- Location: Chubut, Argentina
- Official website: puntatombo.com
Imagine a map of Argentina . Its vast expanses cross several latitudes. Not surprisingly, along with beach resorts you can go skiing, and in addition to tropical animals, also admire the penguins. Yes, it was these lovely and funny birds that sheltered on their expanses the Punta Tombo reserve.
What is the nature reserve famous for?
About who the Magellan penguins are, the park administration begins to tell at the entrance through numerous information stands. A lot of practical information tells you that these amazing birds grow to 50-60 cm, and their maximum weight fluctuates around 5-6 kg. Magellanic penguins are not afraid of people, and are very supportive of increased attention. Nevertheless, the administration of the reserve officially prohibits any interaction with penguins in addition to observation from tourist trails.
Punta Tombo annually becomes home to more than 650 thousand penguins. Every autumn they migrate to the peninsula where the reserve is located, with the aim of acquiring and growing offspring. Almost every decent bush here dug small holes in which the female hatches eggs. However, the peculiarity of penguins is that not all individuals realize their instinct of reproduction - there are also those who simply splash in the water, catch crustaceans and mollusks, and enjoy rest in safety.
In Argentina, Punta Tombo is the most visited reserve. These lands are part of the coast, which is covered with clay, sand and gravel. In general, Punta Tombo can not boast of a huge size. Its width is only 600 m, and in length it stretches for 3 km. More than 65 thousand tourists every year admire marriage rites and the process of raising small penguins. In addition, gulls, cormorants, nandu and guanaco live in the reserve.
If you gathered for a walk in Punta Tombo and firmly decided to get to know the Magellanic penguins closer, violating the administration's orders, then remember - the main thing is not to stand in the way of these birds. They can only walk in a straight line, and simply will not be able to get around you.
How to get to Punta Tombo Nature Reserve?
Its protected areas are located 180 km from the city of Puerto Madryn , where regular buses run regularly. In a rented car it is necessary to proceed along the route RN3, the road will take a bit more than two hours.