In the heart of Argentina lies La Pampa, a large province of prairies and farms. Apart from the picturesque commune of Santa Rosa near the Don Tomás Lagoon, the area has few large cities. The region’s charm centers on the rural scenery of a national park, a reserve park and rental lodges overlooking vast plains.
Visit the capital city of Santa Rosa to see its historic architecture. Look around homes from the 1930s in the Fitte neighborhood. See a dramatic performance at the Spanish Theater and admire its white façade from the beginning of the 20th century.
Browse paintings by well-known Argentine artists at the Provincial Art Museum. The Provincial Natural History Museum houses the region’s historical relics. Among the most extraordinary buildings is the Santa Rosa Cathedral, which has an intriguing modern artwork with crosses and coffin shapes decorating its façade.
Just south of the city is the Reserva Provincial Parque Luro. Take a guided tour of its white-and-green mansion and explore the forest.
After a relaxing stay in the capital city, venture into the endless stretches of countryside. Enter the Lihué Calel National Park, where plains and green valleys stretch over the horizon. A campsite in the park offers basic amenities, while more comfortable hotels overlook Amarga Lake in the nearby commune of Puelches. Hike with your family and enjoy picnics in the sierras.
Enjoy the region’s warm summer days and mild nights. Heat waves are often followed by tremendous storms. Winters are frosty and snowy.
La Pampa is in the center of Argentina, bordering the large cosmopolitan provinces of Buenos Aires to the east and Cordoba to the north. To the south lie the snowy peaks of Neuquén, while the vineyards of Mendoza are in the northwest. Fly into Santa Rosa Airport near the Governor’s Residence in the northern part of the city. It has regular flights to Buenos Aires and Mendoza.
Stay at a traditional Argentina “estancia,” a cattle ranch or farm house overlooking the prairies of La Pampa.