Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
4
Reserva Provincial Península Valdés
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Península Valdés is one of the
world's great nature preserves. Its rugged 310-mile (500-km)
coastline is a haven for an astonishing, and easily observable,
array of marine fauna that includes Southern Right whales,
killer whales, elephant seals, sea lions, Magellanic penguins,
and millions of marine birds. Its interior is an arid wilderness,
the eastern extension of the Patagonian steppe, populated
by dry-land fauna including guanacos and the ostrich-like
rhea. It is marked at its center by two large salt lakes. Day-long
safaris depart from Puerto Madryn, though many visitors seek
longer stays at one of the peninsula's estancias.
Visitors' Center
This is where visits to the
peninsula begin. The center
houses a small museum that
provides a useful introduction to
the reserve's stunning array of
flora and fauna.
Golfo
San José
Isla de los
Pájaros
Puerto Pirámides
The peninsula's only village, Puerto Pirámides
has a smattering of hotels and restaurants.
It is one of the best places in the world to
watch whales.
Viedma
Istmo Ameghino
Puerto
Pirámides
Golfo
Nuevo
Key
Main road
Puerto
Madryn
Minor road
0 km
0 miles
10
10
KEY
Sea lions and elephant seals
inhabit the peninsula's coast
through the year.
2
1
Salina Grande
is one of
two inland salt lakes that lie in
a basin, which, at 138 ft (42 m)
below sea level, is the
fourth deepest depression
on the planet.
.
Golfo Nuevo
The Southern Right whales visit the Golfo Nuevo between
June and December each year to breed and bear young.
Whale-watching excursions start from Puerto Pirámides and
visitors can get extremely close to the whales.
For hotels and restaurants see pp278-83 and pp288-99
