PUERTO MADRYN, ARGENTINA

Punta Tombo is home to the largest continental Magellan penguin colony with half a million arriving at these breeding grounds every year.

Punta Tombo is home to the largest continental Magellan penguin colony with half a million arriving at these breeding grounds every year. Therefore we will need to bring along our sense of adventure, love of nature and willingness to travel long distances as we embark on this adventure focusing on Patagonia’s wildlife and rugged coastal scenery. Our journey will begin with a two and a half hour drive covering a distance of approximately 124 miles through the typical arid land of the Patagonian Plateau to the Punta Tombo Natural Reserve. Along the way, we must keep a watch for wildlife sightings of nandus, herds of guanacos, hares, gulls, cormorants and other native birds. Each year, approximately 800,000 Magellan penguins come to Punta Tombo to hatch and raise their young. As we walk along the park’s trails, we will have the rare opportunity to observe and photograph these tiny creatures at close quarters. On our return journey back to our ship we will make a short stop at the Gaiman Village for Welsh tea.

This excursion involves a long and somewhat tiring five hour round-trip road journey over a total distance of 248 miles. The road is paved for approximately 110 miles, with the remaining 138 miles being on a gravel surface, which can be quite dusty. Because of this programmes nature, it is not recommended for guests with back problems or pregnant ladies. Please wear comfortable shoes as a total of approximately one and a half hours of walking is involved in this tour and so therefore not suitable for passengers with limited mobility. You should also bring a jacket, binoculars and a long lens if you wish to photograph the wildlife. Bathroom stops are limited due to the nature of the landscape.

DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2008 SOUTH AMERICA CRUISE