Making the most of Comodoro Rivadavia
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Cruise ships are docked within a 10 minute walk from town.
Comodoro Rivadavia offers few tourist attractions, however, the Oil Museum, San Martin Street, the windmills and the beaches at Villa Rada Tilly are worth a visit.
Today it is a powerhouse in the now-privatized oil industry. Although the recession hit hard in 2001, this boomtown rebounded with a flashy casino, elegant shops and hot rods on the streets.
Getting around
A climb up 212m to the mirador atop Cerro Chenque, in the middle of the city, offers views of the Golfo San Jorge.
The urban train tour Circuito Ferroportuario (admission free) takes visitors on a circuit from the tourist office to visit containers, warehouses, historical installations and workshops on the port.
Several agencies arrange trips to Bosque Petrificado Sarmiento (petrofied woods) and Cueva de las Manos.
Nearby places
Rada Tilly, a seaside village a few kilometers south from Comodoro Rivadavia to Punta del Marques Hill viewpoint that dominates the villa and to the sea lion rookery.
Petrified Woods J. Ormachea, discovered in 1927, which gathers a group of 65 million years old huge fossilized trunks that reach 30 meters in length and two meters in diameter. It's formed by rocky arid land with xerophilous plants, prehistoric conifers, and dead palm trees.
The incredible rock art of Cueva de las Manos (Cave of the Hands; admission AR$50; 9am- 7pm) was proclaimed a Unesco World Heritage site in 1999.
Río Mayo. Visit a local estancia that develops the breeding and protection of the guanaco, one of the most characteristic South American 'camelidae' group in the southern extreme of the continent, in semi-captivity.
Food and shopping
Between Mitre and Belgrano Av, San Martín has upscale boutiques and shops.
Money
The Argentina Peso is volatile
Exchange tips for Agentina
Staying connected
Spanish