Puerto Pirámides facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Puerto Pirámides
|
|
|---|---|
|
Town
|
|
| Country |  Argentina |
| Province |  Chubut |
| Department | Viedma |
| Founded | July 14, 1900 |
| Elevation | 7 m (23 ft) |
| Population
(2010-10-27 census)
|
|
| • Total | 565 |
| Time zone | UTC−3 (ART) |
| Post code |
9121
|
| Area code | 0280 |
| Climate | BSk |
Puerto Pirámides is a small town in Chubut Province, Argentina. It's the only town located on the amazing Valdes Peninsula, a place famous for its wildlife. In 2010, about 565 people lived there. The town started in 1898 because of salt mining in the area.
Puerto Pirámides is part of a special nature reserve called Punta Pirámide, which was set up in 1974. Because it's the only town on the Valdes Peninsula, it has become a very popular spot for seeing whales. The town has several hotels, lodges, and campgrounds for visitors.
Contents
History of Puerto Pirámides
Early Inhabitants and Salt Mining
The area where Puerto Pirámides is now was first home to the Tehuelche people. Around 1800, Spanish and local settlers tried to take control of the land. However, the Tehuelche people bravely defended their territory.
In 1898, a businessman from Buenos Aires named Antonio Muno saw a chance to make money from the large salt mines nearby. He got permission to build a railway and other buildings in 1900. He chose the calm waters of the Golfo Nuevo for his new settlement. He named it Puerto Pirámides because of the many pyramid-shaped cliffs that stand over the bay.
Challenges and New Beginnings
During World War I, international trade became difficult. This caused the salt market to crash, and the local salt mines had to close. Antonio Muno lost his business. He had to give his share of the land to one of his partners, Alejandro Ferro. Ferro kept the area as his own private place until 1958. That year, the Province of Chubut took over the land for public use.
For a while, Puerto Pirámides didn't attract much attention. Tourists often preferred a different area called Golfo San Jorge for whale watching. However, things changed in 1972. The famous ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau visited the area. He noticed that southern right whale mothers were giving birth in the Golfo Nuevo near Puerto Pirámides.
Later that same year, local people started offering the first tourist trips to see the whales. After these tours began, the calving whales started to stay in the area all year round. This made Puerto Pirámides a world-famous spot for whale watching.
Government and Local Leadership
Puerto Pirámides is governed by a local mayor. The current mayor is Fabián Gandón, who is part of the PRO political party. The local government works to manage the town and support its growing tourism industry.
Tourism and Wildlife
Puerto Pirámides is a key gateway to the Valdes Peninsula, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This area is known for its amazing marine wildlife. Visitors come from all over the world to see:
- Southern Right Whales: These huge whales come to the calm waters of Golfo Nuevo to give birth and raise their calves. Whale watching tours are a major attraction.
- Sea Lions and Elephant Seals: Large colonies of these animals can be found along the coast.
- Penguins: Magellanic penguins nest in various parts of the peninsula.
- Orcas (Killer Whales): Sometimes, orcas can be seen hunting sea lion pups near the shore.
- Birds: Many different types of seabirds live in the area, making it a great spot for birdwatching.
The town offers many services for tourists, including guided tours, boat trips, and places to stay. It's a fantastic place to learn about marine life and enjoy nature.
See also
In Spanish: Puerto Pirámides para niños
