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Writer's pictureGerardo Jaque

Rediscovering Patagonia's Past: Rio Seco Pier, a Window to History


Nestled in the tranquil embrace of Patagonia's Estrecho waters lies a relic of a bygone era - Rio Seco Pier. Built in 1905, this colossal structure was once the bustling heart of a thriving trade in Patagonia. At its peak, it was a hub for the traffic of 230,000 sheep, their wool, fat, hide, and meat, almost entirely destined for the United Kingdom. Spanning a vast 12 acres and employing a workforce of 300 people, Rio Seco Pier was a testament to Patagonia's industrial heritage.

Vintage photograph of the historic Frigorifico Rio Seco, a bustling hub of Patagonia's sheep trade during the early 20th century, standing tall against a backdrop of rugged landscapes and the Estrecho waters.
Peletería el Zorro Editores. Frigorifico de Rio Seco [fotografía] Peletería "El Zorro". Archivo Fotográfico. . Disponible en Biblioteca Nacional Digital de Chile http://www.bibliotecanacionaldigital.gob.cl/bnd/629/w3-article-614036.html . Accedido en 1/9/2023.

Today, Rio Seco Pier stands silently amidst the estuary's serene waters. The kelp forest gently sways beneath its pillars, and the Yeco (Phalacrocorax brasilianus) finds a peaceful perch in its shadows. As the sun rises over the horizon, it paints a breathtaking canvas of colors, blending the hues of the past with the tranquility of the present.


An image of Rio Seco Pier, standing stoically in the tranquil waters of Patagonia's Estrecho, with the morning sun casting a warm glow.
Rio Seco Pier: Where history and nature converge. Witness the serene beauty and reflections of the past in the tranquil waters of Patagonia's estuary. #PatagoniaHeritage #TimelessBeauty

Standing on the weathered planks of Rio Seco Pier, one can't help but reflect on the constant ebb and flow of life. The bustling trade that once echoed through these structures has given way to a quiet reverence for nature's beauty. It's a reminder that change is an ever-present companion in our journey through time, and that even the most bustling of hubs can find peace in their twilight years.

As you take in the view, consider the stories that this pier could tell - of labor and trade, of triumphs and tribulations, and of the enduring spirit of Patagonia.

A close-up image of a Yeco bird (Phalacrocorax brasilianus), perched gracefully on a weathered wooden beam, with its distinctive black plumage glistening in the sunlight.
Meet the Yeco (Phalacrocorax brasilianus), a symbol of Patagonia's avian beauty. These graceful birds find solace and inspiration in the tranquil waters, reminding us of the natural wonders that grace this remarkable region. #PatagoniaWildlife #YecoBeauty

Rio Seco Pier, with its rich history and serene present, offers a glimpse into Patagonia's multifaceted identity. As you visit this hidden gem, take a moment to reflect on the flow of time and change, and appreciate the beauty that emerges when the past and present come together.




Come and discover Rio Seco Pier, a window to Patagonia's storied past, and a canvas of tranquility in the embrace of nature.

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