Bahía Bustamante: Coast, Nature and Wildlife Watching

Bahía Bustamante lies on the coast of Chubut and is a place of great biological diversity. Nature watching also shapes its tourism profile, alongside horseback rides along the coast, bicycle rentals, and the Centro de Interpretación de Patagonia Azul. This gives the destination several points of interest: wildlife, landscapes between the steppe and the sea, and the Centro’s interpretation of nature and outdoor activities.

Coast, Biodiversity and Conservation

Since 2008, the coast of Bahía Bustamante has been part of Argentina’s first interjurisdictional marine coastal park. Since 2015, Bahía Bustamante has been part of the UNESCO Patagonia Azul Biosphere Reserve. The area is also designated as an Important Bird Area; 13 of the 16 seabird species that breed in Argentina are found here. These conservation designations complement the specific information about local birdlife and underscore the destination’s connection with nature.

The Interpretation Center

The former house of Estancia La Ibérica is now home to the Centro de Interpretación de Patagonia Azul. It explains the destination’s sites and activities, as well as threats to the local natural environment. Its scope ranges from helping visitors find their way around the destination to explaining the threats to nature. The center also has a café serving local cuisine. As operating arrangements may change, it is best to check before your visit.

Wildlife Watching and Excursions

Parque Provincial Patagonia Azul highlights boat trips to observe birds and marine mammals in Bahía Bustamante. Horseback rides along the coast of Patagonia Azul start at Portal Bahía Bustamante, cross the steppe to the seashore, and last between 1 hour 30 minutes and 3 hours. Bicycles can be rented at the portal for a half or full day. The routes go from the Arroyo Marea campsite to the Centro de Interpretación and the surrounding area.

When planning, note that the time periods are described differently: the horseback ride duration is given, while the bicycle information refers to the rental period. The routes described also differ: the horseback ride crosses the steppe to the sea, while the bicycle route goes from the campsite to the Centro and the surrounding area. The route and stated time frame can help you choose the activity that suits you.

Hostería Bahía Bustamante offers visits to the petrified forest. Access to the hostería is by advance reservation only.

In the Wider Departamento Escalante

Bahía Bustamante is located in Departamento Escalante. As part of a broader coastal route, the 1,000-kilometer Ruta Azul crosses two provinces and includes both Bahía Bustamante and Comodoro Rivadavia. Comodoro Rivadavia is home to the Museo Nacional del Petróleo, a historic site and science museum built around the Pozo No. 2 drilling site. Argentina’s first state-owned oil was discovered there on December 13, 1907. The museum displays photographs, documents, and machinery; its drilling simulator is unique in the country.

Discover more destinations: Rada Tilly

Back to the broader travel guide: Departamento Escalante.