Punta Tombo + Rawson + Isla Escondida – Full Day

The Punta Tombo Protected Natural Area is the largest continental colony of Magellanic Penguins in the world. The Magellanic penguins arrive annually at this territory to develop their entire natural process (wonderful spectacle), through different activities: nesting, feeding, mating, having their babies, molting their plumage and preparing to then undertake their return journey to the Northeast. from South America, returning the following year.

This tourist experience proposes to experience all our senses by sharing beautiful moments with the penguins in their habitat and with their daily dynamics. By traveling along interpretive trails, we can find different specimens that constantly cross them. We will also be able to contemplate the native flora of the area, along with various species of birds that coexist in the territory.
During the tour we can observe land animals such as guanacos, piches, maras, choiques, foxes, among others.

Punta Tombo is a rocky strip 3.5 km long by 600 m wide that extends towards the sea, allowing the beaches to have a gentle slope that the penguins take advantage of to create and remake their nests. Arriving we will pay the entrance fee to the reservation and we will enter the Magellanic Penguin Interpretation Center. Here we can observe and get to know the fauna of the place, learning what is necessary before entering the reserve, seeking understanding and respect for all the life and ecological dynamics of this species together with other terrestrial species and local birdlife.
Upon leaving the Interpretation Center, a minibus will take us to the beginning of the trails where our walk of approximately 1.5 km to 2 km will begin. Walking along the interpretive trails, we can be surprised to experience the feverish activity that dominates the colony: depending on the season, you can see some penguins digging their caves, fighting over territory, moving in search of their nests, mating or feeding their chicks. In turn, you will hear the continuous rumor of braying -vocalization of adult penguins to ward off their competition and attract their mate- dominating the environment. The penguins coexist with other seabirds that have chosen this territory to nest, such as kelp, gray or southern gulls, skuas or rock gulls, cormorants - the king and the black-necked or rock-bird -, the steamer duck, Antarctic pigeons, and several species of terns and giant petrels.

The times and order of the places to visit may vary, depending on the season, the weather and the interests of the group.

ITINERARY
-Rawson
-Hidden Island
-Punta Tombo Protected Natural Area

RAWSON
Optional: sighting of Tonina Overa (Patagonic Dolphin)
We start from the city of Puerto Madryn looking for the passengers at their accommodations, heading south taking National Route Nº3 until we reach the city of Rawson (capital of the province of Chubut). A few kilometers away we will find the port of Rawson, a point where the waters of the Chubut River meet the sea and next to it, the beach town Playa Unión is located, located in the open sea and which is part of Bahía Engaño. Here we have the option to venture into the unforgettable experience of sailing these waters together with the sighting of Toninas Overas, popularly known as the Patagonian Dolphin. Navigation is carried out in semi-rigid boats seeking to meet these super friendly and active dolphins, with coastal habits and who like to ride ocean waves and follow the boats. They are generally observed in groups of 2 to 10 specimens.

HIDDEN ISLAND
Isla Escondida is a pristine beach that became an Elephant Seal roost. In this territory we will have the possibility of observing these immense mammals weighing up to 4 tons. The males, in their reproductive age, develop a proboscis or proboscis with which they produce loud roars to keep the competition away. Towards mid-November, the adult males leave the beaches and make room for the young with their mothers, who protect and feed them until they molt in November.
The observation of this tourist sighting will be from a privileged distance, turning this visit into an unforgettable experience.

Finishing this beautiful experience in Isla Escondida, we headed towards Punta Tombo Protected Natural Area.
After the excursion to Punta Tombo, we begin the return to Puerto Madryn.

                                                                  **This itinerary may vary in relation to the high tide of the Chubut River**

Season: from mid-September to mid-April
Departures: daily
Duration: full day
departure times: 07:00/08 approximately
arrival times: approximately 6:00 p.m.
Minimum of passengers: 3 people
EXCURSION SUBJECT TO WEATHER CONDITIONS

It includes
•Transfers
•Pick Up – The passenger(s) are searched where they are staying in the city of Puerto Madryn (urban center) and the city of Trelew (urban center).
•Guides: Spanish/English. (Consult for other languages).

does not include
•Entry to the Protected Area
•Foods
•Optional: Tonina Overa sighting
•Personal expenses

Observations
•From 09/1 to 09/20 inclusive, the sighting of penguins is not guaranteed as it is subject to their arrival in our territories.
•This excursion can be provided with Pick Up at Trelew Airport or Dropp Off at Trelew Airport or in the city of Trelew (urban center). This possibility does not imply that luggage will be taken, please consult with the Flamenco Tour team, how to carry it out and how much the extra cost is.

In the case of Isla Escondida, it will not be visited when the dolphin navigation is in the afternoon or on rainy days, which prevent entry due to the type of road.

•NOT VALID FOR CRUISE SHIPS. Consult corresponding excursions

Suggested Equipment
•Comfortable shoes, warm clothing, photography equipment, sunscreen and hat