Valdez

• Province: Chubut
• Water area: Atlantic Ocean
• Area: 3625 square meters. km

On the Atlantic coast of Argentina lies the picturesque peninsula - Valdez. It connects with the mainland by a small isthmus called Carlos-Amegino. In 1999, this area was included by UNESCO in the World Heritage List . About what served as this occasion, read on.

Climate of the peninsula

The small area of ​​Valdez includes several ecosystems, which significantly influenced the climatic conditions of this territory. In winter, the air temperature here is positive, but at night it can drop sharply to -10 ° C. In the summer, which lasts from December to February in the southern hemisphere, it can be very hot. Thus, the maximum temperature recorded on the peninsula reached + 45 ° C. It was December 31, 2008.

What is interesting about the Valdez Peninsula?

The main wealth of this area is a large biosphere reserve with a diverse fauna. There are many attractions and entertainments in eco-tourism in the park. For this and come to the peninsula travelers:

1. Excursion by boat. It will acquaint you with the numerous inhabitants of the peninsula's water area: sea lions, elephants and seals, and killer whales.
2. Whale watching. Often in the bays of Golfo San Jose and Golfo Nuevo, which wash the peninsula, swim south whales. This mainly occurs from May to December, and the best months are September-November, when the whales have a mating season. Contemplation of these animals, whose population is growing steadily - the main entertainment for nature lovers. It costs about $ 50 and lasts about two hours.
3. Hiking. This pastime will allow the tourist to see the land fauna of Valdes. On the territory of the peninsula freely walk lama-guanaco, ostriches nandu, mara and many small mammals. Especially like the naturalists penguins Magellan, who took a fancy to the northern part of the peninsula and nest here from September to March. Employees reserve allow visitors to approach the penguins at arm's length, especially since the birds are accustomed to the presence of people and they are not at all afraid of them. A trip to Punta Delgada and Punta Norte will provide an opportunity to watch the elephants of the sea.
4. Island of Birds, or Isla de los Pajaros. Ornithological observations (blindwatching) here are very popular. 181 a species of birds found a house on this island 5 km from the shore. In this place of the Valdez Reserve you can make excellent photos.
5. Salty Lakes. The largest of them is below sea level at 40 m. The reservoir ranks second in this indicator throughout South America. Other depressions on the Valdez peninsula were formed due to the work of salt mines. In the western part of the park there is a development of saltpetre.
6. Puerto Pyramids. On the peninsula is a small village of Puerto Pyramides, from where the main excursions to the territory of the reserve start.
7. The beaches of Valdés. Here you can also have a good time, taking air baths, sunbathing and swimming, if it is a warm season.

How to get to the peninsula?

On the map of South America, the Valdez Peninsula is located on the east coast of Argentina. The nearest city to the reserve is Puerto Madryn . There is a small airport that accepts domestic flights, so it's the easiest way to get there by air.

An ideal option is to tour the peninsula with a guide. In this case, you do not have to think about the route at all. If you decide to study Valdez yourself, be prepared to travel around the reserve on a boat that will take you to the habitat of marine animals.