Things To Do
in Sarmiento
Sarmiento is a small, quiet town in the central Patagonian province of Chubut that serves as a gateway to wind-swept steppe landscapes and paleontological sites. It blends ranching (estancia) culture with pockets of museums and local artisan shops, making it a good base for slow, discovery-focused travel. The surrounding terrain is stark and dramatic — low hills, dry river valleys and fossil-bearing outcrops — offering strong light and wide skies for photography.
Services are modest but friendly; visitors come for outdoor activities, local history and the feeling of open, remote Argentina.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Fly into Comodoro Rivadavia and take a scenic drive to Sarmiento, savoring the views of the Patagonian landscape. Check into your accommodation and freshen up before exploring the town. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café, where you can indulge in traditional Argentine pastries.
Visit the historic Plaza del Libertador San Martín, where you can admire the beautiful architecture and learn about the town's history. Take a guided tour of a local museum to gain insight into the region's cultural heritage. Wind down with a relaxing walk through the nearby Parque Municipal.
Dine at a cozy family-run restaurant, sampling local dishes such as 'asado' or 'empanadas'. Share stories with locals and other travelers over a glass of regional wine. End the night with a stroll under the stars, absorbing the serene atmosphere of the Patagonian night.
Set off early to Lago Sarmiento, known for its breathtaking views and unique geology. Enjoy a picnic breakfast by the lake, taking in the tranquil surroundings. Capture the beauty of the sunrise as it illuminates the water and mountains.
Engage in outdoor activities such as kayaking or fishing, immersing yourself in the natural beauty of this remote location. Take time to relax on the shore, perhaps reading or simply absorbing the peaceful ambiance. Enjoy a packed lunch with panoramic views of the lake and surrounding hills.
Return to Sarmiento and treat yourself to a delightful dinner at a nearby restaurant. Taste authentic Patagonian flavors demonstrated by local chefs, focusing on fresh, regional ingredients. After dinner, mingle with locals at a nearby pub, sharing experiences and laughter.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| ☕Coffee at a café | $1.50-3 |
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-15 |
| 🍷Bottle of mid-range wine (local) | $8-18 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride | $2-6 |
| 🏨Basic guesthouse / hostel per night | $25-60 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic Patagonian landscapes and quiet, off-the-beaten-path experience
- Good access to outdoor activities (hiking, horseback riding, fossil sites)
- Friendly, small-town atmosphere and local ranching culture
- Limited tourist infrastructure and fewer dining/entertainment options
- Strong winds and rapidly changing weather can disrupt plans
- Long distances to major hospitals, airports and specialized services
- "Hola, ¿cómo está?" - Hello, how are you?
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "¿Me puede ayudar?" - Can you help me?
- "¿Dónde está el hospital?" - Where is the hospital?
Places to Visit in Sarmiento
Visit one of these nice places.
Wide skies, reflective water and riparian vegetation offer contrasts with the steppe; sunrise and sunset produce warm light on the valley.
Open plains and rock formations shaped by wind provide dramatic minimalist landscapes and long shadows ideal for wide-angle shots.
Rustic farm buildings, corrals and grazing sheep or horses present authentic rural scenes, especially in golden hour.
Areas with fossil-bearing cliffs and eroded badlands are photogenic, especially with low-angle light; if visiting excavation areas, follow guide rules and avoid touching specimens.
Food in Sarmiento
Sarmiento Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Slow-roasted lamb, often prepared on a parrilla or in a traditional open-fire asado at estancias; try it at local parrillas or by booking a ranch experience.
Must-Try!
Handheld pastries filled with seasoned beef, onions and spices; widely available at cafés, bakeries and markets.
Local sweet preserves and baked goods — look for artisan alfajores and home jams at small shops and bakeries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small markets and panaderías sell fresh bread, empanadas and regional sweets; there is typically no large street-food scene, but stalls or kiosks may offer snacks and mate supplies on market days.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A single cheek kiss (right cheek) is common between acquaintances; men commonly shake hands in formal contexts. Use formal titles (Señor/Señora) until invited to use first names.
If visiting estancias or private land, ask permission, follow guidance about livestock and fences, and avoid disturbing agricultural operations.
Conversations can be warm and expressive; be polite, patient and open to small talk. Tipping and small courtesies are appreciated.
Do not touch fossils or artifacts, follow signage and guides’ instructions, and avoid taking anything from archaeological or paleontological sites.
Safety
Tipping in Sarmiento
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is customary but modest: around 10% in sit-down restaurants if service is not included, small change for bar staff or café servers, and rounding up taxi fares. For guides or drivers, tip according to satisfaction — a small extra is appreciated.
Cash (Argentine pesos) is widely used and often preferred in small businesses. Credit and debit cards are accepted at larger restaurants and hotels, but remote services may be cash-only; carry enough cash for rural excursions. ATMs exist in town but withdraws can be limited — plan ahead.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
December–February brings the warmest weather (daytime pleasant, nights cool). Expect long daylight hours and strong, sometimes persistent winds. This is high season for outdoor activities and easier access to dirt roads.
March–May offers crisp days, fewer tourists and rich evening colors. Temperatures drop quickly, and winds can be strong — layering is essential.
June–August is cold with short daylight hours and possible frost or occasional snow. Many services run reduced hours; check road conditions before traveling to remote sites.
September–November has rapidly changing weather — mild days can be interrupted by windy, chilly spells. Wildflowers and newborn livestock make countryside visits rewarding.
Sarmiento at Night
Hiking in Sarmiento
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A short ridge hike offering panoramic views over the Chubut river valley and surrounding steppe; good for sunrise or sunset photography.
Flat, accessible walks along the riverbank with opportunities for birdwatching and quiet contemplation close to town.
Guided walks across eroded badlands and fossil-rich slopes; terrain can be uneven, so sturdy shoes and a guide are recommended.
Airports
How to reach Sarmiento by plane.
The nearest larger regional airport with regular domestic flights to Buenos Aires and other regional hubs; expect a several-hour drive from Sarmiento depending on route and conditions.
Another regional airport serving Chubut’s coastal area; access to Sarmiento requires a longer road trip but may be useful depending on flight connections.
Small airstrips and charter flights may be available for private transfers to ranches or regional hubs — useful for remote access but should be arranged in advance.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many inhabitants are descendants of European settlers and long-established Argentine ranching families involved in estancias and local commerce.
Indigenous peoples have historical ties to the region; their presence and cultural contributions are reflected in local place names, traditions and some crafts.
A significant portion of the population is involved in livestock, sheep farming and services related to rural economies.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across Argentina, played and followed enthusiastically at local clubs and informal pitches.
Horseback riding is common in rural, ranching communities; local estancias offer riding for work or recreation.
Angling in regional rivers and lakes is popular among locals and visitors, especially for trout in suitable waters.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Sarmiento.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are limited in small towns: look for salads, pasta, omelettes and cheese empanadas at cafés. Communicate clearly that you don’t eat meat and ask for simple vegetable preparations.
Limited availability — bring staples if you require strict diets. Larger towns (Trelew, Comodoro Rivadavia) have more options; in Sarmiento plan ahead and discuss needs with restaurant staff.
Spanish is useful to explain allergies; always double-check ingredients in small kitchens and consider carrying an allergy card in Spanish.