Warm waters, extensive seafront and many excursions. If you are planning to visit Las Grutas in 3 days we tell you what you have to see.
Las Grutas Argentina is one of Patagonia’s most important seaside resorts, located in the Province of Río Negro, a few kilometres away from the city of San Antonio Oeste. While it was already a summer destination for locals, it gained international fame thanks to being voted one of the best beaches in South America by Flight Network magazine in 2019.
One of the characteristics that stands out in this geographical point of Argentina is its microclimate, with the warmth of the water of the Atlantic Ocean, which usually exceeds 25 degrees Celsius, and the wide tidal difference during the day.
Whether you are looking for a weekend getaway or a place to spend the summer, here is things to do in Las Grutas in 3 days with a detailed itinerary.
Table of Contents
Suggested itinerary of things to do in Las Grutas in 3 days
- Day 1: Warm beaches, cliffs and caves
- Day 2: Piedras Coloradas and Gualicho Salt Flats
- Day 3: Whale watching and snorkelling, or scuba diving
Day 1: Warm beaches, cliffs and caves
As we mentioned above, one of the main attractions of Las Grutas in 3 days is the quality of the beaches. Its seven-kilometre long coastline and the temperature of the water make it an ideal summer destination.
In the coastal area the protagonists are the natural caves and the high cliffs, for this reason there are different descents to the beach from the promenade to save the slopes.
To go to the beach you also have to pay attention to the tide table, which is visible in all the gastronomic and shopping establishments in the city. The difference in sea level is such that at low tide the beach is almost a kilometre long and at high tide the area of sand and stones is reduced to its minimum expression and the waves almost break over the cliffs.
After the beach, the first day is a good time to walk along the promenade, browse the craft fair and, of course, savour fresh fish and seafood dishes. Among the dishes that stand out the most are hake, salmon, octopus and clams.
Day 2: Piedras Coloradas and Gualicho Salt Flats
Four kilometres south of Las Grutas, Piedras Coloradas is the ideal beach for relaxation and family. The soft sand and the reddish tonality produced by the stones give it its particular charm. The best time to visit is at high tide, when bathing is most recommended. In addition, the site has a picnic area and ample parking to leave the car.
In the afternoon, one of the best excursions in Las Grutas is a visit to the Salina del Gualicho. It is about 60 kilometres away from Las Grutas along Provincial Route 2, and you have to take a 17 kilometre detour along a gravel road to get there. The salt mine was formed by the evaporation of seawater and is now used to produce large quantities of salt.
📷 Book here the excursión to the Gualicho salt flats at sunset with guide and transfers, including a Creole dinner on site!
The visit should preferably take place at dusk, to see the sun set over the white mantle and to contemplate the star-filled sky at night. It also has a Salt Museum that allows visitors to learn about the extraction process, the history and formation of the place.
Day 3: snorkelling or scuba diving, one of the activities to do in Las Grutas in 3 days
The last day should begin with a trip to the sea, and what better way to do it than sailing through the Gulf of San Matías. The great wealth of marine fauna present in the place allows us to contemplate sea lions, seabirds such as the albatross, dolphins and penguins.
One of the great marine species that you can observe from the boat between august and october is the imposing southern right whale. Along with Puerto Madryn, these are two of the perfect places to spot the whales and their calves in the waters of the gulf. Excursions depart from the descent 3 in Las Grutas or from the port of San Antonio Oeste.
If diving is your thing, Las Grutas is an excellent place to do it. The transparency of its waters is perfect for observing the seabed. There is an area near descent 3 to do so.
📷 Do you want to take a jeep tour to discover secret places in Las Grutas? Book the tour to visit olive groves, beaches and snorkel in Punta Perdices.
To finish the activities to do in Las Grutas in 3 days, what better than to relax in the pools next to the descent 1. These wells dug on the rock on the seashore by the “pulperos”, have given place to natural pools that are filled with water during the high tide and when the sea withdraws they leave pools for children and adults to enjoy and relax.
Where to eat in Las Grutas
Based on our experience, we recommend two options where to eat in Las Grutas. This town is known for its fresh seafood and fish.
El Rey Del Marisco: a place to eat with a lot of demand in summer. Fish and seafood of excellent quality, as well as its pasta dishes.
Lo de Antonio: ideal to eat in front of the sea. It stands out for its homemade elaborations, among them the seafood picada and its battered prawns.
Where to stay in Las Grutas
Las Grutas has a great number of hotels, tourist flats, inns and aparts. Keep in mind that during the summer months, January and February, it is advisable to book in advance due to the great influx of people due to the high season.
We recommend three lodging options in Las Grutas, according to your budget:
- Hotel Acantilado: Si buscas un hotel barato en Las Grutas, este es el indicado. Habitaciones sencillas, pileta climatizada y desayuno buffet. A pocas cuadras del mar.
- Complejo Sierras Blancas: para los que buscan un departamento en Las Grutas con cocina y viajan en familia. El complejo tiene parrilla y admite mascotas.
- Apart del Golfo: ideal for couples, if you want to stay in front of the sea. It has rooms and apartments, heated pool and fabulous views.
🏨 Book here where to stay in Las Grutas and get your ideal accommodation.
How to get to Las Grutas
From Buenos Aires you have to take Route 3 up to the locality of Azul. Then take Route 51 to Bahía Blanca and then Route 22 until you pass Río Colorado, where you will find the detour to Route 251 until you reach Las Grutas. It is a total of 1050 kilometres.
From Bariloche the shortest way is along route 23, but of the 650 kilometres, the first 200 kilometres from Bariloche to Ingeniero Jacobacci are paved and many sections are gravel in poor condition. The rest of the road is fully paved. The other option is to take Route 237 to the town of Neuquen, Route 22 to Choele Choel, then Route 250 to the turnoff to Provincial Route 2, which ends in San Antonio Oeste. It is all paved, but you will do 200 kilometres more.
¡Pinealo!
