- Province: Santa Cruz
- Town: Rio Gallegos
- Year of foundation: 1986
- Reserve area: 1230 hectares
Provincial Reserve Cabo Virgenes in the suburbs of Rio Gallegos - a place not so famous and only gaining popularity among tourists. However, there is a lot to see here - colonies of penguins, the beauty of untouched nature, the landscapes of the Atlantic Ocean and the surroundings of the reserve - all this will not leave you indifferent.
Location:
The national reserve Cape Virgenes is located in the southern part of the province of Santa Cruz in Argentina , on the ocean coast, near the Strait of Magellan.
History of the Reserve
The park was opened for visitors in June 1986. The purpose of its creation was to preserve the colony of Magellanic penguins, whose number here is second only to the Punta Tombo reserve .
What is interesting Cape Virgenes?
In these nature conservation areas, it is worth paying attention to:
- The colony of penguins. Here there are about 250 thousand individuals, and this is their southernmost colony on the continent. On the territory of Cape Virgenes, a two-kilometer route is laid, after which you can see the penguins very closely, observe their games and behavior. On the coast, the Magellanic penguins go out in September, occupy their old nests and engage in laying and hatching eggs. By April, the new offspring are able to migrate with their parents. The reserve conducts research and measures to maintain and increase the colony's number. In addition to penguins, you can see other birds, including cormorants, peregrine falcons, flamingos, herons, Dominican gulls and many others.
- The Faro de Cabo Vírgenes. It is located in the north-eastern part of the protected area. This building was built in 1904 by military seamen. The beacon became a memorable beacon because of the 400 watt lamp here, due to which the visibility in the sea is about 40 km. At the top of the lighthouse, you can climb, making the way to 91 steps. There is a wonderful view of the strait and the surroundings of the reserve. A little away from the lighthouse is the Al Finu al Sabo café where you will have the opportunity to grab a snack and relax after a walk.
How to visit?
To visit Cape Virgenes, it is most convenient to join an organized tourist group accompanied by a guide. Excursion groups with a one-day route to the reserve start from Rio Gallegos (distance from the city to the reserve is about 130 km).