Santa Rosa (Argentina)

Santa Rosa is the capital of La Pampa Province.

Plaza San Martín

Understand

A city of about 100,000 that serves as an important agricultural center for Argentina, Santa Rosa is a rather unassuming mecca that may not be the most exciting place but still has a few attractions. It lies in a transitional geographical area on the western edge of the Pampas, allowing for some breaks and undulating slopes to the west.

Get in

Santa Rosa Airport affords direct flights to/from Buenos Aires. Otherwise, it can be a rather daunting 7 hour drive along Highway 5 between Santa Rosa and the nation's capital.

See

• 1 Plaza San Martin. Another town square commemorating the national hero, bordered by Universidad Nacional de La Pampa and Catedral de la Santa Rosa with some funny-looking sculpture outside. (updated Jul 2021)
• 2 Natural History Museum of La Pampa (Museo de Historia Natural de La Pampa), Pellegrini 180. See all your favorite Pampas animals on display here (stuffed). (updated Jul 2021)
• 3 Museo Provincial de Artes, 9 de Julio 305, ☏ +54 2954 42-7332. Here you can see some art works by locally known artists. (updated Jul 2021)
• 4 Mate Monument, Av Pedro Luro. A kitschy monument to the nationally popular drink that should probably be in every tourist's selfie or Argentinian photo album. (updated Jul 2021)

Do

• 1 Don Tomás Park (Recreativo Laguna Don Tomás Santa Rosa Park), Av. Uruguay. daily 08:00-18:00. This is one of the defining geographical features of Santa Rosa, as the city hugs the eastern shore. While not a swimming locale really due to turbidity (umm, duck pond?), it is a nice place to relax and fish for pejerrey (Neotropical silversides), or observe a bird island sanctuary. There is also a miniature train called El Puelchito (originating from San Martin Square), a system of bike and hiking paths, and the availability of canoe and water bike rentals and even rides aboard a motorized vessel called the Salitrero. Surrounding the lake are some monuments like a cross and lighthouse. (updated Jul 2021)
• 2 Natural reserve La Malvina (Reserva Natural Urbana La Malvina), Buira. M-F 07:00-13:00; Sa-Su 10:00-14:00, 16:00-20:00. This is a historic farmstead that was owned by the original founder of the city. Its acreage is continuous with the western edge of Don Tomas Lagoon and includes farm building exhibits and some observation points such as Mirador de Santa Rosa and Loma del Calden. (updated Jul 2021)
• 3 Reserva Provincial Parque Luro (35km south of Santa Rosa on Hwy 35 of all things), ☏ +54 2954 45 2600. daily 11:00-17:00. The remains of a former private exotic game park built by a French landowner, this reserve features a variety of attractions, from a lagoon frequented by flamingoes, to ornithological study in general with various bird species, to encounters with pumas and red deer that bray for mates in season (Mar-April). Also of note are three museums on siteː the Museo El Castillo (situated in the historic hunting lodge), Museo San Huberto (dealing with carriages and other such farm implements), and Museo El Caserio (created by a French painter who lived on the premises). (updated Jul 2021)
• 4 Casino Club - Santa Rosa - La Pampa, Acceso A, Av. Pres. Arturo Illia,, ☏ +54 2954 45 8419. Come here when the Argentinian pesos start to feel heavy in your pocket. (updated Jul 2021)

Eat

• 1 Parrilla Los Caldenes, Av. Circunvación Ing Marzo 385 Este, ☏ +54 2954 42 9449. Although they serve salads and desserts and things, carnivores definitely do not need to be shy. (updated Jul 2021)

Sleep

• 1 Departamento Ciudad De Santa Rosa, San Juan 356, ☏ +54 9 2954 54-9135. Furnished homestay in an apartment-like setting, with free wifi. $35. (updated Jul 2021)
• 2 La Campiña Club, Ruta 5 Km 604, ☏ +54 2954 45-6800. A hotel with a country feel featuring two pools, a spa, restaurant, and free breakfast. $75. (updated Jul 2021)
• 3 Mercure Santa Rosa La Pampa, Av Santiago Marzo N 25 Interseccion Ruta 5 Y 35, ☏ +54 2954 70-0200. A sleek and upscale property for this provincial capital, with a outdoor rooftop pool, gym, restaurant/bar, and expansive breakfast buffet (surcharge). (updated Jul 2021)

Go next

• 1 Lihué Calel National Park (2.5 hours south/southwest of Santa Rosa), ☏ +54 2952 43 6595. Where the pampas leave off and the desert begins: find trails exploring hills with petroglyphs and guanaco and cougar sightings, among other things. (updated Jul 2021)