After traveling by bus by myself for two weeks, I am in the company of my wife again. I told her that for the rest of our South American trip, she can choose every and any destination and activity that she wishes. So on the first day together, we are going to see some penguins*!
From Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, we took a van for 90 minutes on a dirt road to Estancia (ranch) Harberton. The scenery is serene, out-of-this-world, and beautiful.
Once at the ranch, we took a 20-person Zodiac motorboat 15 minutes to Isla (island) Martillo. Our tour is the only outfit that allows people to land on the small uninhabited island and cavort with the penguins.
The rules: We have to be quiet. No sudden movements. Walk as a group on the designated trail. Be at least two meters away from the penguins.
Here we are leaving the island.
As a postscript, we had lunch when we returned to town. I ordered a half bottle of wine and got a full bottle instead. I ordered paella, but got this heaping plate of parrillada instead. My Spanish must have stunk. Yes, we ate all of that meat. And no, none of it was penguin.
*The penguins we saw were gentoos and Magellanics.
Images source: Maxichamp
