On shores of the Atlantic Ocean, 77 kilometres away from Puerto Madryn City, this amazing Natural Reserve can be found, covering an area of 360,000 hectares. Due to the rich variety of animal species that inhabit here, it was listed as a “World Heritage Site” by UNESCO.

Animals are the only lords and masters in this area. Fur seals, elephant seals, birds and penguins are some of them. In the entrance of the Natural Reserve, the F. Ameghino Interpretation Centre can be found.

There, it is possible to gain information on which places to visit, general characteristics and geography of such places as well as information on flora, fauna and history.

Once we access the peninsula and leave behind Puerto Madryn we reach the “Carlos Ameghino” isthmus, which links the peninsula with the rest of the continent. Wonderful sensations and breathtaking landscapes can be enjoyed at this fascinating environment.

Valdes Peninsula was first descried in the year 1520 when Magellan was travelling through the coasts of the great Patagonia. Since then it began to be included in the first travel books.

Already in the year 1778 orders to organise the settlements along the coast of Patagonia were given by the king of Spain, Carlos III. In January 1779 an expedition led by Juan de la Piedra discovered the San Jose Gulf. The first landing in the current Villarino beach took place then.

On the 7th January 1779 the San Jose Fort was founded (Fracaso beach) and a small settlement with large vegetable gardens and a small population, nowadays known as Salinas Grandes, was established. However, the name “Peninsula Valdes” was not used until Antonio Malaespina pay homage to Don Antonio Valdes, to his support and wide knowledge.

Since then until 1882 when Don Gumersindo Paz settled here with his family, sheep and mares, the Valdés Peninsula remained quite unknown. As time went by, families began to put down roots here.