Rio Gallegos

Rio Gallegos is a centenary city settled on an Antarctic terrace by the estuary of the river bearing the same name. The city has become a major center of tourism. From the center of this city depart all the excursions to the different regions of Austral Patagonia.

Rio Gallegos is the capital of the Province of Santa Cruz, has 65,000 inhabitants, a dry cold climate and a great diversity of services, restaurants and hotels to assist incoming visitors.

The city was founded in 1885 with the purpose of defending the Argentine Sovereignty on the Patagonia territory. Three years later it was declared capital of the province. It was not until 1937 that it gained its importance, after the beginning of the excavations to find oil. Since then, oil and gas which are commercialized locally and exported are the main resources of the area.

Rio Gallegos is a small city and the best way of appreciating its attractiveness is by walking around. The tour can start in Avenida Costanera for appreciating the ( "ria" (a lower river valley submerged by the sea), and the river estuary at the Atlantic Ocean. This tour is very attractive as it is a beautiful park from which coastal birds can be watched as gulls cormorants and albatrosses.

Main Attractions in the City and Around

ARTISANS CENTER: Here can be observed authentic artisan works made by local artisans. The most special works are the hand-loom made. The items offered bear certificates of origin submitted by the Government and the income is devoted to the development of the protection and diffusion of artisan activity. Address: Avenida Roca 658.

CENTRAL CHURCH:

This cathedral, of typical Patagonian architecture of the beginning of the century, was built by aborigines. In 1983 it was declared Historical Monument of the Province. Address: San Martín 139

REGIONAL MUSEUM MANUEL MOLINA:

The museum was founded in 1957 and it exhibits earth and sea paleontology and geologic samples. The exhibition also shows fossils found in Antartica. Father Manuel Jesus Molina founded this museum with the intention of preserving the scientific patrimony of the province. With this purpose he made infinite expeditions by which he was able to recollect the items shown in the museum. Address: Perito Moreno 45 corner Avenida Roca

PIONEERS MUSEUM:

This is an antique construction of English style typical of the zone. The place was the residence of Dr. Arturo Fenton, first physician of the city. Later the house was inhabited by Roque Parisi and his wife Catalina Ness until they passed away. The museum exhibits domestic and valuable items belonging to the pioneers of the Province of Santa Cruz. The museum is open to the public every day from 13 pm to 20 pm. Address: El Cano & Alberdi

PUNTA LOYOLA:

This is an area of great cliffs located at a distance of 37 Km from Rio Gallegos, on route No.40, best to be visited during the day. It is exactly the spot where the "ria Gallegos" meets the sea. There is a port of deep waters Puerto Presidente Illia considered an important fishing port. The "Majori Glenn" ship can be observed on the beach. This is Norwegian vessel that burned down in 1911 near the coast and was dragged to its actual place. Punta Loyola is an excellent place of aquatic sports.

CABO VIRGENES:

This is the end of Continental Argentina, at 134 Km from the city of Rio Gallegos to the south by Route No.1. Crossing the Strait of Magellan can be seen the Island of Tierra del Fuego. This is the place where the Andes ridge turns to the East to arrive at Cabo Virgenes submerging into the Atlantic Ocean to reappear in the Antarctic Continent. This is the end of all the routes. The centenary lighthouse was converted into a museum for remembrance of the first settlers and pioneers. The area is also a natural reserve where different types of coast birds and Magellan Penguins can be watched. The region once attracted many adventurers in search of gold that could be found in the sand.

RIO TURBIO:

This is a village of about 10,000 inhabitants at a distance of 288 from Rio Gallegos and 30 Km from Puerto Natale. It is a mine center with the major coal reserve of the country. The excursion includes entrance to the mines.

60 Km from Rio Gallegos a mysterious sight of volcanic characteristics can be observed. In one the extinguished volcanic craters there is a lagoon of intense coloration. This area in general and the lagoon especially are the subject of investigation and research of different institutions of the world.

ISLA DESEADA:

This is an area of scientific interest and place under special protection. It is located 10 Km from Rio Gallegos. The area included the eco-region of the Patagonian Steppe. The general objective is the protection of diversity of species such as a colony of 800 nesting cormorants and a small colony of 3000 nests of Magellan Penguins. This area does not admit visitors inside.

How to get to Rio Gallegos? : National Route No. 3

from Rio Gallegos to Santa Cruz Seaside