Gastre Department: Road History and Festival Traditions

In Gastre Department, historic roads, the history of Casa de Piedra, and rural festival traditions shape the picture of a stay. Two questions can help you decide when to travel: Would you like to trace the development of rural transport routes, or should the date of a fiesta determine your plans? If you plan around a festival, coordinate your travel dates and accommodation with the specific event.

Rural Roads and Getting There

The rural access road to Lagunita Salada begins at Provincial Route No. 49 at Cruce Colelache, passes through the Paraje Gorro Frigio area, and extends to the Evaristo Fernández Provincial Bridge. An access route was proposed for this stretch in 2022; check the road status before setting out. In adverse weather, rural access roads to Lagunita Salada may be impassable. Consider the weather and road status together rather than assuming the route is always passable.

Gastre’s transport history dates back to the late 19th century. Wagons and horse-drawn caravans traveled historic tracks, paths, and roads that developed into an important route for wool and various local products. These roads also served as access routes for goods needed by the rural population. Trade and supply thus represent two roles of these historic transport routes.

Casa de Piedra and the History of Settlement

Casa de Piedra is considered the most important historical landmark relating to the beginnings of settlement in the area where the rural municipality of Gastre now lies. Around 1904, it was built as an improved resting place for troops. Casa de Piedra was also intended as a rest and supply station for caravans and trading parties traveling between southern Río Negro, the Río Chubut valley, and the South Atlantic coast. Its historical significance therefore combines its function as a resting place with the long-distance travel of caravans and trading parties.

The architecture also offers a distinct clue to the building’s history: the inn follows a European model that was widespread in the early years of the 20th century. Together with the approximate construction date and historical function, this paints a picture in which the building’s form and its use at the time sit side by side.

Festival Traditions in Gastre and Lagunita Salada

The Fiesta del Borrego is considered a tradition rooted in Gastre. At the 2020 edition, the program included other rural activities alongside the Jineteada, including Taba. Winners of the Jineteada were also recognized. If you choose the Fiesta as the occasion for your trip, check the program in advance.

The Fiesta del Acordeón y la Guitarra takes place in Lagunita Salada every year toward the end of January, according to a report from 2021. At a 2016 edition, accordion and guitar were played; there was also dancing, singing, reciting, and zapateo dancing. These details offer a glimpse of one particular edition, while the current date should be checked separately when planning your trip.

Check Accommodation for Your Travel Dates

For the 2025 festival period, a hotel and temporary rental accommodations were mentioned in connection with the Fiesta del Borrego; camping was listed as unavailable during that period. Check directly which accommodation is available for your travel dates.

Regional Context

Gastre is part of 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 classification adds a regional point of reference to the picture of Gastre.

Discover more destinations: Gastre, Florentino Ameghino Department, Cushamen Department, Escalante Department, Futaleufú Department, Río Senguer Department, Biedma, Sarmiento Department

Go to the main travel overview: Chubut.