Río Colorado

Río Colorado is the seat of the Pichi Mahuida department in north-eastern Río Negro. It sits on the southern bank of the Colorado River, which separates it from La Pampa, at kilometre 858 of National Route 22; that location has earned it the name “gateway to Argentine Patagonia”. It has 16,132 residents (2022 census) and lives off farming and livestock.

What to see

• The Colorado River: the natural border between La Pampa and Patagonia, which gives the town its name.
• Salto Andersen dam: the head works of the area’s irrigation system, built between 1950 and 1954 to water the valley.

Climate

Very hot, mostly clear summers, cold dry winters and wind all year. Temperatures usually range from 2 °C to 33 °C. For warm-weather trips, the best time is from late October to late March.

History

In 1879 Julio A. Roca’s expedition forded the river and camped at the spot later called Buena Parada, the first settlement. In 1897 the Neuquén – Bahía Blanca railway arrived, with a station on the higher ground named Río Colorado. A decree of 29 March 1901 made Buena Parada a town. In 1915 a major flood destroyed most of its buildings and the town was rebuilt around the station.

Distances: Km 858 of National Route 22 · on the border with La Pampa