The Patagonian Steppe is a vast region of dry, open grasslands and scrub that spans much of southern Argentina and parts of Chile. It has an arid to semi-arid climate, with strong winds and low rainfall.
Vegetation is dominated by hardy shrubs and drought-tolerant grasses adapted to harsh conditions. You will also find cacti and succulents that store water for long periods.
How big is the Patagonian Steppe?
In Argentina, the steppe covers roughly 800,000 square kilometers. It stretches from the south of Buenos Aires Province down to Tierra del Fuego, spanning La Pampa, Río Negro, Neuquén, Chubut, and Santa Cruz.
While Patagonia contains the country’s most extensive steppe, other steppe and desert ecoregions exist outside Patagonia.
Other Argentine ecoregions with steppe traits
Monte Desert extends across Catamarca, La Rioja, San Juan, and Mendoza, covering about 260,000 square kilometers. It features rocky terrain, sparse vegetation, and extreme temperatures, yet hosts unique flora and fauna, including cacti, lizards, and the Andean condor.
Pampas is a fertile lowland of about 750,000 square kilometers. Beyond its famous grasslands, western Buenos Aires and parts of Santa Fe, Córdoba, and La Pampa include shrub-steppe zones. Wildlife here includes armadillos, foxes, and rheas, South America’s largest native birds.
What is “Coirón”?
Coirón is a common name for tough bunchgrasses in southern South America, notably in Argentina and Chile. Species such as Festuca and Stipa thrive in arid and semi-arid environments thanks to drought resistance.
These grasses are key to steppe ecosystems, providing forage and shelter for guanacos, rheas, and other fauna. They also help prevent soil erosion and maintain ecosystem health.
Coirón tufts can reach up to 1.5 meters, with narrow, tightly rolled leaves that reduce water loss. Seed heads carry stiff bristles that can irritate skin and eyes.
El Calafate Standard Pass
This pass will save you money and organize your trip. A basic package of services for visiting El Calafate and Perito Moreno in 2, 3, or 4 days!
Wildlife of the Patagonian Steppe
Despite the harsh climate, biodiversity is notable. Typical fauna includes:
- Guanacos, the emblematic wild camelids of Patagonia
- Foxes and armadillos across open shrublands
- Birdlife such as rheas, tinamous, and raptors, including the Andean condor
- Top predators like the puma in remote areas
Economy on the steppe
The steppe supports several key activities in Argentina.
- Livestock: Sheep ranching is widespread thanks to extensive grazing grounds, sustaining a historic wool industry. Cattle ranching is also present, supplying domestic and export markets.
- Mining: Operations across Patagonia extract minerals such as gold, silver, and copper, providing jobs and investment.
- Tourism: Visitors are drawn to open landscapes, Andean backdrops, lakes, and wildlife. Hiking, camping, fishing, and birdwatching generate income for local communities.
El Calafate Full Day Boat Tour to enjoy glaciers – All Glaciers Excursion
Enjoy a boat tour navigation in the Argentino Lake and watch different glaciers!
Overall, the Patagonian Steppe is a major contributor to regional economies, supporting livelihoods across ranching, mining, and nature-based tourism.
Peoples of the steppe: a brief history
The steppe has long been home to Indigenous peoples who adapted to its climate and resources. Among them:
- Tehuelche (Patagones): Nomadic hunter-gatherers who relied on guanacos, rheas, fishing, and wild plants.
- Mapuche: Predominantly in the west, with farming traditions, complemented by hunting and fishing.
- Selk’nam (Ona): Nomadic groups in the far south who hunted guanacos and small game.
- Puelche: Northern steppe groups skilled on horseback, hunting guanacos and other wildlife.
These communities developed rich cultures closely tied to the steppe’s environment. Many descendants continue to preserve their heritage today.
