Puerto Deseado: Nature, Estuary and History

Puerto Deseado combines nature experiences along the Ría Deseado with a layered local history. More than 120 bird species have been counted in the estuary; there are also historic walking tours and museums that offer different perspectives on the town’s past. If you’d like to combine nature and culture on your trip, you’ll find several distinct themes here to help you plan your outings.

The Estuary and Its Birdlife

The Circuito Ornitológico in Puerto Deseado is a birdwatching route. Species counted in the estuary include four species of cormorant, petrels, skuas, coscoroba swans and terns. This diversity makes the walk especially interesting if you’d like to watch birds and learn about different species. Commerson’s dolphins, sea lions, Magellanic penguins and cormorants can also be seen in the Reserva Provincial Ría Deseado. Trips along the Ría Deseado are also available—an opportunity to experience the surrounding area from the water.

Near Puerto Deseado, in the Argentine Sea, lies the Parque Interjurisdiccional Marino Isla Pingüino. The protected area covers more than 159,000 hectares and includes several islands and islets, including Isla Pingüino. Faro Isla Pingüino was established in 1903, is more than 100 years old and can be reached by sea. These places add the history of an island and a lighthouse to the nature experiences around Puerto Deseado.

Trails Along Cliffs and Through History

The Circuito de las Siete Cuevas runs along the north shore of the Ría Deseado on rocky paths. Along the way, high cliffs, volcanic rock formations, ancient caves, natural pools and viewpoints shape the route. These varied landscape features give the walk its own character; plan your route according to your interest in rocky coastal scenery and views.

You can also explore the area’s history on walking tours. De Cara A La Livertà revisits the events of the Patagonia Trágica of 1921 and passes through historic sites in Puerto Deseado. This self-guided tour has 12 stops, which you can visit on foot or in your own vehicle. Derrotero del Corsario tells the story of Tomas Cavendish: the English seafarer visited Puerto Deseado in 1586 and named the place in honour of his flagship, Desire. The route includes six signs at viewpoints, including Punta Cavendish, Isla Quiroga and Punta Cascajo.

Museums and Local History

Puerto Deseado is designated a National Historic Site under Decree No. 12.466/1943. Several museums offer tangible points of reference for its history. The Museo del Pueblo is located in the Palacio Ferroviario. Its galleries present the foundations of the social and cultural development of the local community and its autonomy. The Museo Ferroviario tells the story of the former railway station and recounts the experiences of travellers, workers and supply transports during the construction of the railway lines.

The Museo Mario Brozoski displays more than 400 original artefacts relating to the archaeological and maritime history of the English corvette HMS Swift. She sank in the waters of the estuary at the end of the 18th century after a severe storm. The museum is regarded as a pioneer of underwater archaeology in Argentina. Another reminder of railway history is the Coche Reservado Nº502: the original railway carriage is located at Plaza del Vagón, at the intersection of San Martín and Almirante Brown.

Planning Your Trip

You can reach Puerto Deseado by car via Ruta Nacional N°3 and then Ruta Provincial N°27. The nearest airport is in Comodoro Rivadavia, in the province of Chubut. The Gruta de Lourdes, a pilgrimage site, is also in the surrounding area. The route there follows Ruta Nacional N°281 and then continues along 3 km of gravel road. This information can help you consider both your arrival and places to visit when choosing where to stay, without combining separate destinations into a single route.

Discover more: Caleta Olivia and Aguada Grande.

For the broader travel overview: Departamento Deseado.