Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
guins in spring and summer, whales in winter, and a large concentration of guanacos and
rheas. Sea birds, sea lions, foxes and fur seals are year-round residents.
You can pitch a tent for free at Cabo Dos Bahías Club Naútico or on any of the
beaches en route from Camarones.
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Comodoro Rivadavia
0297 / POP 175,200
Surrounded by dry hills of drilling rigs, oil tanks and wind-energy farms, tourism in the
dusty port of Comodoro (as it's commonly known) usually means little more than a bus
transfer. What this modern, hardworking city does provide is a gateway to nearby attrac-
tions with decent services. It sits at the eastern end of the Corredor Bioceánico highway
that leads to Coyhaique, Chile.
Founded in 1901, Comodoro was once a transport hub linking ranches in nearby
Sarmiento. In 1907 the town struck it rich when workers drilling for water found oil in-
stead. With the country's first major gusher, Comodoro became a state pet, gaining a
large port, airport and paved roads. Today it is a powerhouse in the now-privatized oil in-
dustry. Although the recession hit hard in 2001, this boomtown rebounded with a flashy
casino, elegant shops and hot rods on the streets. Now it holds the dubious status of the
largest consumer of plasma TVs in Argentina. Indeed, the recent arrival of Walmart has
been a boon for the whole province.
Commerce centers on principal streets Avs San Martín and Rivadavia. Between Mitre
and Belgrano, San Martín has upscale boutiques and shops unknown to most of Patago-
nia.
Sights
Museo Nacional del Petróleo
MUSEUM
( 455-9558; admission AR$25; 9am-5pm Tue-Fri, 3-6pm Sat)
Intransigent petroleum fans
should head to Museo Nacional del Petróleo for an insider look at the social and historic-
al aspects of petroleum development. Don't expect balanced treatment of oil issues - the
museum was built by the former state oil agency YPF (it is now managed by the Univer-
sidad Nacional de Patagonia). While its historical photos are interesting, the detailed
models of tankers, refineries and the entire zone of exploitation are best left to the die
hard. Guided tours are available.
