Las Grutas

Las Grutas takes its name from the caves eroded into the low cliffs along its shore, hollowed out by the sea and exposed at low tide when the water pulls back a long way over the sand. What draws Argentines here in numbers is the temperature: the shallow, enclosed Golfo San Matías warms in summer to well above what the open Atlantic offers further north, giving this town on the edge of Patagonia the warmest sea water on the Argentine coast. Behind the beach is a resort of apartment blocks, seafood restaurants and summer noise. The tidal range is dramatic, and the beach transforms between tides. Nearby, the coast toward Puerto Lobos and Bahía Creek offers dunes and quieter shore.

What you actually see

• The sea caves - the hollowed cliffs along the shore at low tide.
• The warm water - the gulf's summer temperatures, unusual this far south.
• The tidal beach - the sand exposed and covered by a big tidal range.
• The resort town - apartments, seafood restaurants and a busy summer scene.

When to go

December to March for warm water and full services; January is packed and prices peak. The town empties almost completely outside summer, with many businesses closed. Tide tables matter, since high tide can leave little beach.

Honest expectations

Development is dense and unlovely behind the beach. High season brings crowds and inflated prices. Caves are unstable and closed off in places after collapses, and cliff undercutting means signs should be respected.

Nearby

San Antonio Oeste lies inland; the Punta Bermeja sea lion colony is far east toward Viedma.