The last part of the Patagonia trip ended on a fun note – visiting the penguin colony. The colony is located 65 kms north of Punta Arenas, on Seno Otway (Otway Inlet), along the Brunswick Peninsula. They are Magellanic Penguins and return annually to this spot between October and March to lay eggs and raise their young. At the site, you can walk to the middle of a natural reserve filled with penguin burrows.

Since this was the beginning of January, there were scores of little “pinguinos” (penguins) already hatched and being fed.

They are the cutest little things. We could have spent hours watching them waddling to the sea in a single-file. There was always a lead penguin with the others following behind in close formation. If the lead penguin picked a route that he/she fell over some obstacle, the other penguins still followed – falling over the same rock or fence in their way. They never deviated from the lead penguin’s route…talk about being mindless!

Thoughts and some advice about Patagonia:

- Even though Wilderness Travel did their best to warn about the temperature extremes, you really have to experience it to believe it. I was almost always cold, or freezing….wore and slept with every layer of clothing brought with..and was blown all over the place. Bring LOTS of warm clothing. You may be fortunate and have warm, sunny days…but just in case…

- Driving days were extremely long. Seven hours plus was not unusual, in close quarters with fellow trekkers. Perhaps a small cushion for behind your back would be good.

- The food was wonderful. Excellent Argentine steaks, fresh salmon, chicken – Chilean and Argentine wine. We had the best, and nicest, cook…..could he barbeque!

- The scenery is unbelievable, spectacular and any other adjective you want to use. Most definitely worth seeing and putting up with all the other difficulties.

 

Go to Patagonia, and while you are down there, add additional Post- or Pre-departure excursions. It was ridiculous for us to go so far and not spend more time and money there. Have fun!