About Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, Argentina's second-largest province, is a land of breathtaking extremes where the Andes meet the Atlantic in spectacular fashion. This remote Patagonian region offers some of South America's most dramatic landscapes, from the colossal Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciares National Park—a UNESCO World Heritage site where ice calves into turquoise lakes with thunderous roars—to the windswept coastal cliffs of Puerto Deseado, home to penguin colonies and marine wildlife. Adventure seekers flock to El Chaltén, Argentina's trekking capital, for world-class hiking beneath the iconic Fitz Roy massif. The province's stark beauty extends to the Cueva de las Manos with its ancient rock art, and the lunar landscapes around El Calafate. Santa Cruz's isolation preserves authentic gaucho culture in estancias where travelers can experience traditional Patagonian hospitality. The region's unique appeal lies in its raw, untamed wilderness—vast steppes, azure lakes, and ice fields that create an unforgettable frontier experience for those willing to venture to the southern edge of the continent.
Things to do in Santa Cruz
Rincon De La Vieja Volcano Adventure Day.
Tamarindo, Guanacaste and Northwest
Round Trip Transfer Liberia Airport to Your Hotel or Airbnb
Liberia, Guanacaste and Northwest
Private Tour Diria National Park Unspoken Hiking and Nature
Guanacaste and Northwest, Costa Rica
Miravalles Volcano: Hanging Bridges, Hot Springs & Mud Baths.
Tamarindo, Guanacaste and Northwest
Airport Transportation: San Jose Airport
Tamarindo, Guanacaste and Northwest
Private Airport Transportation from and to Tamarindo
Tamarindo, Guanacaste and Northwest
Next Level ZIPLINE at Guanacaste
Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste and Northwest
Hornillas hot springs- mud bath-Horses or tractor-waterfalls hike
Playa Flamingo, Guanacaste and Northwest
Half-full Day Sport Fishing Tour from Flamingo Beach
Playa Flamingo, Guanacaste and Northwest
From GHS 11,119
5.0 (2)
Horseback Riding tours in Brasilito
Santa Cruz, Guanacaste and Northwest
Shuttle From Liberia Airport To Rythmia Life Advancement Center Guanacaste
Santa Cruz, Guanacaste and Northwest
Half Day Private Guanacaste Horseback and Farm Tour
Santa Cruz, Guanacaste and Northwest
Coffee and Clay Cultural Tour
Santa Cruz, Guanacaste and Northwest
Monteverde Sloth sanctuary, Hanging Bridges, Butterflies garden
Tamarindo, Guanacaste and Northwest
Tenorio White Water Rafting Level III & IV Class
Tamarindo, Guanacaste and Northwest
Travel Tips for Santa Cruz
Getting Around
Renting a car is the most practical way to explore Santa Cruz, providing flexibility for remote areas. Major rental agencies operate in El Calafate and Río Gallegos. Long-distance buses connect main towns, but services are infrequent. Domestic flights link El Calafate, Río Gallegos, and Puerto Santa Cruz with Buenos Aires. Within towns, taxis and remises (private hire cars) are available; ride-sharing apps are not widely used. For glacier tours and park visits, organized tours are recommended. In El Chaltén, walking is the primary mode of transport. Always check road conditions, especially for Ruta 40, and carry supplies.
Best Time To Visit
November to March (austral spring and summer) offers the best weather with milder temperatures (10-20°C/50-68°F), longer daylight hours, and accessible hiking trails. This is peak tourist season, especially December-February. January is ideal for glacier viewing as calving activity increases. Shoulder seasons (October, April) provide fewer crowds but cooler, unpredictable weather. Winter (May-September) is cold and windy with some road closures, but offers unique snowy landscapes and lower prices.
Local Customs
Patagonian culture values hospitality, simplicity, and respect for nature. Greet people with a handshake or kiss on the cheek. Dress is casual but layered for changeable weather. Tipping is customary: 10% in restaurants if service charge isn't included; round up taxi fares. Respect private property when hiking—many trails cross estancias. Dinner is typically late (9-11 PM). Mate (herbal tea) is a social ritual; if offered, it's polite to accept. Environmental consciousness is important—follow 'leave no trace' principles in parks. Bargaining is not common except in some artisan markets.
Safety Information
Santa Cruz is generally safe with low crime rates, especially in tourist areas. Exercise normal precautions in cities like Río Gallegos. Violent crime is rare, but petty theft can occur in crowded places. Remote hiking areas require caution: inform others of your plans, carry emergency supplies, and be prepared for sudden weather changes. Road travel can be hazardous due to long distances, strong winds, and limited services—ensure your vehicle is well-maintained and carry extra fuel. No specific areas need complete avoidance, but stay on marked trails in natural parks. Scams are uncommon, but be cautious with unofficial tour operators.
Health Information
Medical facilities are adequate in major towns like Río Gallegos and El Calafate, with hospitals and clinics, but remote areas have limited services. Travelers should have comprehensive health insurance covering evacuation. Altitude sickness is not a concern, but extreme weather can cause hypothermia. Vaccinations for routine immunizations are recommended; no specific vaccines are required. Tap water is generally safe in cities, but bottled water is advised in rural areas. Bring prescription medications and basic first-aid supplies. Sun protection is crucial due to strong Patagonian sun and ozone layer thinning.
Languages Spoken
Spanish
Quick Facts
Currency
Argentine Peso (ARS)
$
$
Timezone
America/Argentina/Rio_Gallegos -03:00 (GMT)
Calling Code
+54
Electricity
Driving Side
Right
Population
333,473
Area
243943 km²
Government
Provincial government with elected governor and legislature
ISO Code
Z