On the delta of the Río Gallegos is Punta Loyola. Here is Puerto Illía, the last port of continental Argentina. On the horizon are rigs exploiting oil reserves. This is the backdrop for one of the Patagonia's prime spots for sea fishing. Many devoted to this trade spend the summer months in shacks along the shores. Along the fine-sand beach rust the hulls of shipwrecks. The most famous is the Marjorie Clen, a coal ship from Cardiff, England, that caught fire 1911. Off shore is Isla Deseado, or Desired Island. This 18-hectare island protects nesting colonies of over 800 cormorants and 3000 Pingüinos de Magallanes (Magellanic Penguin, Spheniscus magellanicus). Various species of migratory gulls and terns also visit this reserve.

Location:
Rio Gallegos, Argentina

Boating

Getting There
Punta Loyola is 38 kilometers (24.6 mi) south of Río Gallegos. By land, take Ruta Nacional 3 south to the police post at Chimen Aike. From there, follow the paved road northward to the port. Isla Deseada is located 10 nautical miles offshore. From Río G

Travel Tips: Because Isla Deseado is a reserve dedicated to scientific research, it is not possible to land on the island.

By Lorraine Caputo

Upon re-declaring her independence at age 29, Lorraine Caputo packed her trusty Rocinante (so her knapsack's called) and began traipsing throughout...

Created: 16 Oct 2009

Updated: 16 Oct 2009

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