Río Pico between forests, mountains and lakes

Río Pico combines a landscape shaped by forests, mountains and lakes with cultural offerings and activities on the water. When planning your trip, it is worth considering the different focuses separately: observing flora and fauna, kayaking, cultural tours, and the journey to Lakes No. 1 and No. 3. This will help you decide which themes you want to shape your stay before looking for a hotel.

Nature, water and sport fishing

Río Pico and its surroundings are shaped by forests, mountains and lakes. Observing flora and fauna is one of the activities available to visitors; kayaking is possible on Río Pico’s lakes, rivers and lagoons. Both relate to the landscape, but have different focuses: nature observation centers on plants and animals, while kayaking is an activity on the water. If you are planning your trip around activities, you can weigh these interests separately. Sport fishing was a particularly important impetus for the development of tourism in Río Pico.

Culture and local history

Cultural tours are among the activities available to visitors in Río Pico. The town’s historical founding is connected with the start of operations at Escuela Nacional Nº 75. The school was built on land donated by the Hahn brothers. The architecture of older buildings also offers a cultural focus, combining English, German and Chilean styles. These three stylistic influences distinguish the buildings and complement the local history associated with the school with an architectural perspective. Cultural tours and architecture thus provide two different ways to explore Río Pico’s cultural heritage.

Getting there and visiting the lakes

For road travel, paved Provincial Route 19 is a useful reference point: it provides access to Río Pico. The Transportes Jacobsen bus company offers two services a week to Río Pico. With two services a week, the bus schedule is a specific point to consider when planning; check it before departure, as schedules may change.

A road heads southwest from Río Pico to Lakes No. 1 and No. 3. The round trip covers 43 kilometers on a gravel road. Check road conditions before setting off. When planning, it helps to distinguish the paved approach to Río Pico from the gravel road for the excursion: Route 19 provides access to the town, while the other road leads to the lakes.

Scenery and views in Tehuelches Department

In Tehuelches Department, the “La Cruz” lookout offers panoramic views of José de San Martín. In Tehuelches Department, the stream of the same name runs through Valle de Genoa in José de San Martín.

Discover more destinations: Gobernador Costa.

Go to the main travel overview: Tehuelches Department.