The Undiscovered Patagonia: Explore the Atlantic Coast of Bahia Bustamante

Called the “Argentine answer to the Galapagos” by the New York Times, the town of Bahía Bustamante is the ideal place for adventure-seeking and nature-loving travelers to explore the beautiful Atlantic Patagonian surroundings.

A trip to Bahia Bustamante is the perfect getaway for travelers interested in discovering new places and experiencing unique natural environments. Although fairly isolated from the major tourist destinations of Argentina, Bahia Bustamante can still be reached by a quick plane ride from Buenos Aires. Flying into either Trelew, 250 km to the north of Bahia Bustamante, or Comodoro Rivadavia, 180 km to the south, travelers can take a private transfer of about 3 hours the rest of the way. Alternatively, for a cheaper option, visitors can take a bus from Buenos Aires to the town of Garayalde, about 60 km from Bahia Bustamante, and from there take a private transfer. A final option, and the most adventurous of the three, is renting a car and driving down the coast along the scenic Route 3.

Open for tourism from October until April, Bahia Bustamante is above all known for its seaweed industry and ancient petrified forest. With a slower paced lifestyle and an intimate connection to the land, locals are passionate about educating visitors on the area’s abundant natural resources and eager to see them interact with the diverse flora and fauna native to the land. Housing hundreds of wildlife species, including sea lions, penguins and marine birds, the undiscovered Atlantic coast of Bahia Bustamante is quite simply a nature lover’s paradise. For those travelers interested in discovering the wholly unique and largely unknown Bahia Bustamante, here are a few must-do activities on your trip:

Boating Excursion to Sea Lion and Seabird Colonies 

Sail through the Malaspina coast to observe seaweed harvesting in action, a major industry of Bahìa Bustamante. You can learn about the infinite species of seaweed and mussels that grow in the coves. Sail on over to the islands in the bay to search for wildlife, including sea lions, marine bird colonies, and penguins. Get up close and personal with these animals, who enjoy sunbathing just as much as you!

Hike in the Petrified Forest

Journey back to ancient Patagonia territory over 60,000,000 years ago! The Petrified Forest, known as “The Pyramid,” remains one of the region’s top attractions for a glimpse into the past. Hikes along moon-like landscape afford sightings of foxes, armadillos, and skunks living among petrified tree trunks and colorful rock fossils. A walk towards its highest point gives way to a stunning view of the desert steppe below. As much as modern society has changed natural landscape, it’s refreshing to visit the “original Patagonia” that is still intact and thriving.

Visit a Patagonia Estancia

Surrounded by expansive Patagonian estancias (Argentine ranches) that raise sheep, Bahia Bustamante gives visitors the opportunity to learn about the gaucho culture of Argentina in a unique way. Spanning 80,000 hectares, these estancias have a large production of sheep wool and meat. Visit the corrals and learn about daily farm tasks like shearing, weaning, classification, or marking of the sheep. Depending on the season, you can even try out one of the ranch activities. For example, those who plan their trip for the Argentine spring will be able to shear a sheep - one of the 20,000 being sheared during this season!

Seaweed Harvesting

Ever wonder what makes dulce de leche so sweet and rich? You can thank the seaweed harvesters in Bahía Bustamante for it! It may come as a surprise, but the natural gelling agent in seaweed is widely used in the food industry, such as for thickening dulce de leche. Learn about the health benefits, the widespread uses of seaweed and the importance of the industry in the area at a local harvesting factory.

Of course, there is always the possibility of just relaxing on the beach with a glass of malbec and enjoying life.