Feb 23 • 15:47 UTC 🇦🇷 Argentina La Nacion (ES)

Patagonian Ranches: A New Way to Discover a Unique Place

Tourist ranches near Puerto Madryn in Patagonia offer sustainable rural tourism and wildlife visits, attracting more foreign than domestic visitors.

Located near Puerto Madryn, the Patagonian ranches have embraced rural and sustainable tourism as their way of life, particularly in the stunning Patagonian plateaus characterized by ochre tones and cliffs facing the Atlantic Ocean. These ranches are predominantly situated within the Península Valdés Natural Protected Area, established in 2001, which attracts around 350,000 visitors from around the world each year. While the area is known for its dramatic landscapes including plateaus, cliffs, bays, and gulfs, it is particularly famous for its abundant marine and coastal wildlife, such as Magellanic penguins, southern right whales, sea lions, orcas, dark dolphins, and a wide variety of birds.

The ranches serve as a gateway for tourists to explore the unique fauna of the region, offering intimate experiences with wildlife in their natural habitats. Visitors can engage in tours that emphasize conservation and sustainable practices, showcasing the importance of protecting these natural environments while enjoying them responsibly. Despite the richness of the local offerings, it is noted that these destinations are currently more popular among international tourists than Argentine residents, suggesting a potential area for growth in domestic travel awareness.

As the trend of rural tourism gains momentum, these Patagonian ranches represent a significant shift towards sustainable tourism solutions that not only support local economies but also foster greater appreciation and stewardship of the region's natural resources. With increasing global attention on sustainability, these ranches are well-positioned to attract more visitors looking for authentic experiences that prioritize ecological balance and conservation efforts, potentially transforming how Argentineans engage with their own stunning landscapes and wildlife.

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