Puerto San Julián

Introducing Puerto San Julián

The perfect desolate-yet-charismatic locale for an art film, this small town sits baking in bright light and dust, stark against Bahía San Julián’s startling blue. Considered the cradle of Patagonian history, the port of San Julián was first landed in 1520 by Magellan. His encounter with local Tehuelches provided the region’s mythical moniker. But he was not the last to make his mark. Following him, Viedma, Drake and Darwin all ventured onto this sandy spit. While its human history is proudly put forth, the landscape speaks of geologic revolutions, with its exposed, striated layers, rolling hills and golden cliffs.

Puerto San Julián’s first non-native settlers came from the Falkland Islands with the late-19th-century wool boom. Scots followed with the San Julián Sheep Farming Company, which became the region’s primary economic force for nearly a century. Recent growth has the city, 350km south of Caleta Olivia, developing like never before, with mining and seafood-processing industries. For travelers, the port is a relaxed and welcoming stop, as well as the place to see Commerson’s dolphins.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009