Santa Cruz

Country (click to view): Argentina

Main attractions: steppe and kilometres of coastline in the east, with wild beaches, estuaries and penguin colonies. The Andean zone in the west with lakes, glaciers and countless trails for mountain trekking.

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Information about Santa Cruz

An overview of what to see and do.

It is an Argentine province located in the Patagonian region. It is the second southernmost province (only Tierra del Fuego is further south) and the second largest in the country.

Broadly speaking, it has two totally different parts in terms of relief, climate and landscapes, as is also the case in other Patagonian provinces:

1. Andean: it corresponds to the area of the Andes Mountains, which constitutes a more or less narrow strip that extends along the western end of the province. It has imposing tourist attractions such as lakes, glaciers and mountains. Some places are internationally known, so it is normal to see many foreign tourists. Outstanding are:
- Los Glaciares National Park with its attractions such as the Perito Moreno glacier.
- El Calafate: although it is located in a steppe area, due to its proximity it is the most chosen option to stay and from there to tour the south of Los Glaciares National Park.
- El Chaltén: it is the ideal place to visit the north of Los Glaciares National Park. It is called the 'Capital of Trekking', since many trails start from the town and its surroundings. From there you can also go to the area of Lago del Desierto (a lake) where there are more activities.

2. Plateau and coast: most of the province, including the whole of the centre and east, is generally an arid area of plateau with steppe. To the east it ends in a long Atlantic coastline with cliffs, beaches, estuaries and marine fauna. Among the main sites:
- Bosque Petrificado(Petrified Forest): a national park where there are huge petrified logs.
- Monte León National Park: a protected area with trails, sea lion colony, penguin colony and beaches.
- Puerto Deseado: its turquoise coloured ria stands out with circuits to go around. It is an excellent place to watch Patagonian birds.
- The provincial capital Río Gallegos, where you can visit the estuary of its river and the penguin colony of Cabo Vírgenes.
- Cueva de las Manos (Cave of the Hands): it is an archaeological site where you can appreciate cave paintings.