In Florentino Ameghino Department, discoveries range from coastal landscapes and penguin trails to an unusual historical trace beneath the water. Camarones adds its own cultural history and a lively festival tradition. This is a way to get to know the region through nature, history and its special places by the sea.

Coast and archaeological heritage

Camarones is characterized by coarse-sand beaches, hidden coves and a coastline that opens onto the deep blue sea. Parque Interjurisdiccional Marino Costero Patagonia Austral protects more than 103,000 hectares of the Mar Argentino and Patagonian Steppe ecoregions. This landscape provides the setting for experiences on the water and on land.

Excursions to the Islas Blancas depart from Camarones Bay, where toninas can be observed. The submerged remains of the A.R.A. Villarino also lie off the islands. They are protected as national archaeological cultural heritage. Wildlife-watching excursions and the protected underwater heritage are different aspects of this coastal area.

Camarones: History and Festival Tradition

In 2018, Camarones was declared a Poblado Histórico Nacional. One historical connection is shown by the Museo de la Familia Perón: it reconstructs the house the family lived in when they settled in Camarones in the early 20th century. The original building was damaged by fire. The museum displays objects belonging to the family and the general, period furniture and decorative items, historical photographs, and other related materials.

Casa Rabal also tells the story of local everyday life. The house was the area's first general store and continues to serve its original purpose. In February, another side of local life comes to the fore: Camarones celebrates the Fiesta Nacional del Salmón every year, attracting fishermen and visitors from different parts of Argentina and Chile. The three-day festival ends with the well-known Chupín del Pescador banquet; the exact program may vary.

Trails to Penguins and Coastal Views

Área Natural Protegida Cabo Dos Bahías is a 160-hectare protected area in the department. Cabo Dos Bahías is a breeding ground for the flightless, endemic White-headed Steamer Duck and various cormorant species. An elevated 1 km loop trail allows visitors to observe Magellanic penguins and the resting places of two sea lion species. From Camarones, you can reach the protected area by taking Provincial Route No. 1 south, followed by 28 km of gravel road. Check road conditions before setting out.

Another trail, Cabo Dos Bahías, reaches the park's easternmost point on the mainland, which separates San Jorge Gulf to the south from Bahía Camarones to the north. Allow approximately two and a half hours for the round trip. Mirador de las Islas is accessible by a drivable road and offers a panoramic view of a representative selection of the park's island environments. The trails, viewpoint and wildlife observations offer different ways to experience the coastal landscape.

La Pingüinera offers an easy 800 m loop trail through an important Magellanic penguin nesting site. The colony can be observed there from September to April. In Área Natural Protegida Punta Tombo, a 210-hectare protected area in the department, the 3 km Sendero de la Pingüinera loop trail leads to several viewpoints. There you can observe and photograph penguins, their nests and their behavior during the breeding season. A Centro de Interpretación complements the visit with a journey from the seafloor to the surface and an exploration of coexistence with local wildlife.

Parque Interjurisdiccional Marino Costero Patagonia Austral offers authorized local guided tours, sport fishing and boating excursions. Check provider availability before booking. This lets you tailor the balance between culture in Camarones, wildlife-watching trails and trips on the water to your interests, without every part of the journey having to focus on the same thing.

Discover more destinations: Dos Pozos, Camarones, Cabo Raso, Gastre Department, Rawson Department, Tehuelches Department, Cushamen Department, Futaleufú Department.

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