Punta
Arenas is the third largest city in the Patagoina region. The seasonal temperature in January is
moderate with highs around 57F. Thanks
to its rich natural resources, the capital of the Magellanes region boasts a
diverse and exciting blend of city delights, scenic wonders and intriguing
history. From the colonial streets to
the frozen mass of Antarctica, Punta
Arenas never fails to impress.
As
one of the last untouched landscapes of the planet, its no wonder that the
pristine area teems with thousands of Penguins.
Wildlife biologists, naturalists and photographers come from around the
world to experience the natural habitat of penguin settlements known as “Pinguinerous”.
From
November to January, Magellanic Penguins arrive at Otway Sound and on Magdelina
Island Reserve to meet and mate.
Sometimes called Jackass Penguins because of their Donkey-like braying,
there a noisey bunch that will greet you with squawks and shrieks some from
growing babies just loosing their fuzzy coats.
Our day began with a tender ride to the
port. From there we alighted a bus to
Otway Sound to visit the Magellanic Penguin colony. The one hour fifteen minute journey was slow
on unsealed roads. We walked about one
mile along an exposed uneven shoreline path to the penguin burrows. There we saw the Magellanic Penguins, the
largest species of warm water penguins, sporting a white chinstrap marking, a
pink line at their lower jaw and a black bill.
The penguin reserve was freezing cold but it was worth the suffering to
see the delightful penguins. Upon our
return to the city we found a Parillia and sampled Chilean style barbequed
meat. Quite a classy restaurant with the
BBQ behind a glass encased viewing area.
Decided to walk into the town square for a look. There's a huge monument to Magellan, the explorer and namesake of the strait on which we are currently located, and several Amerindians. We were told to rub the toe of the statue for good luck on our voyage..... and also to ensure our return to Punta Arenas one day! We walked up and down the main street before deciding to return to the port.... Scarlet found a nice necklace in one of the tourist shops...
The tender ride back to the ship was an experience best missed! No need for us to go to any amusement parks this year. It was blowing about 40 knots and the tender drivers were masters at getting those craft dockside... We had a 'fun' jiggly experience back to the ship but some people were almost ill because the waves and washes from other vessels were HUGE...
A great day - loved seeing the penguins!
Statue of Magellan
Rubbing the Amerindian's toe for good luck!
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