Page 237 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Argentina

P A T A GONIA  235

Pioneer-era building from the 1890s, now housing Museo de los Pioneros, Río Gallegos
of that period, as is the 1890s sheep-shearing and herding second biggest colony of
building that houses Museo de demonstrations as well as Magellanic penguins in South
los Pioneros. This museum trekking, and horse riding. America after Reserva Provin-
narrates the story of the early One trail leads to Monte cial Punta Tombo (see p232).
sheep settlers. The nearby Dinero, a hill with breath taking Over 100,000 penguins use the
Museo Ferroviario Roberto vistas of the Magellan Strait cape as a nesting ground from
Gailán is housed in an old and Tierra del Fuego. Excur- September to April. Visitors
railroad depot and run by sions from the estancia run can observe these charismatic
workers laid off after the clo sure into Reserva Provincial Cabo birds along a 1-mile- (2-km-)
of the old Río Turbio–Río Vírgenes, which is only 9 miles long nature trail.
Gallegos train line. Restored (15 km) away. In the northeastern corner
50-year-old steam engines that of the preserve is the Faro de
once worked the line are on u Reserva Cabo Vírgenes lighthouse,
display in the forecourt. built by the Argentinian Navy
Provincial Cabo in 1904. Its 400-watt bulb
R Catedral Nuestra Señora Vírgenes throws a beam at least 25 miles
de Luján Road map B6. 90 miles (145 km) S (40 km) over the sea. Visitors
Ave San Martín 739. Open 9am–6pm of Río Gallegos. & n Ave Kirchner can climb the 91 steps to the
Mon–Fri. ∑ catedralrg.com.ar top for splendid vistas of the
863, (02966) 438-725. Reserva:
E Museo de los Pioneros Open Sep–Apr: 8am–8pm daily. 8 strait. A short stroll away is
Elcano & Juan Bautista Alberdi. the lovely Al Fin y al Cabo
Tel (02966) 437-763. Open 10am– Located at the far southern tip teahouse, owned by the
7pm daily. 8 Spanish only. of the Argentinian mainland, at Estancia Monte Dinero. Daily
the entrance to the Strait of excursions to the preserve are
E Museo Ferroviario Roberto
Galián Magellan, Reserva Provincial arranged by tour operators
Mendoza 75. Tel (02966) 426-766. Cabo Vírgenes protects the from Río Gallegos.
Open 2–5pm Mon-Fri. 8 Spanish only.
y Estancia Monte
Dinero
Road map B6. 75 miles (120 km) S
of Río Gallegos. @ Tel (02966) 428-
922. Open Oct–Apr.
∑ montedinero.com.ar
Founded in 1880 by a
pioneering Patagonian family,
the Fentons, this ranch is a
working sheep farm. Guests
stay in the main house,
while activities include The lighthouse built by the Argentinian Navy at Cabo Vírgenes

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