Islotes de Puñihuil Natural Monument, Protected natural area in Chiloé Island, Chile.
Islotes de Puñihuil is a protected natural area comprising three small islets off the western coast of Chiloé Island. These islands serve as important nesting and resting grounds for numerous seabird species.
The Chilean government established this site as a protected monument in 1999 to safeguard the local penguin colonies. This designation recognized the ecological and scientific value of this coastal area.
The fishing community at Puñihuil has integrated guided boat tours into their traditional practices, allowing visitors to observe seabirds up close. This has become a natural part of coastal life here.
The islets lie about 28 kilometers southwest of Ancud, where boat operators offer tours to the site. It is best to book tours during calmer weather, and options may vary by season.
This is the only place on Earth where Humboldt and Magellanic penguins establish nests in the same territory. This rare coexistence makes the site exceptionally important for bird watchers and wildlife enthusiasts.
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