Peninsula Valdes
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Travel Guide South America Argentina Chubut Peninsula Valdes
Introduction
The Peninsula Valdes (Spanish: Península Valdés) is a peninsula on the Atlantic coast in the Viedma Department in the northeast of Chubut Province, Argentina. About 3,625 km² (896,000 acres; 1,400 square miles) in size, it is an important nature reserve of the world. The peninsula is part of the Patagonia, a beautiful region of Argentina.
Geography
The Peninsula Valdes geography is mostly described by high cliffs, extended sedimentary platforms, sandy and pebble beaches. Small bays and many small barren islands complete our coast scene. All this area has a great geological value, thats why Peninsula Valdes was declared Mankind Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999 to be protected, preserved and valued.
Cities
Puerto Pirámides - The only town in Peninsula Valdes. An unique place in the world for sightseeing marine fauna: whales, sea lions, orcas, dusky dolphins, penguins and many more.
Sights and Activities
The coastline is inhabited by marine mammals, like sea lions, elephant seals and fur seals. Southern Right Whales can be found in Golfo Nuevo and Golfo San José, protected bodies of water located between the peninsula and the Patagonian mainland. These baleen whales come here between May and December, for mating and giving birth, because the water in the gulf is quieter and warmer than in the open sea. Orcas can be found off the coast, in the open sea off the peninsula. In this area, they are known to beach themselves on shore to capture sea lions and elephant seals.
The inner part of the peninsula is inhabited by rheas, guanacos and maras. A high diversity and range of birds live in the peninsula as well; at least 181 bird species, 66 of which migratory, live in the area, including the Antarctic Pigeon.
Most of the peninsula is barren land with some salt lakes. The largest of these lakes is at an elevation of about 40 metres below sea level (see extremes on earth), until recently thought to be the lowest elevation in Argentina and South America (The lowest point being Laguna del Carbón, Argentina).
Marine fauna at Puerto Piramides, Valdes Peninsula, Patagonia Argentina
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Weather
This area features a peculiar climate because of the effect created by the Atlantic Ocean. Although it does not rain much in the region on an annual basis, summers are usually mild, and the temperature sometimes gets very hot and then eases off in the evening. The area does get very windy at times, especially on the peninsula , and proper clothing is recommended.
Sleep
Contributors
Utrecht (100%)
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This is version 4. Last edited at 12:55 on Dec 6, 10 by Utrecht. 3 articles link to this page.
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