Four Itchy Feet

February 19, 2025. Puerto Deseado, Argentina.

On the drive from Rio Gallegos to Puerto Deseado, there is a small national park called Parque Nacional Monte León. This park is unique for its large colony of Magellanic penguins. Entry to the park is free, but you must first check in at the park office, which is located six kilometers north of the entrance. Once checked in, you drive to the gate, which you must open and secure yourself before entering the park.

Approximately 10 kilometers in, along a gravel road, you will reach Sendero Pingüinera, the trail leading to the penguin colony. An easy walk along the trail brought us to the colony on the beach.

The park is also home to a permanent sea lion colony. We visited the colony near “Lion Rock,” named not for the presence of sea lions but for its distinctive shape. Unfortunately, we did not see any sea lions—perhaps they were out hunting.

We concluded our visit by returning to the park office, where an interpretive museum explains the process of wool production from sheep. The park was a very pleasant stop on our way to Puerto Deseado.

In Puerto Deseado, we had a wonderful dinner at Bita Cafe. The views were incredible, and it was a genuine local spot with the best prices and food quality we have experienced so far.