Further
information
|
MONTE LEÓN: ARGENTINA'S FIRST COASTAL NATIONAL PARK |
Monte
León's 150,000 acres of
unspoiled
Patagonian steppe and
its 30 mile coastline will add not yet represented environments
to Argentina's national park system.
In
2001, Fundación Vida Silvestre, acting as a trustee for
the Patagonia Land Trust, purchased Monte León with the
purpose of donating it to Argentina's National Park administration.
Monte León´s impressive cliffs, islands, inlets
and beaches represent about 1% of Argentina´s shoreline.
The
sea is perpetually cold and holds many of the Argentine's sea
300 species.
| NEARBY
POINTS OF INTEREST |
The
renowned area of El Calafate, near Parque Nacional Los Glaciares
and Parque Nacional Perito Moreno, with its massive glacier
are 160 miles from Monte León, a mere jaunt for Patagonia.
Comandante
Luis Piedrabuena:
Less
than 20 miles North of Monte León, Comandante Luis Piedrabuena
(pop.
4,000) is a town where the Santa Cruz river reaches the Atlantic
ocean. Sending
mail, internet access, purchase of film are all possible.
Isla
Pavón, on the Santa Cruz river near Comandante Luis Piedrabuena,
can be
visited. There is a camping area, plus pioneering Argentine
seaman´s Luis
Piedrabuena (1833-1878) house, now a museum.
Puerto
Santa Cruz:
30
miles North of Monte León, the town of Puerto Santa Cruz
was a thriving seaport at the wool era. Although at present
it has greatly reduced it's commercial activity, Puerto Santa
Cruz is a charming site. A small airport and banking facilities
are some of the town's attractions.
Río
Gallegos:
150
miles South of Monte León, Río Gallegos is the
capital of the Argentine Province of Santa Cruz. International
airport, car rental, restaurants specializing in seafood, shopping
are some of Río Gallegos' attractions.
The
Laguna Azul wildlife preserve, located in an extinct volcano's
crater can be visited. There is also a penguin rookery, which
is accessed on foot during ebb tide.
Cabo
Vírgenes:
200
miles South of Monte León, Cabo Vírgenes is the
southernmost point of continental Argentina. The Strait of Magellan
and Tierra del Fuego can both be seen from there. A picturesque
lighthouse and a penguin rookery are some of the area´s
attractions.
|
NEARBY
POINTS OF INTEREST .
|
El
Calafate, Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, Parque Nacional Perito
Moreno.
Layered
gear is highly
recommended. Patagonia's perpetually shifting
weather is one of the area's characteristics, so being ready
for sunshine, rain or wind at short notice is a good idea. Windbreaker,
indoor and trekking footwear, headgear, sunglasses all a must.
Binoculars,
photo equipment, canteen, flashlight, insect repellent, sunscreen
will all come handy.
November
thru April.
Follow
your guide or park warden's instructions. Only tread on
permitted
pathways.
Remember
you are in a place where wildlife nest and breed. Be careful.
Use binoculars.
Dogs
are strictly off limits.
No
fire. No smoking. Monte León is a very dry area, and
fire is a very real hazard.
Take
all your trash with you.
| ARCHEOLOGICAL
AND PAEONTOLOGICAL REMAINS |
Are
protected by law, and should not be collected or otherwise disturbed.
A
fishing permit is required.
Is
absolutely forbidden.
| MONTE
LEON IS SPECIALLY RECOMMENDED FOR |
Nature
lovers, birdwatchers, trekkers, photographers and anyone willing
to experience the
unspoiled wilderness of Patagonia.
For
a better appreciation of Monte León, a minimum stay of
3 days, 2 nights is suggested.
