Viedma and Patagones

These twin cities, separated and united at the same time by a river, share a historical and modern atmosphere. Both of them are part of the Viedma-Patagones Shire where the Patagonia begins. They can be reached driving along the National Route number 3.Viedma, capital city of the Río Negro Province, lies on the south shore of the Negro River, at 19 miles of its flow into the Atlantic Ocean, and it situated at 605 miles from the capital city of Buenos Aires.

On the opposite shore of the Negro River lies the city of Carmen de Patagones, which belongs to the Buenos Aires Province. These two cities are connected by two bridges: the one built in 1931 allows not only car but train transit also.

The second one is only transited by cars. Viedma has one of the most interesting historical legacies of the Argentinean Patagonia. Its shared destiny with its in-front-neighbor, Carmen de Patagones, started on April 22nd 1779 with the foundation of the Fort of “Nuestra Señora del Carmen”. On June 13th of the same year, as consequence of a flood, the Fort was moved to the northern side. This marked the origin of Carmen de Patagones, leaving just a small population in its former stead.

On October 11th 1878, with the “Desert Conquest” campaign, Viedma was transformed in the capital of the new Patagonia Territory. At that time the region received the name of “Mercedes de Patagones”, until the name of “Viedma” was given by Governor Alvaro Barros on July 4th 1879.At 112 miles away from “Las Grutas”, the shire possesses a notable tourist potential. During summer time, the getaways throughout day and night are very enjoyable thanks to the temperatures over 30° (Celsius) during the day and slightly refreshing at night. Aquatic and recreational activities can be added to the excursions to the production farms of IDEVI, where regional products can be acquired. These cities are very active in the sports area and have much love for game activities, adding casinos, racecourse, and a track race, that hosted a TC 2000 competition. Big plazas and green spaces, the shore next to the river, modern shopping malls, historical and cultural monuments, a cathedral and an old church stand out on the landscape and characterize the two eldest cities in the Patagonia