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Starting from Puerto Madryn to the north along RP N1, and after 17 km, you reach RP N°2, access to the Valdés Peninsula, the most important protected natural area for its concentration of fauna and extension and world-renowned for the sightings of the Southern Right Whale. In 1999 it was declared a “Natural Heritage Site of Humanity” by UNESCO, the highest award that a site of these characteristics can have. Continuing along RP No. 2 and 45 km from Puerto Madryn, you reach the El Desempeño checkpoint, where you pay to enter the protected area.
Continuing the tour, you enter the Carlos Ameghino Isthmus, the arm of land that joins the Valdés Peninsula with the mainland. From its narrowest portion, the Golfo Nuevo (right) and San José (left) can be seen. The Interpretation Center will be a must to find out about the natural and cultural attractions of the area.
Only 5 km away and descending along a gravel road, is the Isla de los Pájaros. This is an important breeding site for several species of birds that can be observed with viewers or binoculars from the coast. You can also visit the replica of the chapel of Fort San José, a Spanish settlement built in 1779.
Continuing the asphalt route and after traveling 25 km, you access Puerto Pirámides, the only service center in Península Valdés and the starting point for whale watching nautical excursions. (See Rates according to the boat) and other species of birds and marine mammals. During navigation in safe and reliable boats.
Between December and April, the Punta Pirámide sea lion colony is visited, inhabited by an important breeding colony of sea lions. This station can also be accessed by land. On the way from Puerto Pirámides to Punta Delgada you can see the Salinas Grande and Chica, extensive depressions that exceed 42 meters. Below sea level.
Accompanied by local bilingual interpreting guides, you can visit the elephant seal colony and enjoy a magnificent view of the South Atlantic. It has recreation services, lodging and gastronomy.
A unique coastal landscape inhabited by southern elephant seals. To the north of Punta Cantor you can visit a penguin colony. It has gastronomy services, public restrooms and wildlife rangers.
Large breeding colony of sea lions in summer and sea elephants in spring. Between the months of October to April approximately orcas can be observed on calm sea days and at high tide (see tide schedules at the Carlos Ameghino Isthmus Center). It has an Interpretation Center, buffet, public restrooms and wildlife ranger