High cliffs and long beaches. In the province of Río Negro there are a handful of spas considered “emerging” because they are growing and gaining strength among those looking for a quieter summer vacation, in less traveled places and in full contact with the Patagonian coast.
These beaches are located near the city of Viedma, some; others closer to Las Grutas, the most famous and busiest beach in the region.
In the San Matías Gulf, on the Atlantic Ocean, it is loneliest and wildest resortswhich propose a different tourism.
Below, five beaches in Río Negro that are worth visiting.
1) Golden Beaches
In between the fine sands and the glow of the sun, The tones of the landscape give the particular characteristics to the Playas Doradas resort in Rio Negro.
30 kilometers east of Sierra Grande and 343 km from Viedma, this tourist destination is ideal for enjoying nature and water sports, especially in the hottest months. Kitesurfing, sandboarding, diving and fishing stand out.
In the warm waters of the San Matías Gulf, the spa has 3 kilometers of extensive beaches with a gentle sandy slope: They say in Río Negro that they are “unique in the country, due to the fragmentation of quartz and silica.”
The contact of the sun’s rays with these sands produces a golden reflection that gives the spa its name.
The town is dedicated exclusively to tourism, port activities and fishing.
2) The Condor
About 20 minutes from Viedma, the El Cóndor spa stands out for the great spaciousness and tranquility of its beaches, framed by the towering cliffs that are characteristic of the Rio Negro coast.
The place has basic services. There are everything from hotels, houses and rental apartments and camping to restaurants and casinos.
With 10 kilometers of beach, you can do different activities by the sea, in addition to fishing. The destination is also famous for “the largest colony of burrowing parrots in the world”, as well as 121 species of maritime, riverine and continental birds.
To contemplate the picturesque town and its landscape, in the area where the cliffs begin is the first Argentine continental lighthouse still in operation. It dates back to 1887. The place is known as Playa del Faro.
Another point that offers good panoramic views is the Ceferino Namuncurá Viewpointwhich is located at the highest point of this place.
It must be said: the spa is windy, something common on the beaches of Patagonia. But to compensate, the temperature of its waters is kinder and the beaches are enormous and allow wind sports such as windsurfing, kitesurfing, sandboarding, chariot sailing and kitebuggy.
3) Bay Creek
On the northern coast of the gulf, 130 km from Viedma, Bahía Creek – a spa and small town – is distinguished by the peace that allows you to enjoy the natural environment.
The postcard that defines the destination is the low cliffs and a bay of clear water, with soft dunes and great beaches.
The wealth of stories, legends and mysteries – Patagonia was an area of landings and shipwrecks – is combined with the richness of marine fauna.
4) Punta Partridges
It is part of the Villarino Peninsula in the Port of San Antonio Este and they call it “the Caribbean of Patagonia” for its transparent, calm waters, with few waves and clear sand.
It is chosen by those who want to disconnect from the world and connect with nature and one of its attractions is an area called Las Ollitas due to the shapes of the rocks and the hot water that remains in the nooks that form shallow natural pools.
5) The Shells
Wide beaches, warm waters and tasty seafood. Las Conchillas – very close to Punta Perdices – is characterized by its striking surface of millions of mussel, clam and scallop shells that, upon completing their life cycle, are dragged to the shore by the force of the water.
60 kilometers from Las Grutas and 210 km from Viedma, it is a good place for those looking for rest and relaxation away from crowds or busy urban centers.
With an extension of 12 kilometers, the landscape attracts attention with the contrast of the colors of the sand, the sea and the colorful snails, from violet tones to radiant white.
Another feature is the enormous extension of the beach when the tide goes out, ideal for walking along the sea.
It is an area where you can also see dolphins, sea lions and penguins.
On the other hand, the port of San Antonio Este has different beaches. But those looking for adventure in the Mirador Norte can do stand up paddle boarding or ride kayaks.
Boat excursions also leave from there for fishing or observing marine fauna.
- You can only park in designated spaces. Do not circulate or leave the car on the beach on the shells
- Do not take anything from the place. Do not collect native flora, snails or fossil remains.
- Do not interact with animals. Do not feed them, bother them, much less hold them.
- Do not throw garbage or light fire.
- Those who want to camp with motorhomes or mobile homes can do so in the permitted spaces (and will have to have chemical toilets).