Excursions from Río Gallegos

A walk around the City

A walk on the Avenida Costanera (Corniche) is highly recommendable. From here, the estuary where the Gallegos River flows into the Atlantic Ocean can be appreciated.

On the opposite bank you will observe the staggered plateau ascending towards the west, and the impressive Cabo Buen Tiempo on the left.

The railway station where the coal is brought in from the mining town of Río Turbio is near by.

See the balcony from where the then president Julio A. Roca addressed the few settlers of this land in 1899. This is on Roca and Piedrabuena streets and has been declared a Historical National Monument.

Do not miss the Cathedral, completed in 1900. It is built in wood and tin in an eclectic roman style. It was declared a Historical National Monument in 1985.

The Museo de los Pioneros (Museum of the Pioneers) on El Cano and Alberdi streets, an old patagonian house that used to be a temporary government seat after the fire that destroyed the government house. Among other things you can appreciate furniture donated by the first families that settled in this region.

Another interesting site is the Museo Regional "Padre Jesús Molina" where there is a permanent exhibition of geological, paleontological and fitopaleontological samples.

There are also exhibits of fauna, flora and the history of Santa Cruz and a small library with valuable texts to connect yourself with the essence of this land.

Finally, visit the Centro de Artesanos (Craftsmen Center) (Av. Roca 658). You will be able to buy marvelous textile crafts.