In this post, we’ll show you the pristine and secluded beaches of Río Negro province in Argentine Patagonia.
Río Negro is the northernmost province of Patagonia. The region boasts an impressive 210-km coastal route known as the Camino de la Costa, which runs along the sparsely populated coast between Viedma and Las Grutas. There you’ll find the cleanest, most picturesque, and most remote beaches in South America. Although there are dozens of beaches along the Camino de la Costa, these are our top picks along the route.
Bahia Creek
Starting from the north, Bahia Creek is located 96 km southwest of Viedma and features 28 km of coastline, nestled between rolling dunes and cliffs. Home to the small village of the same name, barely 100 people call this stunning beach home. The sandy path to the beach is accessible only on foot or by off-road vehicle at low tide. From one end to the other, travelers can explore the beaches. It’s also possible to visit a native sea lion colony and spot migratory birds.
This section of the route is particularly idyllic for sunbathing, as the coast is sheltered from the Patagonian winds, and the water is warmed by currents from Brazil. Beach lovers can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and fishing. At high tide, you can go paragliding or sandboarding on the largest dunes. The cliffs and dunes offer unparalleled views from above of the turquoise sea and the expansive beaches.
Las Conchillas Beach
The name translates directly to “Little Shell Beach,” which aptly describes the shell-covered coastline, where piles upon piles of white shells blanket the secluded beaches. In the summer, you can find a beach hut-style restaurant and lounge chairs at the beach entrance, but no less than 450 meters away, the landscape is devoid of people.
There are few, if any, residents along this 12-kilometer stretch of beach, which offers an ideal retreat for everyone. When the tide goes out, the ocean sands reveal thousands of live clams.
Although the water is cold, it is incredibly clear, so brave swimmers can take the plunge for a chance to mingle with rare species of dolphins. Among them are the Commerson’s dolphin, also known as the panda dolphin, and the dark dolphin, which is known for its aerial acrobatics.
Perdices Beach
Playa Las Conchillas is located at the southern tip of Punta Verde, a peninsula that extends westward into the Gulf of San Matías. At the northern tip of Punta Verde, just over 6 km away, lies Playa Perdices. Here, the shell-covered beaches continue, rising over coastal hills and plunging into secluded coves adorned with sandbars and rocky outcrops.
The indented nature of the coastline allows for extreme tidal variations every 12 hours or so. At high tide, the coves become stunning natural pools that reach depths of 6 meters in the center. The clear, Caribbean-colored sea brings calm, warm ocean waves suitable for snorkeling, paddleboarding, swimming, and kayaking. Over the shell-covered basin, the tide brings Patagonian penguins, various species of fish, and dolphins.
Piedras Coloradas Beach
Piedras Coloradas Beach, or Red Rocks Beach, is located on the opposite side of the Gulf of San Matías. Although it is only 4 km south of Las Grutas, it is the most remote of them all. It is the only beach on this list with full amenities in the summer, including beach huts, umbrella rentals, and restaurants.
Beyond these amenities, the city’s only points of interest are a distance away. As its name suggests, a section of the beach features a cluster of brick-colored rocks rising between the sea and the wide golden sands. The rising and receding tides offer varied landscapes where the ocean meets the land, but much of the coastline retains dry, fluffy sand regardless of the tides. To the west, the beach is backed by a low range of dunes offering views of the beach and the land as far as the eye can see.
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