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Municipal Ecological Reserve See map

Just 1 km from El Calafate is the Municipal Ecological Reserve "Laguna Nimez." An ideal place for bird watching due to the wide variety of specimens that are in the area, very close to Lake Argentino in Patagonia.

There are about 80 species of birds that give the visitor a beautiful sight thanks to the beauty, color and grace that characterizes them. Some of the most popular are flamingos, geese, black-necked swans, the ibis, the lapwings and ducks, among others. In addition, the bird is accompanied by the vegetation of the steppe region, which according to the season shows all the creative power of their offspring.

The services offered to visitors are:

• Walk around the small lakes and nearby access to the coast to Lake Argentino.
• Established trail with interpreting stops of the flora and fauna.
• Brochures in English and Spanish.
• Guides for observing and identifying birds.
• Rental of binoculars.
• Toilettes. Drinking water.

You can reach the lake on foot or by car from downtown and make the circuit in particular, as it is auto-guided. On the site there is an information center where you can access brochures, bilingual (Spanish and English) about the particular characteristics of each species and its relationship to the ecosystem.

You can extend your trip and walk to the natural shoreline of Lake Argentino for a beautiful view of the lake and city background.

More information of lake Nimez

• Open: Every day from 9am to 7pm (in fall from 9:30am to 6:30pm).
• Open all year. Visit duration: one or two hours.
• Entry fee: $15. Children, educational establishments and residents of El Calafate and the province of Santa Cruz: no charge.