Penguins in Argentina – Weekly Travel Photo

Everyone should experience the end of the world at least once.  No, I’m not talking about the now debunked Mayan apocalypse that came and went.  This one is far more interesting and, let me assure you, very very real.  In the southern part of Tierra del Fuego, Argentina is what the locals call “El Fin del Mundo”.  Situated along the Beagle Channel and about a 40 minute drive from Ushuaia – the world’s most southern city – it is a small island populated by some 4,000 Magellanic Penguins, and  50 Gentoo Penguins.  Surrounded by snow covered mountains, and icy cold waters the small island is the ideal place for a small army of penguins to rest and relax.  This photo was captured as one of the young Gentoo penguins wandered its way around the island interacting with the smaller but much more populous Magellanic population.

We got to spend 45 minutes on the island with the penguins who tolerated our presence, and at times (if we were still and quiet) would playfully approach us. It is an amazing place, and a wonderful experience.

Would you like to see previous Friday Photos? View past travel pictures here. This photo was taken on a Canon G11 but I now shoot on a Canon T3i (600D) Camera.