The sea breeze, the crunch of stones underfoot, and the echo of coastal birds set the pace for the First Coastal Hiking Encounter in Chubut.
Over 60 people explored the Bahía Bustamante Portal, enjoying beautiful inhospitable landscapes and an energy that connected everyone to the essence of the place.
A Magical and Energetic Encounter in Chubut
María Mendizábal, responsible for Tourism Development at the Patagonia Azul project, described the experience as “a magical and energetic success.” This encounter aims to promote hiking and open doors to previously inaccessible places. “Two and a half years ago, these lands were a private estate. Today, there is a campsite, an interpretation center, and a genuine encounter with this rugged coast full of shorebirds,” she emphasized.
Exploration of Bays and Canyons
The event started in Bahía Bustamante with an introductory talk at the Interpretation Center. Participants took a 10-kilometer walk along the coast, enjoying the rich biodiversity of the Argentine Sea.
On the second day, they explored the coast near Camarones stream and Lola Beach, which even surprised the locals with its immensity and abandoned seaweed shelters.
Hiking, Conservation, and Community
The gathering included reflections on conservation, with talks on sustainable tourism, the work of the Rewilding Foundation, and the initiatives of the Patagonia Azul Project. Participants committed themselves by bringing food, picking up trash from the coasts, and showing interest in protecting the area.
Local guides Norma and Graciela, along with the hosts of Camping Arroyo Marea and the managers of the Bahía Bustamante Portal, contributed knowledge and enthusiasm to the event. Mendizábal announced that they are already planning the second encounter, scheduled for January.
Connection with the Essential
The First Coastal Hiking Encounter restored a sense of belonging and connection to its participants. “The Patagonian coast has that magic: every step tells a story, every landscape is a testimony to the wild,” Mendizábal summarized.
With this first edition, Patagonia Azul establishes itself as a destination where tourism and conservation go hand in hand, with new opportunities to walk its trails in January.
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