The red bridge
Over the river.
Otávio Nogueira from Fortaleza, BR — CC BY 2.0 · Gastón Cuello — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Otávio Nogueira from Fortaleza, BR — CC BY 2.0 · James Cadwell — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Suzko — CC BY-SA 3.0
Isla Pavón is a river island in the Santa Cruz river, about forty kilometres from its mouth in the ocean, part of the town of Comandante Luis Piedrabuena. It is reached by National Route 3 and its long red bridge, one of the largest in Patagonia, spanning the broad blue-green river. The island is famous because the sailor and trader Luis Piedrabuena set up a trading post and a home here from 1859 for his large family and workers, when Patagonia was almost empty. Piedrabuena was known for rescuing shipwrecked sailors on the harsh southern coasts, and the town took his name in 1933. Today a small white house recalling his home holds simple displays on his life, surrounded by trees, a campsite and fishing banks. Visiting is free, a pleasant stop on National Route 3 between Río Gallegos and Puerto San Julián, near Monte León National Park.
Over the river.
Displays on his life.
Blue-green water.
Santa Cruz river, town of Comandante Luis Piedrabuena, National Route 3
A sailor and trader who settled on the island from 1859, known for rescuing shipwrecked sailors; the town bears his name.