Total distance: 25 km · Difficulty: Medium · Duration: 5 hours, including stops

1. Heading south:
   We set off from Alpataco along the coastal Rambla and through the quiet southern areas. On the left, you will pass CENPAT-CONICET and San Juan Bosco University, our city's hubs of scientific excellence. At CENPAT, there is a mural worth stopping to admire; to the right, the Atlantic Ocean guides our way.
2. Plateau trails:
   The paved road is left behind. We cycle among molles, jarillas, and coirones; if it rained the day before, the air smells of jarilla.
3. Playa Paraná Beach & the Folias shipwreck:
   First stop. Ahead of us looms the hull of the fishing vessel Folias, which ran aground in 1980 just 300 metres from the coast; at low tide, its structure emerges in its entirety. This is an ideal spot for photos and a mate by the sea.
4. Punta Loma Sea Lion Colony:
   After another 5 km (3 miles) on the gravel road, we reach the first protected area in Chubut. We leave our bikes and, from the observation deck, observe the permanent colony of South American fur seals: their roars, their dives, and the black-necked cormorants flying low overhead. Interpretive talk + Patagonian snack.
5. Return along the coast:
   We return via Playa Paraná (lower area) to capture the shipwreck in a different light and, now with the slope working in our favour, we cycle directly to Puerto Madryn. A perfect ending with a view of the gulf and a sense of mission accomplished.
   Are you up for cycling to see Puerto Madryn's most iconic wildlife? Book your spot today with Alpataco.