Valdés Peninsula & Estancia San Lorenzo
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Hafen
Puerto Madryn, Argentina
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Aktivitätsebene
Moderate
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Ausflugstyp
All
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Rollstuhlgerecht
No
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Ab
$299
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Mindestalter
Information Not Currently Available
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Reisedauer
Approximately 7 Hours
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Mahlzeiten inbegriffen
Meals included
Board your transportation and cross the Carlos Ameghino Isthmus to the Valdés Peninsula. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, the peninsula is comprised of more than 1,500 square miles of headlands, saltwater lakes, depressions and rocky cliffs. It juts 30 miles into the Atlantic, and its shallow bays, gulfs and beaches are among the most diverse habitats in South America. More than half of the world's southern right whale population frequents the waters off the Valdés Peninsula, which are also home to major colonies of seals, sea lions and seabirds.
As you explore, you will stop briefly at the small Visitor Center to view exhibits on the flora and fauna of the Valdés Peninsula. Travel along the peninsula, enjoying views of its harsh, windswept landscape.
Visit the Estancia San Lorenzo Natural Reserve — a family-owned sheep station (farm) that stretches along the shores of the Golfo de San Matias and is home to an immense colony of nesting Magellan penguins. In fact, more than 600,000 nesting penguins inhabit this immense rookery. San Lorenzo is the largest continental Magellan penguin colony. Watch the penguins and keep an eye out for other wildlife, including rheas (flightless, ostrich-like birds), guanacos (related to alpacas and llamas) and elephant seals. You will view fossilized oysters and see the remains of a former sea lion colony.
Enjoy a light lunch at the farm before returning to the pier.
Notes:
Dress warmly in layers with a windproof and waterproof outer layer; bring a warm hat, gloves and a scarf. Flash photography is not allowed. Although the penguins are not fearful of humans, do not approach them, as they can inflict serious bite wounds when startled. Wildlife sightings are likely but are not guaranteed. The tour duration can vary up to an hour if the port time allows for longer visits.