Río Mayo

Nestled in a Patagonian valley, the District of Río Mayo is characterized by its dry climate and constant wind.

When touring around the town, its quietness, its dirt streets, its low houses and the presence of the Gendarmería Nacional (corps border guards) and the Argentinian Army facilities as sentries of a broad area near the Chilean border stand out. As it is the center of commercial activities regarding transportation of goods by truck, including oil products, the number of steady denizens has increased.

Two national routes -40 and 26- and two provincial routes -20 and 22- go through the district and connect Río Mayo with Comodoro Rivadavia (266 kilometers), Sarmiento (146 kilometers), Esquel (388 kilometers) and Perito Moreno (125 kilometers). A gravel path leads to Milestone 45, international pass onto Chile and the City of Coyhaique.

The town is crossed by the Mayo River, which starts at the confluence of the Guenguel and Chalía Rivers, known as excellent fly-fishing spots. They welcome a great deal of Argentinian and foreign anglers. Besides, other sport activities that summon more and more followers every day are practiced in the district, namely: mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding and photographic safaris.

The main resources of the district come from its rural environment, where livestock venues breed sheep cattle. The merino breed is the most highly paid and the District of Río Senguer is the major and best wool producer in South America.

Rural tourism in estancias has increased in the area. Apart from choosing among very good accommodation options, visitors have the chance to take part in the daily rural tasks immersed in the natural surroundings. The Patagonian asado is one of the main gastronomic privileges in the life of these venues.

The National Sheep-Shearing Festival is the main event at Río Mayo. It is held for 3 days in January and not only does it gather the entire rural population but it also welcomes a great inflow of national and foreign tourism.

Río Mayo has the privilege of being part of the Argentinian – Chilean Bi-Oceanic Corridor. The port of Comodoro Rivadavia (Argentina) and Balmaceda (Chile) are connected through Lake Blanco and Milestone 50.

Thus, with its steppe climate and temperatures dropping up to 15 degrees below zero in the winter, Río Mayo is considered a site to rest.