Santa Cruz Province, located in the heart of Argentine Patagonia, is a paradise for adventure seekers and nature lovers. With its breathtaking landscapes, pristine rivers, and rugged mountains, this region offers some of the finest outdoor experiences in the world. Whether you are an angler in search of trophy trout or a trekking enthusiast eager to explore untouched wilderness, Santa Cruz has something for everyone.
Santa Cruz is the third province in Patagonia in terms of accommodation infrastructure (including hotels and alternative lodging), accounting for 2.6% of the country’s establishments and 2.3% of total bed capacity.
The main tourist attractions in the province are organized along two routes: National Route No. 40 (the mountainous corridor) and National Route No. 3 (the coastal corridor).
El Calafate stands out as the primary tourist city, located around Lake Argentino. Another prominent tourist center is El Chaltén, situated near Lake Viedma and Mount Fitz Roy, offering abundant opportunities for active tourism related to mountaineering and trekking.
Santa Cruz is home to some of the best fishing spots on the planet, boasting an abundance of giant trout. The province’s crystal-clear rivers and lakes, such as the Río Gallegos, Río Santa Cruz, and Lago Strobel (also known as Jurassic Lake), provide the perfect habitat for massive rainbow and brown trout. Anglers from around the world flock to these waters for the chance to catch record-breaking specimens, often exceeding 10 kilograms. Whether fly fishing or spin casting, the experience is truly unmatched.
For those who prefer to explore on foot, Santa Cruz offers an extensive network of hiking and trekking trails that traverse some of the most dramatic landscapes in South America. The iconic Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre peaks near El Chaltén attract climbers and hikers from all over the world. The trails here range from easy walks through lenga forests to challenging multi-day treks through glacial valleys and rugged mountain terrain.
One of the most popular hikes is the Laguna de los Tres trail, which rewards adventurers with an awe-inspiring view of Mount Fitz Roy. For a more remote experience, the Perito Moreno Glacier offers unique trekking opportunities, allowing visitors to walk on the ice and witness the grandeur of one of the largest glaciers in the world.
For adventure lovers, Santa Cruz provides thrilling mountain biking trails that traverse rugged landscapes, forests, and breathtaking mountain passes. The terrain varies from gentle rolling paths to challenging steep climbs, making it an ideal destination for both beginners and experienced riders.
Additionally, the province is a haven for bird watching, offering the chance to observe some of Patagonia’s most unique species. Enthusiasts can spot Andean condors soaring over the mountains, Magellanic woodpeckers in the forests, and vibrant flamingos in the wetlands. Santa Cruz’s diverse ecosystems provide a sanctuary for countless bird species, making it a must-visit destination for wildlife lovers.
Santa Cruz offers a diverse range of activities, including winter sports, visits to natural parks, active tourism (trekking, rafting, mountaineering, kayaking), hiking, sport fishing, paleontological tourism, mountain biking, and bird watching.
The Los Glaciares National Park area is the most developed region in the province and one of the key attractions for both resident and non-resident tourists. It ranks first in visits among protected national areas in Patagonia and second nationwide (after Iguazu Falls).
As of July 2022, the national parks in the province received a total of 366,632 visitors, reflecting a 212% increase compared to the same period the previous year, when the pandemic’s effects were still impacting the sector. Compared to 2019, the number of visitors was nearly the same, with only a 1% decrease. Of these visitors, 84% were national tourists, while the remaining 16% were international visitors.
Additionally, in the first seven months of 2022, the province received 4,616 commercial flights between the airports of El Calafate (3,015) and Río Gallegos (1,601). This represented an almost 100% increase compared to the same period in the previous year, even while the pandemic continued to heavily affect the sector, and a 7% growth compared to 2019.
Beyond fishing and hiking, Santa Cruz is home to stunning national parks, vast steppe landscapes, and unique wildlife, including guanacos, pumas, and Andean condors. Whether you are casting a line in a legendary river, trekking through towering peaks, cycling through breathtaking trails, or spotting rare bird species, Santa Cruz promises an adventure of a lifetime. Plan your trip and immerse yourself in the wild beauty of Patagonia!
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