Península
Valdés
There are on the Patagonian
coast a number of natural reserves that provide
sanctuary to various species of marine fauna,
but none other offers such a spectacular concentration
of wildlife as the Valdés Peninsula.
Situated 1,400 kilometers to the south of Buenos
Aires, it projects into the sea forming two gulfs
of sheltered waters,
a meeting point for the southern right whales
which arrive to complete their breeding cycle
between May and December.
In the northern point of the Peninsula is the
only continental breeding colony of elephants
seals in the world.
Their name comes from the proboscis that resembles
an elephant's trunk and which males dilate when
in heat.
Elephants seals reach 7 meters in length and weigh
an average of three tons.
They feed on fish, squid and octopus and dive
up to 200 meters in search of prey.
There are also many substantial colonies of sea
lions mixed with a rich variety of birds, while
the peninsula's interior is teeming with other
animals such as rheas, Patagonian cavy and guanaco.
We recommend that you go to the Interpretation
Centre at the Ameghino Isthmus at the entrance
to the peninsula where you will be given all the
information and advice you need.
The Isla de los Pájaros Natural Reserve
has thousands of sea birds (cormorants, gulls,
terns, herons).
Excursions leave from Puerto Pirámide to
observe the southern right whale.
|
