Things to Do in Las Grutas Argentina, Beach and Surroundings

It is one of the most visited resorts in Patagonia Argentina. In this article we tell you things to do in Las Grutas besides going to the beach.

Las Grutas has become in the last decades one of the most renowned resorts in the south of Argentina due to the special microclimate found in the area.

The extension of the coast, the warm water, the cliffs and the great difference of the tides give it that particularity that makes it very attractive for tourists. In recent years, and thanks to the fact that it was ranked as one of the best beaches in South America by an international travel magazine, it is not only visited by Argentines but also by foreign tourists.

So, let’s discover what there is to see in Las Grutas, besides taking a dip in the sea.

Map with things to do in Las Grutas Argentina

🔝 Check out this article about the best beaches in Patagonia Argentina.

1) Beaches, caves and pools

Something that characterizes the beaches of Las Grutas is its warm water, at a higher temperature than the beaches of the province of Buenos Aires and even southern Brazil. They usually reach 27 degrees, due to the sea currents that predominate in the area.

The seven-kilometer coastline with its cliffs is another of the characteristics of this seaside resort. In fact, the beaches are located several meters below the promenade, which is reached from different “descents” enabled ranging from 1 to 7.

In the descent 1 are the famous piletones, pools dug on the rock by the old pulperos and that today serve as a natural pool for adults and children when the sea retreats and leaves full of water these pools.

Another peculiarity is the difference in tides that occur during the day. At low tide, the extension of the beaches is almost infinite, while at high tide the sea is practically on the cliffs, leaving a small thread of sand to place deck chairs.

📷 Book here the Las Grutas tour and snorkel in Punta Perdices, a fascinating adventure. Transfers and guide included.

2) The center and gastronomy of Las Grutas

Las Grutas still keeps the charm of a small seaside resort that in high season increases considerably its population due to the arrival of tourists. Walking along the long promenade and looking out to sea is one of the things you have to do in Las Grutas.

On the coast there are many inns for snacks and drinks. Viedma Street is the pedestrian area with restaurants, shops and souvenir stores.

As for gastronomy, you should not miss the fresh fish dishes such as hake and salmon, or the famous octopus.

💯 On Pulperos Street, in the south of the city, it is worth a stop to buy fresh seafood and fish, jars of pickled octopus and handicrafts.

3) Piedras Coloradas Beach

Continuing along the road for four kilometers after passing the descent 7, you will reach the beautiful Piedras Coloradas beach. The reddish color of the stones gives the name to this place, which is characterized by fine sand and tranquility with respect to the beaches of the center of Las Grutas, much more crowded in high season.

If you go by car, there is a great place to leave it parked and you can take food for lunch on the beach. In summer the parador is open for lunch or a drink overlooking the sea. It is an ideal place to things to do in Las Grutas with children.

4) Salinas del Gualicho, one of the excursions to do in Las Grutas with children.

The evaporation of the sea millions of years ago originated this great depression on the Patagonian plateau, which later became an immense salt flat.

Fifty kilometers away, the Gualicho salt flats are one of the best excursions to do in Las Grutas. It is possible to get there by car, but it is important to take into account that the last 20 kilometers are gravel roads with trucks constantly loading and unloading salt. Perhaps the best option is to take an excursion with transportation and guide included.

The best time to visit the Gualicho salt flats is at sunset, when temperatures are milder. The tour shows how the salt crystals are collected, how they are stored in huge mounds and there is even a salt museum with many explanations.

One of the best things about the place is the mixture of the orange sky when the sunset begins with the white mantle of the salt-covered ground. When it is completely dark, the stars can be seen with total clarity. A true spectacle of nature.

📷 Book here the excursion to the Gualicho Salt Flats at sunset. Includes dinner on site.

5) Marine wildlife watching and scuba diving

If anything was missing in Las Grutas, you can go sailing to see marine fauna and scuba diving. The months of August to October are the ideal months to see the southern right whale within a few meters. At other times of the year, dolphins, penguins and seabirds are sighted.

If what you want is to dive, there are diving centers that offer the possibility to dive in the deep sea even if you have little or no experience. The crystal clear waters allow for perfect visibility to observe starfish, mollusks and even shipwrecks buried at the bottom of the sea.

6) Fort Argentino, Patagonian nature

Another excursion to do in Las Grutas is a visit to Fuerte Argentino, a large Patagonian plateau six kilometers long and full of Templar legends. The irregular terrain with maximum peaks that exceed 150 meters high, make it ideal for trekking.

📷 Book here the excursion to Fuerte Argentino and snorkel in Loma Blanca lagoon. An adventure to interact with the Patagonian landscape.

7) Cañadón de las Ostras and El Sótano beach, a trip to the past.

South of Piedras Coloradas, Cañadón de las Ostras is a magical place with marine fossils that are more than 15 million years old. Here you can see snails, oysters and mussels in their fossil state, really impressive. It is not advisable to arrive by car other than 4×4, since in many sections of the road you will find sand.

Nearby is the coastal area of El Sótano, worthy of admiration for the difference in tides that occur there, reaching two kilometers between high and low tide.

📷 Book here the excursion to the Ostras Canyon in an off-road truck.

8) Petrified Forest Valcheta

Entering the Patagonian plateau about 100 kilometers from Las Grutas, you will reach the petrified forest of Valcheta, where fossilized trees more than 80 million years old are waiting for you. It is a one-hour guided hike that explains the formation and evolution of this petrified forest over the centuries.

After the tour you can have a bite to eat at the small inn of the place. Remember not to take any fossil remains with you because the site is protected.

📷 Book here the excursion to make a small trekking through the petrified forest and visit the charming village of Valcheta.

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Useful information for traveling to Las Grutas

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– How to get to Las Grutas from Buenos Aires and Bariloche

From Buenos Aires it is almost 1,100 kilometers to get to Las Grutas. Take Route 3 to the town of Azul and then take Route 51 to Bahía Blanca. From here, take route 22 towards Río Colorado, and then take route 251 to Las Grutas.

Another option is to take Route 3 at Bahía Blanca and pass through Viedma, but it is a little more kilometers.

If you are coming from the mountainous area of Patagonia, such as Bariloche, San Martín de los Andes or Villa La Angostura, Route 23 offers a direct route to Las Grutas. There are 650 kilometers, but it must be taken into account that the section between Bariloche and Ingeniero Jacobacci is being paved (about 200 kilometers) and there are many gravel roads. The fully paved option is through Neuquén city, route 22 to Choele Choel, route 250 and provincial route 2, but it is an extra 200 kilometers.

– Where to stay in Las Grutas

Accommodations in Las Grutas are mostly located between descents 3 to 7. The options are very varied, from tourist apartments, hostels and apartments to hotels. Our recommendations of where to stay in Las Grutas are as follows:

• Sierras Blancas Complex: comfortable and spacious apartments with fully equipped kitchens. The complex also has a barbecue, terrace and private parking.
• Ruca Kiñe Hostel: simple, clean and with excellent service. It is ideal for backpackers and young people.
• Hotel and Casino del Rio: a three-star hotel with rooms overlooking the sea and close to the third descent. Very spacious rooms and good breakfast.

🏨 Find here the best hotels in Las Grutas.

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