Piedra Parada & Buitrera Canyon Day Trip

Day Trip Details

Want to discover one of the most fascinating rock formations in Chubut? After picking you up at the designated time at your hotel in Esquel, we'll set off northeast. Let's go!

Once we leave behind the highway and take a road toward the valley of the Chubut River, you'll see a big change in the scenery. Suddenly, in the middle of this dry land, a haven of willows, poplars, and a strip of vegetation will be a sign of water.

We'll enter the Piedra Parada Nature Reserve, where the highlight is its rock, standing at 787 ft (240 m) tall, once a volcanic plug. Its imposing vertical walls, sculptured by the wind's erosion, attract climbers from around the world. But you won't need to climb to experience the site's energy—just admiring its solitary silhouette over the open, dry field will be enough.

From there, we'll head to the Buitrera Canyon (Cañadón de la Buitrera), a narrow gorge that seems like it's from another planet. We'll walk 84.97 mi (8 km) among the sedimentary rock walls, where only our steps will break the silence, and, if you're lucky, the distant sound of a Patagonian chinchilla running quickly along the ledges.

After the hike, we'll make a well-deserved stop to enjoy a picnic-style lunch, including pizza, pinchos, and a board of cured meats and cakes, served with wine, juice, and water. 

Later, before starting our journey back, we'll pass by Gualjaina, a town with fewer than 1000 inhabitants where life has a calm rhythm. In its streets and low houses, you'll feel the tranquility of Patagonia. Here, you'll enjoy a small nibble featuring a tea or coffee, a salty snack, or a sweet snack.

Afterward, we'll start our journey back to Esquel, where we'll admire the sun hiding away from the Andes mountain range along the way. What better way to say goodbye to the region! Finally, we'll drop you off at your hotel 10 hours after the initial pickup.