Marcos Paz brings together natural and cultural themes that can be prioritized according to personal interests: a protected grassland, a botanical garden, a circular route for various activities, museums and a historic church building. The Reserva Natural „El Durazno“ and the JardĂn Botánico Municipal „Florencio Malatesta“ represent different aspects of natural heritage. Fossil collections and architectural history add further points of interest.
Natural heritage in the reserve and botanical garden
The Reserva Natural „El Durazno“ was designated by Provincial Decree No. 469/2011 to protect 435 hectares of grassland. The area preserves characteristics of pre-Columbian grasslands. Its birdlife is also specifically described: the reserve is home to more than 60 bird species. The focus is therefore both on protecting a distinctive grassland landscape and on its biodiversity.
The JardĂn Botánico Municipal „Florencio Malatesta“ also contributes to the conservation of biodiversity. It preserves original plantings from the Quinta de Devoto as well as native species. The two places therefore have different emphases: the reserve focuses on grassland and birdlife, while the botanical garden focuses on plantings and native species. Those particularly interested in natural environments will find two distinct topics here that can be explored separately.
The Eco-Bicisenda: one circular route, three activities
The Eco-Bicisenda is a 3.5-kilometer circular route along the Arroyo La Paja. You can walk, run or cycle along the same route; the stated distance refers to the loop. The listed facilities include rest areas, health-promoting exercise equipment and 30 solar-powered LED lights. As individual facilities may change, it is advisable to check their current status before visiting.
For planning, the circular route offers a specific way to include physical activity in your stay. Choose between a walk, a run or a bike ride according to the activity you prefer. Along with the rest areas and exercise facilities, it offers a different way to experience nature than observing the grassland or exploring the plants in the botanical garden.
Fossils, exhibitions and history
The Museo de Ciencias Naturales „Lucas Kraglievich“ houses a significant collection of fossils discovered in the surrounding area. These include remains of mastodons, glyptodonts and toxodonts. The collection combines links to local finds with several distinct fossil groups. The exhibitions are complemented by educational and recreational activities for all ages; individual activities may vary.
The Museo Islas Malvinas offers a different thematic focus. It displays various objects, items of clothing and photographs related to the Falklands War. The distinction is clear when choosing according to your interests: the natural history museum focuses on fossils found in the surrounding area, while the Museo Islas Malvinas focuses on objects and images related to the war.
The Templo San Marcos Evangelista is also one of the historical sites in Marcos Paz. Its building dates from 1917; in 2000, the church was declared a sanctuary. The two dates mark different milestones: 1917 is the date of construction, while 2000 marks its later designation as a sanctuary. This makes it possible to distinguish the building’s history from its religious designation.
Choose nature or culture as your main focus
For a nature-focused stay, the places described offer different perspectives: grassland and bird species at the Reserva Natural „El Durazno“, plants at the JardĂn Botánico Municipal „Florencio Malatesta“ and physical activity on the Eco-Bicisenda. Those who prefer cultural and historical topics can focus on fossils, the exhibitions at the two museums and the Templo San Marcos Evangelista. This lets you choose how to spend your time in Marcos Paz based on your interests in landscape, activity, collections or architectural history.
For the broader travel overview: Marcos Paz Partido.
