Excursion to Cabo Vírgenes
Overview
Cabo Vírgenes is located at the southernmost point of the South American continent, near the eastern mouth of the Strait of Magellan, which connects the Atlantic Ocean with the Pacific. Here we can visit some interesting spots such as the penguin colony, the lighthouse, and the beach, with vast open views of the sea and the Strait mentioned above.
The Provincial Reserve was established to protect the second largest nesting colony of the Magellanic Penguin in South America, after Punta Tombo (Chubut, Argentina). It is home to more than 130,000 breeding pairs of this species. The footpath allows visitors to walk among these charming flightless birds and to see the beach where the penguins rest and feed on fish and squid. Sometimes the coast is visited by other penguins such as the King, Gentoo, or Southern Rockhopper, as well as seabirds such as the Black-browed Albatross, Northern and Southern Giant Petrel, White-chinned Petrel, and more.
This place never fails to surprise and enchant visitors with its vastness and wilderness. We invite you to discover it.
Tour details
Río Gallegos bird highlights
Lesser Rhea, Ruddy-headed Goose, Chilean Flamingo, Tawny-throated Dotterel, Rufous-chested Dotterel, Two-banded Plover, Magellanic Oystercatcher, Baird's Sandpiper, White-rumped Sandpiper, Magellanic Snipe, Least Seedsnipe, South American Tern, Magellanic Penguin, Southern Giant-Petrel, Cinereous Harrier, Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle, Short-eared Owl, Peregrine Falcon (South American, including the “pallid” form), Band-tailed Earthcreeper, Austral Canastero, Tufted Tit-Tyrant, Chocolate-vented Tyrant, Chilean Swallow, Patagonian Yellow-Finch, White-bridled Finch.
Number of expected species: 40 - 45.
Mammal highlights
Guanaco, South American Gray Fox, Humboldt´s Hog-nosed Skunk, Large Hairy Armadillo.
Inclusions
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All ground transportations in a private vehicle
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Guided services: local guide
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Spotting scope: Vortex Diamondback HD 65mm
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Box lunch
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Drinking water (for refill private bottles)
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Personal insurances
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Communication support in remote areas
Exclusions
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Flight tickets
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Alcoholic drinks
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Tips
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Extra services or anything not mentioned in this page
Itinerary
07:00 AM: Hotel pick-up
Hotel pick-up and drive to Cabo Vírgenes Provincial Reserve with some photo and birding stops along the way.
10:30 AM: Penguin colony
Visit the penguin colony.
12:00 PM: Lunch
Lunch break.
01:00 PM: Cabo Vírgenes Lighthouse
Visit the Cabo Vírgenes lighthouse and nearby areas.
03:00 PM: End of the tour
Land transfer back to Río Gallegos. Drop-off. End of the tour.
Notes
Itinerary may be changed due to force majeure, accommodation availability, or unforeseen circumstances.
More information
Habitats
Sea coast, marshes, lagoons, shrublands, grasslands
(Argentine Sea and Magellanic Steppe)
Climate
Cold, semi-arid
Tour category
Nature & wildlife tour, with good opportunities to take photos
Max group size
6 + 1 local guide (ask for larger groups)
Physical requirements
The physical difficulty of this tour is low (easy to moderate terrain).
Recommended equipment
Woolly hat, cap, sunscreen (+30), polarized sunglasses, layered clothing, waterproof jacket, trekking shoes.
Departures
This tour is available anytime from October to March. It requires prior reservation.
Price
If you want a quote for this tour, please contact us
Combined with
This tour can be combined with:
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Excursion to Laguna Azul (Half-day tour) | Read more [+]
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Monte León NP (Full-day tour) | Read more
