Peninsula Valdes
There are several natural reserves with various species of marine fauna along the Patagonian coast, but none of them offers such a spectacular concentration of wildlife as the Peninsula Valdés. This peninsula located 1400 Km to the south of Buenos Aires, projects into the sea forming two gulfs of sheltered waters, and it is a meeting point for the southern right whales, which arrive here to complete their breeding cycle between June and December. From Puerto Pirámides it is possible to take atrip to see the Southern Right Whales that are seen in the area from June to December. Please contact us for more details (group discounts offered).
There are also many sea lion colonies with a rich variety of birds, while the rest of the peninsula is teeming with other animals such as “ñandúes” (rheas), “maras” (Patagonian hares) and “guanacos”. The Isla de los Pájaros Reserve has thousands of sea birds (cormorants, gulls, terns, herons). Punta Pirámide has a colony of seals breeding there. Punta Delgada provides a shelter to seals and sea elephants. Caleta Valdés, a narrow promontory separating the open sea from a marine lagoon, is inhabited by seals, sea elephants, and Magellanic penguins, as well as “guanacos”, “maras” and “ñandúes” which arrive at the islands at low tide.
In the Peninsula’s Punta Norte is the world’s most important southern sea elephant continental breeding colony. The name of these animals comes from their trunk, which resembles that of an elephant, and which is dilated by males during the rut. Elephant seals can reach 7 meters in length and have an average weight of three tons. They feed on fish, squid, and octopus, and they can dive up to 200 meters in search of prey.
We recommend that you go to the Interpretation Center at the Ameghino Isthmus, where you will be provided with all the information and advice you may need.
As well as the peninsula there are several nature reserves in the area including:
Punta Tombo Natural Reserve
Found120 Km to the south of Trelew is one of the most varied sea birdcolonies in the world, which has the largest number of Magellanic penguins. Over 250,000 penguin couples gather here from mid September to the beginning of April. Other protected species include a local type of seagulls (cook seagulls), oyster catchers, imperial cormorants and rock cormorants. Rheas, guanacos, maras (Patagonian hares), ñandúes (South American ostrich) and foxes can also be seen in this area.
Please take a look at our Add-On tour section for information on tours we have to this area of Patagonia. The tour to this destination is available to book separately or as part of a larger tour of Argentina. Stand alone prices can be found within the above mentioned section. Why not arrange your own “Patagonian Wildlife” tour taking in the numerous nature reserves of this area followed by a journey across the Patagonian steppe to Esquel where bird watching tours can be arranged in the surrounding area, including the Los Alerces National Park.
If you are interested in Welsh culture, heritage and history this is the ideal area to learn more. Puerto Madryn, Trelew and Gaiman on the Atlantic coast plus Esquel and Trevelin in the shadow of the Andes have strong Welsh communities that have kept their traditions over the past 150 or so years since they immigrated to this area in 1865. A day trip around these settlements can be extremely inspiring and emotional.
Our Welsh customers may be interested in our Trevelin Eisteddfod Tour 2010 (April/May 2010 – 3 Week Tour), which will take in all the welsh communities and will include pre-arranged activities with the Welsh speaking locals. Please see our Scheduled Tour section for more details and guide price. Price and final itinerary is not yet available, but we are currently taking advanced reservations (no obligation to book). Please contact us if you would like further information.