Bahía Bustamante, Patagonia, Argentina.
The old town of Bahía Bustamante sits on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, on the northern border of the Gulf of San Jorge and south of the famous Valdés Peninsula. On one side, the ocean intense and untamed; further west, the endless steppes of the region. The constant roar of the sea and the sound of the seabird colonies are carried by the wind through the dirt roads.
The town and its surroundings are frequently visited by biologists, artists, and adventurers, who come from around the world to discover and study this solitary austral region.
The magnificent beaches of white sand and clear waters—sheltered by tall red boulders contrasting with the deep blue sea—alternate with rocky coves populated by colonies of sea lions, penguins and thousands of seabirds. Further inland the fantastic shapes of an ancient petrified forest emerge as a silent witness to the lush—60 million years old—Patagonian rainforest. Small groups of guanacos, the region´s native camelids, often walk silently through the impressive and mysterious landscape.
The wildlife at Bahía Bustamante attracts discerning travelers.
There are multiple ways to enjoy this beautiful natural environment: horseback riding, sailing between islands, kayaking or exploring the coasts and wildlife. The seasoned traveler can also mountain bike or take SUV tours to sites of remarkable beauty without any trace of human presence.
The accommodations have an exotic air that combines the austerity of the pioneers with the comforts and sensibilities of today’s sophisticated tourists. There are six houses with sea view and six with splendid vistas over the steppe, all with excellent personal care from the attentive staff. In order to enjoy paradise at Bahía Bustamante, you must book in advance.
From Buenos Aires, you’ll need to board a flight to the city of Comodoro Rivadavia, and from there, coordinate with the staff for transfer in special vehicles.
The striking South American Patagonia captivates locals and visitors for its profound natural beauty, which reminds us we are only a part of a complex, frail ecosystem. Business tycoons from all over the world have made this land their home. Such is the case of environmentalist and agriculturalist Douglas Tompkins and his wife Kristine McDivitt who donated thousands of acres to the governments of Argentina and Chile for the creation of National Parks that would protect the region from further development.
If you want to fully understand the power and mystery of Patagonia, you have to visit its most remote corners, and Bahía Bustamante is an ideal destination to connect with the vastness and silence of Patagonia. ■
