In Gastre Department, festival traditions and the history of Casa de Piedra can be explored as distinct travel interests. The Fiesta del Borrego is rooted in Gastre; the Fiesta del Acordeón y la Guitarra takes place in Lagunita Salada. Casa de Piedra is associated with the beginnings of settlement in the area where the rural municipality of Gastre is now located, as well as with historic routes. When planning, it is worth distinguishing recurring festival periods from programme items at individual editions.
Festivals in Gastre and Lagunita Salada
The Fiesta del Borrego is considered a tradition rooted in Gastre. In addition to the Jineteada, a 2020 edition included other rural activities, including Taba. The winners of the Jineteada were also honoured. These examples show different elements of that festival edition without implying that the programme is the same in other years. If you are travelling for the Fiesta, check the dates and programme for your chosen year.
The Fiesta del Acordeón y la Guitarra takes place every year towards the end of January in Lagunita Salada. At a 2016 edition, accordion and guitar were played; there was also dancing, singing, recitation, and zapateo dancing. The festival's recurring annual period offers a guide to when to travel. The performances mentioned, however, refer to a single edition.
Casa de Piedra and historic routes
Casa de Piedra is considered the most important historic landmark associated with the beginnings of settlement in the area where the rural municipality of Gastre is now located. Around 1904, the inn was built as an improved resting place for troops. It was also intended as a stop where caravans and trade trains travelling between southern RÃo Negro, the RÃo Chubut Valley, and the South Atlantic coast could refresh themselves and obtain supplies.
The architecture offers another perspective: the inn follows a European model that was widespread in the early years of the 20th century. Its construction period, purpose, and architecture each offer a different point of connection to local history. Since the late 19th century, carts and horse-drawn caravans have used Gastre's historic tracks, routes, and roads, which developed into an important transport link for wool and various local products. They also served as access routes for goods needed by the rural population. This transport history complements the story of the building with the movement of goods and supplies through Gastre.
Regional orientation and getting there
In tourism planning, Gastre belongs to Microregion No. 1, which also includes Cushamen, Gualjaina, and Paso del Sapo. The Piedra Parada protected area is also part of the tourist region. This regional context provides a broader framework for the trip, while the festival and history topics above offer specific points of interest in Gastre and Lagunita Salada.
A rural access road to Lagunita Salada was proposed in 2022. It begins at Provincial Route 49 at Cruce Colelache, passes through the Paraje Gorro Frigio area, and extends to the Evaristo Fernández provincial bridge. Check the road status before setting out. In adverse weather, rural access roads to Lagunita Salada may be impassable, so factor weather conditions into your plans as well.
Plan your stay around your reason for travelling
If you are looking for a holiday rental in Gastre Department, first decide whether a festival or local history will be your main focus. For a festival visit, the date for the relevant year is key; if you are going to Lagunita Salada, checking the access road is also part of the planning. If you are particularly interested in Casa de Piedra, its historical significance, approximate construction date, and architectural influences can serve as a thematic focus.
Discover more destinations: Gastre, Gaiman Department, Florentino Ameghino Department, Languiñeo Department, Viedma, Escalante Department, Cushamen Department, Futaleufú Department.
For the broader travel overview: Chubut.
