Camarones

Introducing Camarones

In the stiff competition for Patagonia’s sleepiest coastal village, Camarones takes home gold. Don’t diss its languorous state: if you’ve ever needed to run away, this is one good option. Its empty beaches are conducive to strolling and the sociable townsfolk are masters in the art of shooting the breeze. It is also the closest hub to the lesser-known Cabo Dos Bahías nature reserve, where you can visit 25, 000 penguin couples and their fuzzy chicks.

Spanish explorer Don Simón de Alcazaba y Sotomayor anchored here in 1545, proclaiming it part of his attempted Provincia de Nueva León. When the wool industry took off, Camarones became the area’s main port for wool and sheepskins. The high quality of local wool didn’t go unnoticed by justice of the peace Don Mario Tomás Perón, who operated the area’s largest estancia, Porvenir, on which his son (and future president) Juanito would romp about. The town flourished as a port, but after Comodoro Rivadavia finished its massive port, Camarones was all but deserted.

The very helpful oceanfront tourist office (496-3040; Tomas Espora s/n) offers maps, good tips on scenic outings and lodging information. Contact Jorge Kriegel (496-3056) at Camping Municipal for fishing excursions and outings to see dolphins and nearby islands. Every February, Camarones hits its stride with the Fiesta Nacional del Salmón, a weekend of deep-sea fishing competitions featuring a free Sunday seafood lunch for all and the crowning of Miss Salmoncito.

Locals anticipate the inauguration of RN 1 in 2009, which will mean direct buses from Comodoro Rivadavia, and probably a good deal more tourism. If you hurry, you can say you knew Camarones way back when.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009