A journey on the Tren Patagónico lets you experience the changing landscapes from the Atlantic coast across the steppe to the Andes. Río Negro therefore brings together very different travel highlights: marine wildlife watching on the coast, vast natural areas inland, and activities around hiking trails and mountains. When looking for accommodation, it helps to first consider which of these highlights you want to shape your stay.
Protected Areas and Landscapes Inland
In the west of the province lies Nahuel Huapi National Park. It covers more than 710,000 hectares and offers a wide variety of routes and trails for hiking in nature. Other activities in the park include boat trips on lakes, rafting, kayaking, cycling excursions, horseback riding, climbing and mountain trekking. If you want to combine different activities, you will find hiking trails as well as options on the water and in the mountains.
Farther south, in the center of Río Negro, lies the Meseta de Somuncurá, a large massif that also extends into parts of Chubut. The ANP Meseta de Somuncurá protected area covers approximately 1,600,000 hectares and belongs to the Monte de Llanuras y Mesetas and Patagonian Steppe ecoregions. Excursions range from activities lasting several hours to multi-day crossings. There are also hikes, horseback rides, photo safaris and birdwatching; you can also experience the local culture. Depending on how much time you have, you can choose between a shorter excursion and a longer crossing.
Coast, Marine Wildlife and Routes
Marine wildlife watching in the Golfo San Matías is mainly focused on Las Grutas and Puerto San Antonio Este, on Bahía de San Antonio. Boat trips run year-round and can last more than two hours. The whale-watching season runs from mid-August to October; check current dates and conditions before traveling. Las Grutas also has an underwater park with snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities at different difficulty levels. The options also include special excursions to a sunken ship.
Along the coast, the Camino de la Costa follows Provincial Route 1 for 210 kilometers. On the northern side of the gulf, the route passes along coastal cliffs. The Tren Patagónico offers journeys from Viedma and San Antonio Oeste to San Carlos de Bariloche, allowing you to experience the changing landscapes from the Atlantic coast across the steppe to the Andes. If you plan to take this train connection, check current operating conditions before traveling.
Hiking and Seasonal Activities
In summer, climbing, trekking, mountain biking and rappelling are available at Cerro Catedral. The trail to Refugio Frey starts next to the Cerro Catedral parking lot; it takes four hours and is rated easy. A few kilometers from El Bolsón lies Cerro Perito Moreno, a winter sports center. It has slopes for beginners and advanced skiers for both alpine and Nordic skiing, as well as snowboarding. The mountain also has sledding slopes and snowshoeing trails. The summer activities at Cerro Catedral and the winter sports options at Cerro Perito Moreno offer different seasonal highlights.
The Complejo Teleférico Cerro Otto is located near Bariloche’s city center. Its facilities include a cable car, a revolving restaurant, a long sledding slope and a funicular. In Mallín Ahogado, a few kilometers from El Bolsón, the Museo de Piedras Patagónicas has an extensive and varied collection of stones and minerals, including 19 meteorites.
Culture and Local Experiences
Museums in Río Negro cover a range of subjects and introduce visitors to the province’s history and culture, as well as its past and present. Breweries also offer opportunities for tours and tastings; offerings include factory tours, live music, and various social and cultural events. Check which of these options an individual establishment offers before visiting.
Plan train journeys and seasonal excursions around the latest dates and operating conditions.
Discover more destinations: Bariloche Department, Pilcaniyeu Department, Cipolletti, El Bolsón, Adolfo Alsina Department, General Roca Department, Paso Flores, San Antonio Department, Pichi Mahuida Department, Avellaneda Department.
Go to the main travel overview: Argentina.
