Rock art, steppe and striking viewpoints shape the experiences around Lago Buenos Aires Department. When planning your trip, the first decision is what you want to focus on: trekking in Reserva Natural Silvestre La Ascensión, archaeological history at Cueva de las Manos or activities in Los Antiguos. These places and themes offer different starting points rather than combining into a single fixed itinerary.

Trekking between the lake, steppe and plateau

In Reserva Natural Silvestre La Ascensión, an extensive network of trekking trails leads from the shores of Lago Buenos Aires to the ancient rock formation of Meseta del Lago Buenos Aires. Along the way, coirón grasslands, mallines, scrubland and rocky climbs alternate; viewpoints, shelters and campsites are also scattered across the Patagonian steppe. This lets you focus on the landscape features that interest you most.

The individual trails also have different highlights. Sendero Cerro Negro crosses striking rocks smoothed by glaciation on the way to a summit 575 meters above sea level; from there, panoramic views extend across the protected area and the lake. The climb to the meseta reaches the highest part of the protected area and opens up 360-degree views of the meseta, Lago Buenos Aires, the steppe and the Andes. The meseta is also habitat for the Macá tobiano and protects basalt formations, high-altitude flora, lichens and endemic reptiles.

At Sendero Cerro de la Calle, Cenozoic teschenite rock walls from the Los Antiguos Formation are a geological highlight. The trail also offers panoramic views and passes condor and eagle nesting sites. Sendero Roca Guacha crosses the steppe, passing mallines and old molle trees before reaching a distinctive rock outcrop and a viewpoint. Visitors interested in birds can take Sendero Laguna COA to observe various waterbird species.

Facilities and conditions in the protected area

The areas also differ in the options they offer for a break or an overnight stay outdoors. Área Caburé offers picnic and camping facilities, including fire pits, grills, running water, restrooms and RV sites. The La Ascensión sector has two campsites, as well as a visitor center and shelters. Check the current availability of these facilities before your trip.

Área El Rincón is a rest stop for trekkers on their way to Meseta del Lago Buenos Aires. Only camping stoves may be used there; check the current rules before your trip. The site also includes a former summer grazing station that is no longer in use. The combination of a rest stop and a history of traditional land use distinguishes El Rincón from the viewpoints along the trails.

Rock art and estancia history

Near the destination is Cueva de las Manos, a National Historic Monument and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999. Groups of people used the archaeological complex, with interruptions, over a period of 8,000 years. At the cave, a 1.5-kilometer walking trail leads to rock overhangs, steep walls and a cave containing hunting scenes, hand stencils, animal figures and abstract shapes made with mineral pigments. These images were created by hunter-gatherers more than 9,000 years ago.

Another historical trail leads to the former Estancia La Ascensión, founded in 1912. The historic route passes buildings with original façades, the sheep-shearing shed, corrals, farm machinery and the Matera; the stops tell the story of the place. The estancia was a sheep farm that produced wool and meat. Hundreds of farmworkers lived there, shaped by the rural culture and folkloric traditions of southern Patagonia.

Perito Moreno and Los Antiguos

In the municipality of Perito Moreno, the Museo de Arqueología Carlos Gradin preserves material evidence of the hunter-gatherers who left their marks at Cueva de las Manos. The museum also offers VinculArte, an immersive guided experience with viewing devices for visitors who cannot visit the archaeological site because of limited mobility. You can reach Perito Moreno by car via Ruta Nacional 40 and provincial routes 41 and 43.

Activities offered in Los Antiguos include hiking, trekking, sport fishing, water sports and birdwatching. Herons, flamingos and other birds can be spotted at Reserva Urbana Laguna de los Juncos; Mirador Uendeunk offers views of the valley and Lago Buenos Aires. Tourist orchards growing gourmet fruit are also open to visitors. Cherries are especially popular with residents and visitors; check in advance whether a particular orchard offers visits.

This way, you can choose where to go based on your interests without committing to a fixed route.

Discover more destinations: Perito Moreno, Ger Aike, Lago Argentino Department, Río Chico Department, Deseado Department.

See the main travel overview: Santa Cruz.