Monte Leon National Park is a protected area located on the Atlantic coast of the Argentine province of Santa Cruz. It was established as a national park to preserve a representative portion of the Patagonian steppe and a segment of coastline. The park encompasses approximately 62,000 hectares and features a diverse landscape that includes cliffs, beaches, and an island. It is notable for being the first national park in Argentina to protect a maritime coastal environment. The area provides a habitat for significant marine wildlife, including a colony of Magellanic penguins. Other fauna found in the park include guanacos, rheas, and various species of shorebirds. The park's coastline is characterized by its dramatic erosion features, such as caves and arches, shaped by the relentless action of the sea. The name "Monte Leon" is derived from a hill within the park that, when viewed from the sea, is said to resemble a sleeping lion. The park offers opportunities for scientific research and environmental education, focusing on the conservation of its unique terrestrial and marine ecosystems.