Where is Rio Gallegos, Argentina?

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: April 10, 2026 11:15 ET

Rio Gallegos sits in southern Argentina within Santa Cruz Province, near the Atlantic coast and close to the border with Chile. It lies southeast of El Calafate and along the estuary of the Gallegos River, with roads linking it across the remote Patagonian landscape.

Location Map of Rio Gallegos, Argentina

About Map: The map showing location of Rio Gallegos in Argentina.

Where is Rio Gallegos Located?

Rio Gallegos sits in southern Argentina within Santa Cruz Province, near the Atlantic coast and close to the border with Chile. It lies southeast of El Calafate and along the estuary of the Gallegos River, with roads linking it across the remote Patagonian landscape.

The city covers about 61 sq km (24 sq mi), with surrounding areas extending into wide, open steppe. Population: 115,200 (Census 2022). The setting is windswept and sparsely populated, with flat terrain and coastal features shaping the environment.

Rio Gallegos serves as a key administrative and transport center in southern Patagonia. Main attractions include the coastal promenade, Plaza San Martín, local museums, the estuary, and nearby wildlife areas.

Rio Gallegos Facts

CountryArgentina
Province/StateSanta Cruz
CountyGüer Aike
Settlement TypeCity
RegionPatagonia
Population115,200 (2022)
Area61 sq km
Time ZoneART UTC-3
Postal CodeZ9400
Dialing Code+54 2966
Major RoadsRN 3, RN 40
Nearest AirportRio Gallegos Airport
Nearest Major CitiesEl Calafate, Punta Arenas
Famous ForPatagonia, coastal winds
Main AttractionsEstuary, plaza, museum
TransportBus, airport, roads
Official LanguageSpanish
CurrencyArgentine Peso

Distance from Rio Gallegos to Major Cities in Argentina

  • Rio Gallegos to El Calafate - 195 mi (314 km)
  • Rio Gallegos to Río Grande - 260 mi (418 km)
  • Rio Gallegos to Ushuaia - 370 mi (595 km)
  • Rio Gallegos to Comodoro Rivadavia - 500 mi (805 km)
  • Rio Gallegos to Trelew - 700 mi (1126 km)
  • Rio Gallegos to Puerto Madryn - 850 mi (1368 km)
  • Rio Gallegos to San Carlos de Bariloche - 900 mi (1448 km)
  • Rio Gallegos to Neuquén - 1100 mi (1770 km)
  • Rio Gallegos to Bahía Blanca - 1200 mi (1931 km)
  • Rio Gallegos to Buenos Aires - 1600 mi (2575 km)
  • Rio Gallegos to La Plata - 1610 mi (2591 km)
  • Rio Gallegos to Córdoba - 1500 mi (2414 km)
  • Rio Gallegos to Mendoza - 1400 mi (2253 km)
  • Rio Gallegos to San Luis - 1350 mi (2173 km)
  • Rio Gallegos to Rosario - 1550 mi (2494 km)
  • Rio Gallegos to Santa Fe - 1580 mi (2543 km)
  • Rio Gallegos to Viedma - 1000 mi (1609 km)
  • Rio Gallegos to Río Cuarto - 1400 mi (2253 km)