– Eco-tourism in the Argentine Patagonia –

The austral wonders of the American Continent

Spanish Version here

Includes the entire southern part of the country down to the Tierra del Fuego (Land of fire) limiting in the east with Chile and in the west with the Atlantic Ocean. Its vast geography includes the Andes of Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego, wide river valleys and plateaus that end in cliffs on the east coast.

The weather tends to be cold and dry with very low temperatures in winter and high winds. The areas below the valley known as lows, tend to be wetter what makes them suitable for livestock, having also a high fruit production in the valleys, where towns and industries are located. The immense tourism potential make the Patagonia, one of the favorite destinations in the country.

Some of the eco-tourism options are:

• Península de Valdes: Is one of the most important tourist destinations in Argentina. Located in the province of Chubut is connected to the mainland by the Carlos Ameghino isthmus. It was declared a world heritage site by UNESCO due to the vast and varied wildlife that inhabits in it.
  
  In Puerto Piramides is possible to see from the shocking cliffs, the immense Southern Right Whales, and tourists can enjoy its beaches and snorkeling tours too. From the various reserves is possible to see sea lions and elephant seals, penguins, birds and some terrestrial species.

• Beaches in the Rio Negro Province: Offers a wide variety of summer options with its beautiful Oceanic beaches, where diving and water sports are practiced with a warm climate suitable for marine adventures, like exploring Las Grutas San Antonio Oeste with its stunning scenery.

• Bahía Bustamante: Located in the Chubut province and facing the Atlantic Ocean, is the only town in Argentina dedicated to collecting seaweed. It offers numerous landscapes and beaches. Is also known for offering to its visitors the opportunity to observe sea lions, penguins and many bird species.
• Lake Nahuel Huapi: With an area of 557 km2 is located mostly within the national park that bears his name, is one of the most visited national parks in Argentina. The lake and its surroundings offer a wide variety of landscapes with different eco-tourism options for both winter and summer such as lake tours, kayak rides, boating, hiking, biking, horseback riding, skiing at the Catedral Hill, diving, climbing, among others.

• Los Glaciares National Park: Declared a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1981, this protected area is located in the southwestern Santa Cruz province on the Chilean border. This stunning park has 796,000 hectares with lakes, rivers, Andean mountains covered with ice, snow and forests. Its name comes from the great glaciers formed from the Patagonian ice field.
  
  One of the most important tourist option is the visit the Perito Moreno Glacier located at the southern end of the park, which offers a spectacle with its majestic ice ruptures that produce a sound similar to a thunder in front of 5 km. Visitors can take boat tours or guided expeditions over its trails.