Excursion to Laguna Azul
Overview
Laguna Azul Geological Reserve is located about 37 miles (60 km) from Río Gallegos, in the Pali Aike volcanic field, which extends across the south of Santa Cruz and part of the Magellanic Region of Chile. This Geological Reserve protects an ancient volcanic crater currently occupied by a deep lagoon. The footpath allows you to walk down to the wetland and enjoy sweeping views of a landscape formed just 200,000 years ago. It is one of the closest natural sites to Río Gallegos and also one of the most visited by locals and tourists.
Punta Loyola will be the second stop on this tour, where you will see the open Atlantic Ocean and its remarkable wildlife. Seabirds can be found there every year, such as penguins, cormorants, and petrels, as well as South American Sea Lion, Commerson's Dolphin, Peale's Dolphin, and more. Join us and discover it for yourself.
Tour details
Laguna Azul bird highlights
Lesser Rhea, Flying Steamer-Duck, 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, included “pallid” form), Austral Canastero, Tufted Tit-Tyrant, Chocolate-vented Tyrant, Chilean Swallow, Patagonian Yellow-Finch.
Number of expected species: 35 - 40.
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
08:00 AM: Hotel Pick-up
Hotel pick-up and transfer to Laguna Azul Geological Reserve, with some photo stops along the way.
09:00 AM: Laguna Azul Geological Reserve
Visit the protected area and surroundings.
10:30 AM: Punta Loyola
Transfer to Punta Loyola.
12:00 PM: Lunch & Coastal visit
Lunch break. Visit the coast, Migratory Shorebirds Reserve, and nearby areas.
01:00 PM: End of the tour
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 Cabo Vírgenes (Full-day tour) | Read more [+]
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Monte León NP (4 days / 3 nights) | Read more
