Puerto Deseado: Ría, Wildlife and History

Puerto Deseado is designated a National Historic Site under Decree No. 12,466/1943. Several themes come together here to help you plan your trip: birdwatching and wildlife at the Ría Deseado, routes through a rocky coastal landscape, as well as museums and historical walking tours. If you’re looking for a hotel in Puerto Deseado, these highlights can help you plan your trip around your interests in nature or culture.

Nature and Wildlife Watching at the Ría

The Reserva Provincial Ría Deseado offers opportunities to observe Commerson’s dolphins, sea lions, Magellanic penguins and cormorants. The Circuito Ornitológico is for birdwatching. More than 120 species have been recorded at the Ría, including four species of cormorant, petrels, skuas, Coscoroba swans and terns. Boat trips on the Ría Deseado are also available in Puerto Deseado.

Near Puerto Deseado is the Parque Interjurisdiccional Marino Isla Pingüino in the Argentine Sea. The protected area covers more than 159,000 hectares and includes several islands and islets, among them Isla Pingüino. The Ría and the protected area offer different nature experiences: birdwatching and coastal wildlife on the one hand, and an island landscape in the Argentine Sea on the other.

Routes Through Landscape and History

The Circuito de las Siete Cuevas runs along the north shore of the Ría Deseado, following rocky paths between high cliffs and volcanic rock formations. Ancient caves, natural pools and viewpoints are also part of the landscape. Those especially interested in these coastal landforms will find this route offers a different focus from the Circuito Ornitológico, which is geared toward birdwatching.

De Cara A La Livertà is a self-guided walking tour of historic sites in Puerto Deseado. It recalls the events of the Patagonia Trágica of 1921 and includes 12 stops; the route can be explored on foot or in your own vehicle.

The self-guided historical walking tour Derrotero del Corsario explores the 1586 visit to Puerto Deseado by the English seafarer Tomas Cavendish. Cavendish named the place in honor of his flagship, Desire. The tour includes six information signs at viewpoints, including Punta Cavendish, Isla Quiroga and Punta Cascajo. The two routes have different historical reference points: 1921 for De Cara A La Livertà and 1586 for Derrotero del Corsario.

Museums and Railway History

Coche Reservado Nº502 preserves one of Puerto Deseado’s original railway carriages. It is located at Plaza del Vagón, at the intersection of San Martín and Almirante Brown. The Museo Ferroviario presents the history of the former railway station, as well as that of the passengers, workers and supply transports involved in building the railway lines.

The Museo del Pueblo is located in the Palacio Ferroviario. Its rooms present the foundations of the local community’s social and cultural development and autonomy.

The Museo Mario Brozoski displays more than 400 original objects relating to the archaeological and maritime history of the English corvette HMS Swift. It sank in the waters of the Ría in the late 18th century after a severe storm. The museum is considered a pioneer of underwater archaeology in Argentina.

Getting There

Puerto Deseado can be reached by car via Ruta Nacional N°3, followed by Ruta Provincial N°27. The nearest airport is in Comodoro Rivadavia, in the province of Chubut.

Near Puerto Deseado is the Gruta de Lourdes, a pilgrimage site. The route in is via Ruta Nacional N°281, followed by 3 km of gravel road.

Discover other destinations: Aguada Grande, Caleta Olivia.

For the wider travel overview: Departamento Deseado.