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Wildlife Adventures On The Valdes Peninsula
Puerto Madryn, a small city in the southeastern Chubat Province is the gateway to the Peninsula Valdes, which spans an area of 400 km. Located some 220 km from Puerto Madryn, this enormous quasi-island is a unique wildlife sanctuary that juts out into the Atlantic, attached to the continent only by the Ameghino Isthmus. The Valdes Peninsula embraces an inimitable region whose arid landscape forms the backdrop for the crystalline blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Noted for its vibrant coastline which boasts a stunning array of tall cliffs, rocky reefs and hidden coves surrounded by the crashing surf, it is considered one of the most valuable wildlife habitats in the world and shelters some of the most exotic marine creatures along with penguins, sea lions, dolphins whales, elephant seals, guanacos, rheas and many other sea birds. Peninsula Valdes is protected by a system of individual wildlife sanctuaries including Punta Norte, Caleta Valdes, Punta Delgado, Punta Pardelas, Isla de los Pajoras (Bird Island) and Punta Piramides. Nestled in a deep bay, the small picturesque village of Puerto Piramides is the only settlement on the peninsula. From here, whale-watching boat excursions take off, traveling along the coast, passing La Loberia, inhabited by a permanent colony of sea lions, before sailing out to sea to view the huge meandering whales. The area is a haven for the Southern Right Whales, and nothing quite matches the astounding experience of witnessing large numbers of them close at hand jumping and playing in the near distance. Punta Delgada, the southeastern tip of the peninsula, is marked by a long beach with excellent viewing of elephant seals, in addition to a myriad of other wildlife. Punta Pardelas is an ideal beach for fishing, snorkeling and diving. The calm, protected waters of the San Jose and Nuevo Gulfs lie respectively to the north and south of the peninsula, where every year, animals and mammals congregate to mate and raise their young. The area’s attractions are not limited to the sea, however. Sheep estancias (ranches) occupy most of the interior region, which also includes the salt flats of Salina Grande and Salina Chico, one of the world’s lowest continental depressions 42 m below sea level. Traveling inland to La Pampa (the grasslands) wildlife such as guanacos, rheas, wolves and hares can be observed; from Puerto Madryn, head for the Chubat River for fishing, swimming and kayaking. For families looking for an upbeat adventure outdoors beyond marine and wildlife watching, a wide variety of activities are available here – learn to windsurf, go scuba diving, deep sea fishing, kayaking or spend the day on an estancia. For rest and relaxation, nothing quite beats the sun-soaked summer beaches here – just let your feet sink into the warm sands to appreciate the wonders of Atlantic Patagonia! Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com I’m a trip consultant, planner and manager who loves creating unique intercultural adventures for families. I want to impart information,tips and personal experiences especially related to family adventure travel. www.familyadventuretravelworks.com Sylvia@travelworks4u.comwww.familyadventuretravelworks.com/wildlife-adventures-on-the-valdes-peninsula |
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