Comandante Luis Piedra Buena

Cmte. Luis Piedra Buena - Photos : Jorge González

On the shores of the Santa Cruz River, the City of Comandante Luis Piedra Buena features a rich history visitors deserve to know.

Lying 240 kilometers away from Río Gallegos, this small town has some features that make it different from neighboring cities, such as the impressive vegetation on the river banks, which grants this area a kind of oasis atmosphere amidst the Patagonian steppe.

The main avenue is named Gregorio Ibáñez and welcomes visitors to the city. Most neighbors move along this avenue on the weekend when they go for a ride around town.

On the river, there is an important woodland zone reaching over four kilometers. This area is ideal for camping or spending a day fishing or roasting lamb.

Not too far away, National Route 3 crosses the Santa Cruz River over one of the longest bridges in Patagonia, displaying the waterway and a very interesting group of islands and islets in the area. One of them is known as Isla de los Guindos (Morello Trees Island).

Pavón Island, where Commander Luis Piedra Buena settled down in 1859 (his house can still be seen here), is another attraction for visitors, along with the museum where elements from the days of the distinguished sailor are exhibited.