Between the Atlantic coast and the Andean mountains stretches a railway line that connects two contrasting landscapes of Río Negro Province
The Patagonian Train links Viedma, the provincial capital located beside the Negro River and just a few miles from the ocean, with San Carlos de Bariloche, the emblematic city of the Andean region.
The journey covers more than 500 miles and operates once a week. Along its route, the train crosses the Patagonian steppe and links historic towns of the so-called “Southern Line,” such as Valcheta, Sierra Colorada, Los Menucos, Maquinchao, and Ingeniero Jacobacci, the traditional railway hub. Before entering the plateau, the train passes through San Antonio Oeste, near the resort town of Las Grutas, renowned for its warm-water beaches.
A railway journey
The trip is an immersion into the inner geography of Río Negro. From the low grasslands of the east to the stony plains and finally the valleys that herald the Andes, the succession of landscapes reveals the vastness of Patagonia and its unhurried rhythm.
Onboard services
The train offers different travel options:
- Pullman: with reclining seats and wide windows.
- Sleeping cabins: allowing travelers to rest in private compartments during the overnight journey.
- The dining car maintains the railway tradition with Patagonian cuisine, while a movie car offers onboard screenings. For those who need it, there are special cars for transporting vehicles, making it easy to continue by road after arrival.
Reservations can be made through the official website trenpatagonicosa.com.ar or at the Buenos Aires office (phone: +54 11 4328-1394). The service runs weekly, and seat availability may vary depending on the season.
