By Santa Cruz Profunda, from Puerto San Julián · Updated 2026-10-15
Where it is
Puerto San Julián is on the Atlantic coast of the province of Santa Cruz, Argentina, on San Julián Bay and National Route 3. It's the seat of the Magallanes department and lies roughly halfway between Caleta Olivia (to the north) and Río Gallegos (to the south).
Approximate road distances
- Río Gallegos: about 350–360 km.
- Caleta Olivia: about 350 km.
- Jaramillo Petrified Forests: about 230 km (National Parks figure).
- Comodoro Rivadavia (Chubut): continuing north on Route 3, past Caleta Olivia.
Getting there
By car
Via National Route 3, which passes the turnoff into town. It's a paved road with lots of wind: stick to the speed limits and keep your tank above half.
By air
The provincial website lists Comodoro Rivadavia (Chubut), with scheduled flights, as the nearest airport. San Julián has its own airfield; whether there are scheduled flights and how often, check before you travel at Turismo Santa Cruz – Puerto San Julián.
By bus
Long-distance bus companies running along Route 3 stop in San Julián. For companies, schedules and fares, check before you travel at Turismo Santa Cruz – Puerto San Julián.
Things to do
- Nao Victoria Theme Museum and First Mass Monument: the story of 1520.
- Coastal Circuit with an official audio guide.
- Boat trips on the bay: Commerson's dolphins, Magellanic penguins, cormorants, Isla Justicia.
- Makenke Interjurisdictional Marine Park.
- Estancia La María: rock paintings on the plateau (by reservation).
- Rosa Novak Museum, Museo del Campo and La Cascada Nature Reserve.
A 1- or 2-day plan
Day 1: the Nao Victoria in the morning, a boat trip after midday (depending on tide and wind) and the Coastal Circuit at sunset. Day 2: a full-day trip to La María, or continue on to the Petrified Forests.
Where to stay and eat: San Julián directory. Full overview: Puerto San Julián.
