The southern part of the country is full of true hidden gems to visit at any time of the year, one of them being Parque Patagonia, which offers an unforgettable experience: the “Great Traverse of the Cañadones”. It is an 18 km route that combines adventure, stunning landscapes, and nature at its best.
For this reason, on Saturday, February 22, the Caracoles and Pinturas cañadones in the northwest of Santa Cruz will be the setting for a trek designed to fall in love with the Patagonian steppe. What makes this journey special is that it allows you to immerse yourself in astonishing geological formations, observe condors in full flight, and marvel at the richness of the local ecosystem.
This hike offers walkers the chance to traverse ochre and reddish walls shaped by wind and water over centuries. What is known so far is that the Cañadón Caracoles, which will be the starting point, where imposing ancient walls tell ancestral stories. Each stage offers unique panoramic views, with condors soaring the sky and guanacos, choiques, and even the elusive Patagonian puma inhabiting the environment.
At the confluence of the cañadones, the Pinturas River welcomes adventurers. At Puesto de Piedra, there will be a break to rest, enjoy a picnic, and refresh in its crystal-clear waters. Then, the walk continues along the river to the “Bajada de los Toldos” trail, which will lead hikers to the top of the cañadón, with privileged views of the river and the iconic Cueva de las Manos.
Adventure for Everyone
The trek, of medium to medium-high difficulty, will have specialized guides to ensure safety and share knowledge about the Park. The day will end at the Interpretation Center and Planetarium, where you can learn about restoration projects, discover the secrets of the southern sky, and enjoy a relaxing moment at the cafeteria.
For those who prefer more tranquil activities, the Park also offers options such as self-guided trails, visits to the Cueva de las Manos—with its cave paintings dating back over 9,000 years—and tours of the Interpretation Center to learn about the flora, fauna, and conservation projects of the region.
There will be a shuttle service from Salón Iturrioz in Perito Moreno, with a stop at the Information Center of Portal Cañadón Pinturas on Route 40. The return is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. from the Planetarium. To fully enjoy the experience, it is recommended to bring sunscreen, at least two liters of water per person, a packed meal, appropriate walking attire, and sturdy footwear.
Activities in Parque Patagonia. Photo: Instagram/ @parquepatagoniaargentina.
How to Get to Parque Patagonia?
The Park is crossed by Provincial Route No. 103 in the south, where you can access the El Sauco Operational Center overlooking the Blanco River Valley, and Provincial Route No. 43 in the north. This route allows access to the La Ascensión Operational Center on the shores of Lake Buenos Aires, with entrances enabled from both routes.
While the park has camping facilities, it does not meet basic needs, so visitors must stay in the nearest towns with basic services such as Bajo Caracoles, Lago Posadas, Perito Moreno, and Los Antiguos.
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