Between 13,000 and 9,500 years ago, an extraordinary collection of cave art was created at Cueva de las Manos, Río Pinturas. A 1.5-kilometre trail leads to rock overhangs, rock faces and a cave featuring hunting scenes, hand stencils, animal depictions and abstract figures.

Rock Art and Archaeological Heritage

Rock art is not the only way to explore the past in Santa Cruz. Parque Nacional Perito Moreno preserves archaeological evidence of human presence in the region dating back around 10,000 years. Cueva del Puma adds to the picture with rock paintings that are more than 3,000 years old. Exhibitions at Museo de Arqueología Carlos Gradin showcase archaeology and the region’s cultural heritage. If you are interested in the region’s history, you can distinguish between depictions on rock, archaeological evidence and museum exhibitions.

Fruit Farms, Lakes and Nature Watching

In Los Antiguos, visitors can tour commercial fruit farms where berries are grown. Around Lago Buenos Aires, water activities and horseback riding are among the typical offerings. Sport fishing is possible at Lago Posadas and Lago Pueyrredón. Farm visits offer a different experience from water activities and horseback riding, while sport fishing is specifically available at two other lakes.

Laguna de los Cisnes is a protected natural area in Perito Moreno that is ideal for birdwatching. The focus here is on observation, making this nature experience different from the activities around the lakes.

Coast, Hiking Trails and Excursions

Parque Nacional Monte León lies on the coast of the Argentine Sea in the province of Santa Cruz. Its hiking trails include Mirador Cabeza de León and Sendero a Pingüinera. At Sendero Pingüinera, there is a colony of more than 60,000 pairs of Magellanic penguins. These two places offer different experiences: Laguna de los Cisnes is ideal for birdwatching, while Sendero Pingüinera is home to a Magellanic penguin colony.

In Puerto Deseado, two distinct experiences await: you can set out from there to explore Isla Pingüino, or learn about the town’s history at Museo Regional Mario Brozoski. One focuses on the island, the other on Puerto Deseado itself. Near El Chaltén, a hike leads to Huemul Glacier. Ruta 40 offers a broader geographical perspective, connecting the Andes with the Atlantic Ocean in Santa Cruz. This regional connection provides an overarching route alongside the individual hikes and excursions.

Discover more destinations: Departamento Lago Argentino, Ger Aike, Departamento Deseado, Departamento Río Chico, Lago Buenos Aires Department, La Pampa, Santa Fe, Entre Ríos.

For the main travel overview: Argentina.