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EcoCentro

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The Ecocentro just south of Puerto Madryn, Argentina.

In a handsomely designed building perched above the sea, EcoCentro (ecocentropampazul.com.ar) celebrates the region’s unique marine environments and brings an artistic sensibility to scientific research. Through video loops, touch screens and immersive rooms, you can explore exhibits on sea lions, aquatic birds and right whales – and even listen to the sounds of the whales communicating with one another. There's a small touch-friendly tide pool full of sea stars, urchins and anemones, and a downstairs play area for kids. Upstairs, you can find changing exhibitions covering everything from rare ocean flora to wildlife on the Falklands. You can also grab a bite or a drink at a stylish restaurant-cafe with indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the water.

Bring your binoculars: whales may be spotted from here. It’s an enjoyable 40-minute walk or 15-minute bike ride along the costanera (seaside road) to the EcoCentro. It's open in the afternoons (4pm to 8pm or 5pm to 9pm, depending on the season) Wednesday to Sunday.

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