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LOCATION:
40° 48 0 S, 63° 0 0 W - Viedma (Spanish pronunciation: [bjeðma]) is the capital city of the Argentine Río Negro Province and the Adolfo Alsina Department of that province. The city of 47,246 inhabitants (2001) is located on the southern margin of the Río Negro River, 30 kilometres before from the sea, and 960 km from Buenos Aires on the National Route 3.
WEATHER:
The climate in this region is mild with an average temperature of 14 ° C. Summer is characterized by being hot in the afternoon, though the nights are slightly cooler. The summer average is 22 ° C, with minimum temperatures of 15 ° C and maximum 30 ° C. Winter, meanwhile, comes with cold weather during the day and very cold nights. The average temperature is 7 ° C, with minimum of 2 ° C and maximum 12 ° C. Fall and spring are transitional seasons with varying temperatures. As for the extreme temperatures drop to -6 ° C in winter and climb to 38 ° C in summer, although the records are -10 ° C and 43 ° C. Rainfall is sparse, with a cumulative total of 380 mm per year. The wettest season is summer, although no one can speak of a dry season. The annual average relative humidity is 62%. The wind blows in summer, at an average speed of 28.4 km / h
HISTORY:
Together with Carmen de Patagones city across the river in the Buenos Aires Province, it is the oldest settlement in Patagonia, founded by Francisco de Biedma y Narváez under the name of Nuestra Señora del Carmen on April 22, 1779. Originally the two cities were one, both called Carmen de Patagones. The original fort was built on the south side of the river in modern Viedma, but it was destroyed within a few years. A new fort was built on the north side, in the current day Carmen de Patagones. This fort lasted much longer, and the tower still stands today. The town grew here, and eventually expanded back across the river into modern day Viedma. At some point, the town decided to split with the Río Negro as their border. With the Conquest of the Desert, the city became the capital of all the Argentine Patagonia, and later, when it was divided in further smaller territories, the capital of the Río Negro Territory. Alvaro Barros, the first governor of Río Negro, changed the name of the city to Viedma, in 1879. During severe flooding in 1900, the capital of Río Negro was temporary moved to Choele Choel, but it was quickly restored to Viedma.
During the presidency of Raúl Alfonsín, a proposal to move the capital of Argentina from Buenos Aires to Viedma was presented to Congress. Passed in 1987 by the lower house, the idea did not prosper in the senate.
The main economical activities in the area of the Valle Inferior are cattle, as well as some agriculture with onion, maize and alfalfa being the most important. However, Viedma is mainly an administrative city, being the capital city of the province. The Gobernador Castello Airport (IATA: VDM, ICAO: SAVV) serves flights to Buenos Aires, Neuquén, Bariloche, Puerto Madryn, Trelew, Comodoro Rivadavia, Mar del Plata, and other cities in Argentina. Its located 6 km from the city, and has an average annual traffic of 30,000 passengers. 30 km downstream from Viedma, on the Atlantic shore, the El Cóndor beach resort town (Balneario Massini) is the most visited tourist beach in the area.
TOURIST
Among its main attractions is its eco-tourism in dry areas, where the irrigated fields to the west of the city (IDEVI). Since you can access Carmen de Patagones by crossing the Black River in boats and catamaran which performs Leuvú Curru river trips in areas where wildlife can be spotted from the river and its islands. Due to its proximity to the sea (30 km) the large beach resort, The Condor has the infrastructure of hotels, camping and casino. There is performed the National Party and the Sea camper during the month of January each year. Near the city is the succession of beaches linked by the provincial route No. 1, which has road until the Spa "The Lobería" in it you can find the Descent of the Faro, Descent of the breakwater, Playa Bonita and Spa Loberia all sandy beaches sheltered by towering cliffs. About spa "the Lobería" there is a pool of sea lions. Other tourist sites are Rose Bay, Ensenada, Lower Echandi, Bahia Creek (where it is common practice of fishing), Caleta de los Loros, which is accessed by gravel section. the Provincial Route 1 starts in Viedma and ends at the access to the Port of San Antonio Este, forming a tourist corridor is located in the infrastructure development.
About Fauna
The Condor beach resort is a wonderfull place for spotting wildlife animals. Mainly is world famous for the biggest conure (parrots cliff) reserve on Earth, and you can get booking and accommodation just besides the cliffs, on Costa del Faro hotel. There is also, a complete option to see more wild sea animals, from dolphins to sea lions, right following the Nro 1 shore road, to Punta Bermeja (check video). Besides cormorants, gulls, sea lions and some Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus), also can be seen with the naked eye bottlenose dolphins, and even orcas.
WHERE TO SLEEP?:
We choose to staid at Costa del Faro Apart and Hotel. The place is beautiful, right in front the beach and ocean and besides the cliffs to see and photograph famous parrots. Costa del Faro is manage by Sandra Seding, who will assist you in what ever you may need to feel yourself more confortable. The Apart Hotel Costa del Faro includes for your comfort: 4 units for 2 people (studio), 4 units for 4 people (2 rooms) with sea view, 1 unit is conditioned for the use of a wheelchair), 4 units for 5 people (loft) with sea view. Accommodation: Sommiers, Bed linen, Air Conditioning, Satellite television, Kitchenette with cooking hob , microwave, minibar, In room safe, Hair dryer, Emergency light. Services and Amenities: Laundry/Valet services, Towels for the beach, Wi-Fi, Parking, Free entry to barbecue area, Rent of umbrellas and beach chairs, Mini library - Regional books. Check Costa del Faro web site for booking, photos and further details: www.costadelfaro.com.ar
WHERE TO EAT?:
For resto services we only had the opportunity to check the resto of Costa del Faro and is very well set place with average services. Its provide: Restaurant for 80 people, Ocean View, Air Conditioning, Buffet breakfast from 8 am to 10:30 am, Daily fixed menu / A la carte menu, Extensive opening hours: from 8 am to 4 pm and from 6 pm to 1 am, Special Events.
We know that in Viedma city downtown there are other options we will check for you
ACTIVITIES:
Best guy in town to arrange activities is Lic. Mauricio Failla, a biologist, photographer and professional guide who can show you all nature spots, the parrots, sea lions, sea birds and more. Check his web sites for more info: www.patagoning.com.ar, www.ideaspatagonicas.blogspot.com
Enjoy the area, have fun
Mark Royo Celano