CPV in Valdés | Conservación Península Valdés

CPV manages the Estancia Rincón Chico, one of the most iconic properties of Península Valdés with a vast history in conservation work where -for more than 20 years- many important scientific projects have been carried out with both marine and terrestrial species, as well as in archeology and paleontology.

The ranch is strategically located in one of the more relevant and spectacular coastal areas of this site of world significance and has an incredible amount of different wildlife species both on the beaches and in the steppe.

CPV operation base

The property offers a wide variety of environments. The outstanding coast is formed in part by high cliffs that can reach 80 meters in height and contain important deposits of fossils. On the other hand there are dunes of different heights covered by vegetation and low beaches of different levels with one that stands out for being the only in the whole south face of the peninsula where the level of the steppe lows down up to reach the sea level. Some beaches are very extensive and others are small bays and the soil is formed mainly by sand and small pebbles.

Most of the field´s extension is steppe covered by different grasses, some herbaceous species and small shrubs low in height. In the northwest zone there is a large eolic field formed by some big active dunes and others fixed by vegetation. In the zone near the cliffs there are some species of woody shrubs that surpass the average height. Most of the bushes are thorny and perfectly adapted to the arid patagonian environment.

The terrain shape varies from quite flat places, small hills and some long depressions that go towards the sea. In the southwest zone there is a chain of high hills -for the standard of the peninsula- that stand out at the distance and follow the coast line to the west.

The terrestrial fauna is typical of the patagonian steppe and its possible to observe all the species like the iconic guanacos (Lama guanicoe), patagonian gray foxes (Lycalopex griseus), patagonian skunks (Conepatus humboldtii), two species of armadillos (Zaedyus pichiy, Chaetophractus villosus), three species of felines (Leopardus colocolo, Leopardus pajeros, Puma concolor), two of grisons (Lyncodon patagonicus, Galictis vittata), one marsupial (Lestodelphys halli), many smaller mammals (like Ctenomys sp., Microcavia australis) and reptiles (lizards of the group of Liolaemus), but with the particularity that the concentration of some animals like the patagonian maras (Dolichotis patagonum) or the lesser rheas (Rhea pennata) is well above the average.

More than 100 species of birds have been identified among residents and migratory birds.

The important paleontological sites found throughout the area belong to the Tertiary period. The whole place is also very rich in archaeological remains belonging to the Tehuelches as different artifacts, hunting weapons and utensils made of stone, bone and clay.

Along the 15 kilometers of coast the concentration of the marine fauna is really high. All the marine mammal species that live in the peninsula or use the area as breeding ground can be observed in large numbers. Thousands of Southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina) and South American sea lions (Otaria flavescens), Southern right whales (Eubalaena australis), Orcas (Orcinus orca) and other smaller dolphins species as the Dusky dolphin (Lagenorhynchus obscurus), the Short-beaked common dolphin (Delphinus delphis), the Common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) and the Commerson’s dolphin (Cephalorhynchus commersonii).

RESPONSIBLE ECOTOURISM

The estancia has a lodge to accommodate visitors who arrive from all over the world to explore this unique natural paradise of Patagonia, and through the responsible ecoturism we generate awareness and dedication to conservation. The place has been awarded several times by world famous institutions such as National Geographic and the BBC, and the income generated from its activities is invested directly in the projects that are carried out in Península Valdés, so with their visit all the guests are supporting the CPV work.

“One of the best Hotels in South America…”

“A unique wildlife sanctuary…”

“One of the Latin America top 10 lodges…”

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Península Valdés, a UNESCO World Heritage Site & Biosphere Reserve.