The Provincial Government and the Municipality of Trelew inaugurated the 2025/2026 season of Magellanic penguins in Punta Tombo with important infrastructure works, greater connectivity, and the announcement that the prices from the previous year will be maintained during the first months.
The Government of Chubut, in collaboration with the Municipality of Trelew, officially kicked off the 2025/2026 season of Magellanic Penguins at the Punta Tombo Protected Natural Area (PNA). This destination, one of the most emblematic tourist attractions in the province, is also the largest continental reserve of this species in the world.
The opening ceremony took place on Friday morning at the PNA and was led by the Minister of Tourism and Protected Areas of the Province, Diego Lapenna, and the Mayor of Trelew, Gerardo Merino.
Also present were the Subsecretaries of Tourism, Magali Volpi, and of Conservation and Protected Areas, Nadia Bravo; the President of Entretur, Juan Pavón, along with other provincial, municipal officials, park rangers, area staff, and representatives from the private sector.
Important news: more conservation and technology
This 2025-2026 season comes with significant news. In April, the provincial Legislature approved Law No. 246/24, a project promoted by Governor Ignacio “Nacho” Torres, which expanded the boundaries of the protected area from just over 200 hectares to a total of 1,532 hectares. This measure strengthens the conservation and protection of this unique habitat.
Furthermore, the integral management has been strengthened thanks to the current co-management agreement between the Ministry of Tourism and Protected Areas and the Trelew Tourist Board (Entretur), with the key support of the private sector and the local community.
Environmental News informs you that the works and improvements, financed with the funds raised in the last season, include:
- Maintenance of the park rangers’ housing.
- Renovation of the Interpretation Center, with the repair of wildlife replicas and new educational murals.
- Refurbishment of the Punta Tombo cafeteria-restaurant.
- General cleaning tasks, painting, reconditioning of entrances and flagpoles, and the removal of over 7 dumpsters of waste.
- Incorporation of new interpretive signage.
- Installation of solar panels, as part of the provincial energy transformation program.
- Improvement of connectivity through Starlink antennas, which now allow for 100% online ticket sales, both in the area and at authorized points in Trelew.
Voices from the opening: collaboration and future vision
During the event, Minister Diego Lapenna highlighted the work of the area staff: “Firstly, to the park rangers and staff, for the passion they put into their work day in and day out to care for the area.”
Lapenna also emphasized Governor Ignacio Torres‘ vision of “acknowledging all those pioneers who made Chubut what it is today in terms of tourism,” mentioning visionaries like Luis La Regina, the father of the current owner.
“Today, after a year and eight months of management, we can say that this Ministry operates with a work team,” added the minister, highlighting the importance of tourism being an economic “tool in the province.”
Mayor Gerardo Merino celebrated Trelew’s adherence to the Tourism Investment Incentive Law: “When we said that Trelew should be a destination city and not just a stopover, we were referring to advancements like the one the Deliberative Council approved yesterday, because adhering to this Law (…) allows us to attract more investment and more jobs to the tourism sector.”
Finally, Alberto La Regina, owner of the property, expressed his emotion: “Today I am 70 years old, I have been in Punta Tombo since I was 15, so seeing the result of today really makes me proud. We have worked very hard to care for this place and I see that today the Province and the Municipality are taking very good care of it.”
Promotional rates for the new season
One of the great news for visitors is that, during the first months, the entrance fees to the Punta Tombo PNA will maintain a promotional price, keeping the same cost as the previous season.
The rates are as follows:
- Chubut Residents: $3,500
- National Residents: $6,500
- National Residents (Children 6 to 11 years old and Retirees): $3,500
- Foreigners: $18,000
- Foreigners (Children 6 to 11 years old): $9,000
- Children under 6 years old, Malvinas War Veterans, and people with disabilities: Free of charge
With these improvements, Punta Tombo reinforces Chubut‘s commitment to responsible tourism, innovation, and conservation, preparing to welcome thousands of visitors who come to marvel at the Magellanic penguins.
