Florentino Ameghino Department: Coast, Nature and History
Accommodation in Florentino Ameghino Department
Coarse-sand beaches, hidden coves and a coastline opening onto the deep blue sea define Camarones. In Florentino Ameghino Department, these coastal impressions meet protected areas, penguin trails and a town with a history of its own. Wildlife watching, landscapes and culture each offer a distinct focus for your travel plans.
Coast and protected landscapes
The Patagonia Austral Interjurisdictional Marine and Coastal Park protects more than 103,000 hectares of the Argentine Sea and Patagonian Steppe ecoregions; the park includes Camarones in the department. The area is also home to the Cabo Dos BahĂas Protected Natural Area, covering 160 hectares, and the Punta Tombo Protected Natural Area, covering 210 hectares. The range therefore extends from a vast coastal and steppe landscape to two smaller protected areas.
Cabo Dos BahĂas is a breeding ground for the flightless steamer duck, an endemic species, as well as several cormorant species. An elevated, 1 km circular trail in the protected area lets visitors observe Magellanic penguins and the resting places of two sea lion species. The Cabo Dos BahĂas trail also reaches the park’s easternmost point on the mainland. This point separates the Gulf of San Jorge to the south from BahĂa Camarones to the north; allow approximately two and a half hours for the round trip.
A road leads to Mirador de las Islas, which offers panoramic views of a representative selection of the park’s island environments. From Camarones, you can reach the Cabo Dos BahĂas Protected Natural Area by taking Provincial Route No. 1 south; the route covers 28 km on a gravel road. Check the road conditions again before setting out.
Penguin trails and experiences by the sea
The La PingĂĽinera circular trail is 800 m long and easy to walk. It passes through an important Magellanic penguin nesting area; the colony can be observed there from September to April. At the Punta Tombo Protected Natural Area, the 3 km Sendero de la PingĂĽinera passes several viewpoints. During the breeding season, visitors can observe and photograph penguins, their nests and their behavior. The Interpretation Center at Punta Tombo adds a tour that follows a theme from the seabed to the surface and explores coexistence with local wildlife.
Excursions to the Islas Blancas depart from Camarones Bay, where toninas (Commerson’s dolphins) can be observed. The Patagonia Austral Interjurisdictional Marine and Coastal Park also offers authorized local guided tours, sport fishing and nautical excursions. Check whether these activities are available before booking. The remains of the A.R.A. Villarino lie underwater off the Islas Blancas and are protected as nationally significant archaeological heritage.
History and traditions in Camarones
Camarones was declared a National Historic Village in 2018. The Museo de la Familia PerĂłn is a reconstruction of the house the PerĂłn family lived in when they settled in Camarones at the beginning of the 20th century; the original building was damaged by fire. The museum displays objects belonging to the family and the general, period furniture and decorative items, historical photographs and other related material.
Casa Rabal also connects local history with everyday life: it was the area’s first general store and still serves its original purpose. An annual event is the Fiesta Nacional del SalmĂłn, held every February in Camarones. The three-day festival attracts fishers and visitors from different parts of Argentina and Chile. The celebration ends with the well-known ChupĂn del Pescador banquet; the exact program may vary.
Discover more destinations: Dos Pozos, Camarones, Cabo Raso, FutaleufĂş Department, Biedma, Gastre Department, RĂo Senguer Department and Cushamen Department.
For the main travel overview: Chubut.
