Things To Do
in Puerto Deseado
Puerto Deseado is a windswept Patagonian port town where the Deseado River meets the Atlantic, creating a rugged coastal landscape. Its shores support penguin colonies, sea lions, and a working fishing fleet set against dramatic cliffs and gray-blue seas. The town serves as a gateway to wildlife cruises, estuary tours, and abundant seafood gastronomies.
Visitors can stroll historic docks, hike coastal trails, and soak in a frontier-town atmosphere with generous skies and open horizons.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a delicious Argentine breakfast at a local café, savoring fresh croissants and coffee. After breakfast, take a leisurely stroll through the historic center, admiring the colonial architecture and vibrant street art. Stop by the Museo de la Patagonia, where you can learn about the region's history and indigenous cultures.
Visit the iconic Plaza de las Américas, where you can relax under the shade of trees and enjoy the lively atmosphere. Grab lunch at a traditional parrilla, tasting asado, a famous Argentine barbecue, while mingling with locals. In the afternoon, explore the nearby coastal pathways, taking in the stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the rugged cliffs.
As the sun sets, enjoy dinner at a waterfront restaurant, feasting on fresh seafood caught daily. After dinner, stroll along the beach, listening to the calming waves and watching the stars emerge in the clear sky. Conclude your day by visiting a local bar for a taste of regional wines and perhaps some live music.
Begin your day early with a guided birdwatching tour at Ría Deseado, known for its diverse avian population. With binoculars in hand, observe species like the Magellanic cormorant and the elegant flamingos in their natural habitat. The tranquility of the estuary combined with the beauty of its wildlife makes for an unforgettable morning.
After a picnic lunch by the water, continue your exploration with a boat tour, providing a closer look at the unique landscapes and potential sea lion sightings. The guides will share fascinating insights about the ecosystem and conservation efforts in the area. Capture stunning photographs as you navigate the winding estuary and marvel at the cliffs surrounding you.
Return to Puerto Deseado to relax after an exhilarating day outdoors. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, perhaps trying the region's specialty, Patagonian lamb. Spend your evening unwinding at your accommodation, reflecting on the day's adventures.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| 🍽️Meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $25-50 |
| ☕Coffee | $2-4 |
| 🧭Taxi start/1 km within town | $1-3 |
| 🍷Bottle of local wine | $8-20 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Abundant wildlife and seafood, authentic Patagonian experience
- Compact town with easy access to coastal landscapes and boat tours
- Friendly locals and a relaxed pace of travel
- Good value for money compared to more hours-distant Patagonia destinations
- Remote location means limited services outside main town
- Seasonal variability can affect tours and nightlife
- Windy conditions and variable weather require flexible plans
- Some attractions and amenities may have limited English-speaking staff
- "Hola" - Hello
- "Buenos días" - Good morning
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "La cuenta, por favor" - The check, please
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "¿Habla inglés?" - Do you speak English?
- "Estoy perdido" - I am lost
- "Puede recomendarme un restaurante?" - Could you recommend a restaurant?
- "Me gustaría una mesa para dos" - I would like a table for two
- "¡Salud!" - Cheers!
Places to Visit in Puerto Deseado
Visit one of these nice places.
A wildlife-rich island with penguin colonies; best photographed at dawn or dusk when birds are active and light is soft.
Historic dock with working boats; moody seascapes and reflections are ideal at sunrise or sunset.
Coastal cliffs, sea lions, seabirds, and rugged shoreline provide dramatic wildlife and landscape shots.
Lighthouse viewpoints overlook the estuary and open sea, offering panoramic coastal photography opportunities.
Food in Puerto Deseado
Puerto Deseado Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Grilled Patagonian trout, usually served lightly seasoned with lemon, herbs, and olive oil; a freshwater specialty near the Deseado River.
Must-Try!
Fresh oysters from local farms, typically enjoyed on the half shell with lemon and a light dressing.
Seafood stew with fish, squid, shellfish, and potatoes in a comforting Patagonian broth.
Slow-grilled Patagonian lamb or beef, often shared as a social meal at parrillas.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A hub for fresh seafood, local produce, cheeses, and regional specialties; great for tasting and picking up provisions.
Empanadas de pescado and other quick bites like choripán are common, especially in the warmer months.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A polite handshake or a kiss on the cheek among friends; greet with buenos días or buenas tardes and use polite forms of address.
Friendly chatting about travel, food, and family is common; avoid sensitive topics with strangers.
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; follow the guidelines above.
Maintain a respectful distance from wildlife; do not feed or touch animals.
Safety
Tipping in Puerto Deseado
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, a tip of about 10% is common if service is not included. You may round up the bill at bars or leave modest extra for good service.
Cash (ARS) is widely accepted; many places also take credit/debit cards. Some rural or smaller venues may be cash-only or have limited card terminals. ATMs are available in town.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Long daylight hours, cool to mild temperatures, and breezes from the sea; ideal for boat trips and wildlife viewing, though expect occasional strong gusts.
Cooler days, decreasing crowds, and windy conditions; great for coastal hikes and photography with golden light at dusk.
Cold, windy, and often rainy; some tours demand flexible plans; layer up and be prepared for rough seas.
Birds returning, moderate temperatures, and blooming coastlines; good for wildlife watching and hikes.
Puerto Deseado at Night
Hiking in Puerto Deseado
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Rugged coastal path offering cliff views, sea lions, and seabird colonies; best with a guided or well-prepared hike.
Moderate hike to the lighthouse overlooking the estuary; rewarding sunset perspectives.
Seasonal coastal walk near penguin habitats; check access windows and guided-tour requirements.
Airports
How to reach Puerto Deseado by plane.
Small regional airport serving domestic flights and occasional charters; check seasonal schedules in advance.
Larger regional hub with connections to Buenos Aires and other major cities; serves as a common link for longer trips.
Major Patagonia gateway with regular flights to Buenos Aires and other destinations; practical for broader Patagonia itineraries.
Regional airport offering connections to southern Patagonia and beyond.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of Patagonian locals, fishing families, and residents from other parts of Argentina; many are bilingual in Spanish and basic English in tourist-service roles.
Seasonal influxes for fishing, tourism, and service industries, contributing to a dynamic town rhythm in peak months.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in Argentina, widely played and followed in Puerto Deseado.
A core activity for locals and visitors, with both recreational and sport fishing along the coast and estuary.
Popular for coastal and estuary exploration, with opportunities to observe wildlife up close.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Puerto Deseado.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Seafood-centric area; options include salads, grilled vegetables, pastas, and vegetable-based dishes. Communicate dietary needs and ask for vegetable-forward preparations when available.
Many seafood dishes are naturally gluten-free; avoid breaded items and sauces containing gluten; request gluten-free options when ordering.