Dos Pozos: Penguins, Coast and Cultural Heritage

In Dos Pozos, nature watching meets a history visible at a former post and telegraph station. Punta Tombo is geographically located in Paraje Dos Pozos, in the Florentino Ameghino Department of Chubut Province. The area is especially interesting for planning a trip focused on penguins, coastal wildlife and excursions into the landscape.

Watch penguins and learn about their habitats

The Punta Tombo protected area safeguards the largest continental colony of Magellanic penguins, with almost half a million birds, and is open to visitors. The Sendero de la Pingüinera follows a 3-kilometer loop trail past several viewpoints. From there, you can observe and photograph penguins, their nests and their behavior during the breeding season. The length of the loop gives you a concrete reference point for planning your day, without implying a walking time.

The Centro de Interpretación also presents local wildlife on a tour from the seabed to the surface. It also explores how the animals coexist with local fauna. This means your visit need not be limited to outdoor observation: if you would like to learn more about habitats and wildlife, you can also take this educational approach.

Coast and elephant seals

The Reserva Natural Dos Pozos protects around 13 kilometers of coastline. More than 200 southern elephant seals were counted there in summer. Their breeding harems can be observed during the peak season from September to November. If you are interested in these animals, this seasonal information provides a useful guide for planning your trip.

La Antonieta also organizes guided visits to a southern elephant seal colony. The haul-out site is reached via a 10-kilometer route. Visits take place in small groups at set times so as not to disturb the animals' coastal environment. This is a different kind of wildlife observation from the trail at Punta Tombo: here, the focus is on a guided tour and protecting the surroundings during the visit.

History and excursions in the surrounding area

A notable local historical site is the former Estafeta de Correo del Paraje Dos Pozos, dating from 1900. Chubut Province declared the historic Antigua Estafeta de Correos y Telégrafo de Dos Pozos and its associated property tangible cultural heritage. The historic station is located at kilometer 234 of Ruta Provincial 1, at the entrance to the protected area and about 25 kilometers before its entrance.

For further landscape views, La Antonieta organizes guided horseback rides to viewpoints in the Bajo de Dos Pozos, with advance reservation by email. A local guide accompanies the rides. There is also a moderately challenging trek by off-road vehicle to Cañadón del Paisano, 3 kilometers from the main house. The tour passes through the canyon and ends at Tehuelche ruins. From there, the ruins of the Tehuelche and Euro-Creoles lead to sites where evidence of human life in ancient times has been discovered.

Where to stay and how to plan your visit

La Antonieta offers rural accommodation at the entrance to the protected area in Dos Pozos. Restrooms are available at the main house, where meals are also served. Visitors who access the protected area through La Antonieta can eat at the country inn. For overnight guests, La Antonieta offers a complimentary nighttime walk along Ruta Provincial 1 after dinner. On the traffic-free road, you can take in the Patagonian sky and the Milky Way without light or noise pollution.

This gives you a range of options for your stay: wildlife watching at Punta Tombo, guided visits to the elephant seals, horseback rides or the canyon tour. You can also explore Camarones and Cabo Raso as additional destinations.

For the broader travel overview: Florentino Ameghino Department.