Faro Querandí Nature Reserve

Information

It is a coastal nature reserve located 12 km from Villa Gesell. It protects beaches, dunes and marshes, as well as the wildlife that inhabits them.

In order to visit it, you have to walk a long way along the beach. For this reason it is recommended to be in good physical condition, and to carry plenty of water, sunscreen and a hat. The starting point is Mar Azul, from where 47th Street intersects the beach. The last time I was here, there was a car park with security.

There are 2 sectors to visit:
- Ecotourism trail: its entrance is located on the beach itself. When I was there, there were park rangers giving information. It is a self-guided path that goes through dunes, marshes and meadows.
- Querandí Lighthouse: it is reached after a 14 kilometre walk along the beach, so it is advisable to be in good physical condition to do this walk. The lighthouse is located in a totally wild area. It is recommended to find out beforehand if you are allowed to enter and climb it at the tourist information offices in Mar Azul or Villa Gesell.

This reserve is ideal for observing wildlife, thanks to the natural conditions and the absence of urbanisation. Some of the species that can be seen are the following:
- Many-spotted tree Iguana (Liolaemus multimaculatus): it is a reptile of interest because it is in danger of extinction. To find it you have to pay attention because it mimics the sand where it normally frequents.
- Mammals such as the pampas fox (Lycalopex gymnocercus) and the talas tuco-tuco (Ctenomys talarum).
- Seabirds such as seagulls, terns and sandpipers can be seen on the beach, among which the American oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus) and the common tern (Sterna hirundo) are very abundant.