your stay on just one kind of excursion.
Caleta Olivia: Promenade, Nature Reserve and Landmark
The bay that gives Caleta Olivia its name has been an urban nature reserve since 1992. Caleta Olivia has a 4.5-kilometre waterfront promenade for walks by the sea. Another landmark is El Gorosito: the nearly 13-metre-tall bronze statue was erected in 1969. Caleta Olivia is known as the “City of Whales” because of the great diversity and concentration of whales and other cetaceans found there, as well as how easily they can be observed.
Local cuisine has its own distinctive feature, too: the catch of the day is considered a classic. Caleta Olivia is also the first stop on the Ruta Azul tourist corridor. The waterfront promenade, nature reserve and city landmark give the town a different character from the coastal and boat excursions around Puerto Deseado.
Choose the Focus That Suits You
Discover more destinations: Puerto Deseado, Aguada Grande, Caleta Olivia, Lago Buenos Aires Department, Lago Argentino Department, GĂĽer Aike, RĂo Chico Department.
Back to the main travel overview: Santa Cruz.
