Located on the Northern edge of Patagonia, about half way between Cape Horn and Buenos Aires, is the Peninsula Valdes - a UNESCO World Heritage site due to the concentration of marine mammals that gather here in spectacular numbers. Accessed from the functional but pleasant seaside town of Puerto Madryn, this arid peninsula is surrounded by rich coastal waters, utilized by Patagonia's largest colonies of southern sealions, elephant seals, and Magellanic penguins. Between June and December each year hundreds of endangered Southern Right Whales come to the enclosed waters of Golfo Nuevo and Golfo San Jose to the north and south of the Peninsula to breed and give birth. This is one of the best places in the Americas for seeing these marine giants, some of which can reach up to 100 tonnes in weight and 17m from tip to tail.
Orcas famously gather around the Peninsula to hunt elephant seals and southern sealions at specific times of year. Sequences of Killer Whales purposely 'beaching' themselves to hunt sealions were used to spectacular effect in the BBC's acclaimed Blue Planet series.
Just to the South of Peninsula Valdes is the huge Magellanic Penguin Colony at the Reserve of Punta Tombo, home to around 800,000 distinctly fishy but charming birds. Late in August or early in September the penguins come ashore to establish a feathered metropolis of breeding burrows.
Our classic way of exploring the region would be with a natural history guide who knows the reserve and its wildlife intimately. To get the very best out of our time on the Peninsula we take both land and sea based excursions, making the most of seasonal highlights such as gatherings of whales and dolphins. For a recommended 7 day itinerary please click on the | Itinerary | tab at the top of the page.
For adventurous clients wanting to experience additional activities we can easily arrange kayaking and snorkelling trips with playful sealions. These waters also provide some of Argentina's top scuba diving sites and ideal drysuit preparation for divers joining one of our Antarctic or South Georgia Diving Expeditions.
When to Visit
Dolphins, sealions and elephant seals are present year round. Seasonal wildlife viewing opportunities include:
Southern Right Whales gather between June and December and this is the best time for whale watching.
Magellanic Penguins breed between August/September and April.
Orcas - seen from June to December hunting young Right Whale calves. Between March and April Orcas hunt sealions on the beaches at Punta Norte.
Weather
Weather wise the Northern Patagonian region is most comfortable in the southern summer from December to April. Peninsula Valdes has a cold, fairly dry climate but weather is unpredictable and cold winds can make any time of year chilly. Sun can be strong and burn even when it feels cold.
Itinerary
Suggested 7 Day Itinerary for Peninsula Valdes & Punta Tombo
Please see below a suggested itinerary that will show you the best of the region's exceptional wildlife and marine life:
Whether you prefer to explore the Peninsula from the shore, by boat, sea kayak or scuba Peninsula, we can tailor itineraries to fit your interests.
Please bear in mind that this is only a suggested itinerary and can be adjusted or expanded to suit your requirements. Please contact one of our expert staff who have considerable experience in the region to discuss this further.
7 Day Sample Itinerary: Wildlife & Marine Life of Peninsula Valdes & Punta Tombo
Day 1: Arrive Puerto Madryn
Today you will fly into Puerto Madryn. Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met and transferred to our downtown hotel in Puerto Madryn. You will stay here for the next three nights.
Day 2: Punta Tombo Penguin Colony
Today you will be met at your hotel and taken on a privately guided full-day tour to Punta Tombo Penguin Colony.
The Reserve of Punta Tombo is the largest penguin colony in the world, with more than 1 million Magellanic penguins arriving in September and nesting here until March. Punta Tombo is a narrow rocky peninsula that merges into the Atlantic Ocean. The beaches of fine and compacted sand are ideal for the penguins to dig their nests. Vast areas of land are literally "mined" with shallow caves, where every year the penguins lay their eggs and raise the chicks. The gentle slope of these beaches also facilitates the movement of land birds who, several times a day, make the journey between the nests and the sea to feed themselves. The penguins, although alert to human intrusion, do not leave their nests. Paths have been created for visitors to explore the reserve without disturbing the penguins and their caves.
At the end of your trip, you will be transferred back to your hotel.
Day 3: Punta Loma
Today you will set out by boat across the Golfo Nuevo and head for Southern Sealion colony at Punta Loma. The Sealions are resident here year-round. Donning wet suits, a mask and snorkel, you will slip into the Atlantic for a potentially thrilling underwater encounter with curious and wonderfully adapted marine mammals.
An afternoon boat excursion takes you into the Gulf in search of seasonal marine highlights which depending upon the time of year may be Southern Right Whales, Orcas and pods of Commerson's Dolphins.
Day 4: Hire car pick up & Estancia
Today you will be transferred back to Puerto Madryn airport to pick up your hire car.
Once you have collected your car you will self-drive to a stunning remote estancia for more wildlife watching opportunities. You will stay for three nights, all-inclusive of food and guided walks, in a beautiful lodge set within this Patagonian ranch, with a surrounding gallery, large deck on the front and decorated with original photography of the local ancient culture. You will have a truly unique and authentic Patagonian experience.
The estancia is located in the Chubut province of Peninsula Valdes and roughly 170km from Puerto Madryn. It is surrounded by ocean with around 20km of private coastline, its only neighbours being whales, orcas, seals and penguins. The estancia itself covers a vast area of 100 square kilometres and is the only property in the area where the owners host guests themselves and seek to provide an exclusive experience for their guests by having no outside visitors. The estancia is dedicated to conservation initiatives, and you will have the opportunity to learn about the important preservation work that Conservation Peninsula Valdes carries out. For more than 30 years the estancia has been a significant part of important scientific projects for marine and terrestrial species, as well as archaeology and palaeontology which have been carried out alongside organizations such as National Geographic and BBC.
Activities on offer here include wildlife watching experiences guided by bilingual biologists and naturalists. You will visit the area with the highest density of fauna in Peninsula Valdes to see Southern Elephant Seals, South American Sea Lions, Southern Right Whales, Orcas and Magellanic Penguins. You will explore hiking trails that take you into the wilderness and vary in length and difficulty to see multiple land species including armadillo and guanacos. You will be led along cliffs to secluded wildlife viewing spots, birdwatching as you go, take a walk in the sand dunes and have the opportunity to visit paleontological and archaeological sites. You will not be short of adventure or wildlife whilst exploring this stunning and varied area.
Day 5: Estancia Day at Leisure
Today will be yours to explore the area at your leisure. You may wish to explore the estancia’s grounds with guides or choose to explore on your own. Having your hire car accessible, you may want to explore further afield.
Day 6: Day at Leisure
Today will also be yours to explore the area at your leisure.
Day 7: Depart Puerto Madryn
Today you will bid farewell to your estancia as you self-drive back to Puerto Madryn airport. Here you will drop off your car and take a flight onwards to Buenos Aires if you are flying home or you may wish to fly elsewhere to fit with your onward travel.
Dates
7 Day experience with hire car for self-guiding
From price per person
Please Contact Us for more information
Price includes:
Accommodation
Hire car
Private services with local English-speaking guides (unless other type mentioned).
All entrance fees to the sites mentioned in the itinerary.
Price excludes:
International air fares or domestic air fares.
Meals or any other item not described in the itinerary.
Early check-in, late check-out, services and non-mentioned meals in the itinerary.
Personal expenses.
Drinks during meals, hotel extras and personal spending.
Tips for guides and hotel staff.
