Peninsula Valdés: The ultimate Travel Guide

Why Peninsula Valdés is a Must-Visit Wildlife Haven

A UNESCO World Heritage Site

In 1999, Peninsula Valdés was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a recognition of its profound global importance for the conservation of marine mammals. This isn’t merely a title; it’s a commitment to protecting an ecosystem of outstanding universal value. The peninsula’s sheltered gulfs, Golfo Nuevo and Golfo San José, create a perfect nursery for marine life, making it one of the planet’s most significant breeding grounds for the endangered Southern Right Whale.

The UNESCO status underscores the peninsula’s role as a vital sanctuary. The conservation efforts here ensure that the vast colonies of sea lions, elephant seals, and other species can thrive, offering a rare glimpse into a marine world that remains largely undisturbed by human development. Visiting Valdés is to witness a globally significant conservation success story in action. For more on navigating this stunning region, check out our Patagonia travel tips.

The Sheer Abundance of Wildlife

Few places on Earth offer such a high concentration and diversity of marine fauna. The peninsula is a natural stage where the drama of life unfolds daily along its rugged coastline. The experience here is defined by powerful, direct encounters with animals in their natural habitat. The primary draws are often referred to as the “Big Five” of Patagonian sea life:

• Southern Right Whales: The gentle giants that arrive each year to mate and raise their calves in the calm bays.
• Orcas (Killer Whales): Renowned for their intelligence and a unique hunting technique found nowhere else.
• South American Sea Lions: Occupying bustling coastal colonies, known as loberías.
• Southern Elephant Seals: The world’s largest seals, which form immense harems on the beaches.
• Magellanic Penguins: Charming and numerous, with vast rookeries stretching along the coast.

Beyond simply spotting these creatures, a trip to Peninsula Valdés is an opportunity to observe remarkable behaviors. You can watch a whale calf learn to breach alongside its mother, witness the territorial disputes of massive elephant seal bulls, or, if your timing is right, see the famed orcas intentionally strand themselves on the beach to hunt sea lion pups—a raw and powerful spectacle of nature.

The Best Time to Visit Peninsula Valdés

Timing is everything when planning a trip to Peninsula Valdés. The experience is dictated almost entirely by the natural cycles of the wildlife that call these shores home. While some animals are present year-round, the most dramatic events are seasonal. Understanding this calendar is the key to witnessing the spectacles you came to see.

A Seasonal Wildlife Calendar

The peninsula pulses with life according to a strict schedule. Below is a guide to help you align your visit with the movements of its most famous inhabitants.

June – December: Southern Right Whales

The arrival of the Southern Right Whales marks the true beginning of the high season. They seek the calm, protected waters of the Golfo Nuevo and Golfo San José to mate and give birth. While they can be seen as early as June, the population swells through the following months. For the most profound experience, plan your visit during the peak months of September and October. This is when the gulfs transform into a vast nursery, and you can witness the touching interactions between mothers and their newborn calves, often just a few meters from the shore.

September – April: Magellanic Penguins

In early September, the coastline comes alive with the arrival of hundreds of thousands of Magellanic Penguins. They return to their established rookeries to reunite with their mates, prepare their nests, and lay their eggs. The colony is a hub of constant activity, but the most charming period is from November to February. During these months, fluffy chicks hatch and can be seen clamoring for food from their parents, a delightful and often comical sight.

September – April: Orcas (Killer Whales)

Witnessing the orcas of Peninsula Valdés is the ultimate prize for many wildlife enthusiasts, largely due to their unique hunting strategy. There are two distinct, brief windows of opportunity to see this behavior, and both depend on the high tide and a great deal of patience.

• In March and April, the focus is on Punta Norte. Here, the orcas patrol the shores, waiting for the opportune moment to intentionally strand themselves to catch inexperienced sea lion pups.
• In September and October, a similar event occurs at Caleta Valdés, where the orcas’ prey is the larger, nutrient-rich elephant seal pups.

Seeing an attack is not guaranteed, but the anticipation is part of the experience.

All Year: Sea Lions and Elephant Seals

The peninsula’s enormous colonies of Sea Lions and Elephant Seals are a permanent fixture, making them a reliable sight no matter when you visit. However, their most dramatic and compelling behavior is seasonal. The elephant seal breeding season peaks between August and November, when massive males, or “beachmasters,” engage in epic battles to control their harems. Following this, from December to February, the sea lion colonies become the center of attention as they enter their own noisy and frenetic breeding season.

Weather and Tourist Seasons

Beyond the wildlife calendar, the Patagonian climate and tourist flow will shape your trip. The year is broadly divided into two distinct seasons.

High Season (September – March)

This period, spanning the austral spring and summer, offers the best of Peninsula Valdés. The weather is generally milder and sunnier, and the wildlife activity is at its absolute peak. Whales fill the gulfs, penguins crowd the beaches, and the seal and sea lion colonies are bustling with new life. This is, without a doubt, the most vibrant time to visit. The trade-off is that you will be sharing the experience with more visitors, and prices for flights, accommodation, and tours will be at their highest. Booking well in advance is essential.

Low Season (April – August)

Covering the autumn and winter months, the low season offers a starkly different experience. The weather is colder, the famous Patagonian winds are more persistent, and many of the migratory species have departed. The penguins will be gone, and the whales only begin to arrive in June. However, this season has its own appeal. The landscapes are raw and beautifully desolate, the resident sea lions and elephant seals can be observed without the crowds, and you may find more affordable travel and lodging options. It is a time for visitors who seek solitude and a more contemplative connection with the Patagonian coast.

Getting There and Around

Peninsula Valdés is a remote corner of Patagonia, but reaching this wildlife sanctuary is a straightforward part of the adventure. The nearby city of Puerto Madryn serves as the primary hub for travelers, offering the necessary infrastructure before you venture into the wilder reserve.

Reaching the Peninsula

Your journey will almost certainly begin by arriving in either Trelew or Puerto Madryn, the two main access points to the region.

• By Air: The most common way to arrive is by flying. Trelew Airport (REL) is the main gateway, located about 60 km (37 miles) south of Puerto Madryn. It receives daily flights from Buenos Aires and other major Argentine cities. From here, you can rent a car, take a shuttle, or a taxi for the one-hour drive to Puerto Madryn. A smaller airport, Puerto Madryn Airport (PMY), also serves some domestic flights, offering a more direct but often less frequent option.
• By Bus: For those on a more flexible schedule or budget, Argentina’s comfortable long-distance bus network is an excellent choice. Regular overnight services connect Buenos Aires and other cities to the main bus terminal in Puerto Madryn. While the journey is long, it provides a scenic look at the vast Patagonian landscape.

Navigating the Peninsula

Once you are in the region, deciding how to explore the peninsula itself is your next key decision. There is no public transportation within the reserve, so you must choose between self-driving, joining a tour, or hiring a private car.

Rental Car: Renting a car offers unparalleled freedom and flexibility, allowing you to set your own pace and spend as much time as you wish at each wildlife viewpoint. You can rent a vehicle in Trelew or Puerto Madryn. However, it is crucial to understand the driving conditions. Most roads within Peninsula Valdés are unpaved gravel roads (ripio). These surfaces can be challenging, requiring slow speeds and careful driving. Before you book, it is essential to check your rental car’s insurance policy. Many standard agreements do not cover damage to tires, windshields, or the undercarriage on unpaved roads, so you may need to purchase additional coverage for peace of mind.

Guided Tours: For a stress-free experience, consider a guided tour. Dozens of operators in Puerto Madryn offer full-day excursions in vans or small buses. These tours typically follow a set itinerary covering the main highlights, and they come with the invaluable benefit of a knowledgeable local guide who can spot wildlife and share insights about the ecosystem. Multi-day packages are also available for a more immersive trip.

Taxis/Remises: Hiring a private car with a driver, known as a remis, is another option. This provides the flexibility of a rental car without the need to navigate the gravel roads yourself. While convenient, this is generally the most expensive way to explore the peninsula and is best arranged in advance through your hotel or a local agency.

Where to Stay: Your Base for Exploration

Choosing where to stay is a fundamental decision that will shape your experience at Peninsula Valdés. The choice primarily comes down to two locations: the small, rustic village of Puerto Pirámides inside the reserve, or the larger, more serviced city of Puerto Madryn just outside of it. Each offers a distinct set of advantages and considerations.

Puerto Pirámides: The Heart of the Peninsula

As the only settlement located within the boundaries of the nature reserve, Puerto Pirámides offers an unparalleled sense of immersion. This small, windswept village sits on the coast of the Golfo Nuevo, providing a front-row seat to the natural spectacle. Waking up here means you are already in the heart of the action, surrounded by the sounds and sights of Patagonia.

• Pros: Staying in Puerto Pirámides places you steps away from the departure point for whale watching tours. The atmosphere is unique and tranquil, especially during the early mornings and evenings when the day-trippers have departed. You can enjoy a deeper connection to the wild landscape.
• Cons: Services are limited. You’ll find a handful of restaurants and small shops, but options are few and often close early. Accommodation is scarcer and tends to be more expensive than in Puerto Madryn.

Accommodation options range from small hotels and charming guesthouses (hosterías) to basic campsites, catering to those who prioritize location over extensive amenities.

Puerto Madryn: The Convenient Gateway

Located about 100 kilometers from the heart of the peninsula, Puerto Madryn is a bustling coastal city that serves as the primary hub for visitors to the region. It provides a comfortable and practical base with all the conveniences of a modern town.

• Pros: The city offers a vast selection of accommodation, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels and rental apartments. You’ll also find a diverse culinary scene, supermarkets, banks, and tour operators, making logistics much simpler.
• Cons: The main drawback is the daily travel required to access the peninsula’s sights. The drive to the park entrance at Istmo Ameghino takes approximately one hour, and reaching points of interest like Punta Norte can add another hour or more. This travel time can cut into your exploration day.

Choosing Puerto Madryn is ideal for travelers who appreciate a wider range of services, dining options, and accommodation styles, and who don’t mind the daily commute into the reserve.

The Stars of the Show: A Guide to the Wildlife

While the landscapes of Peninsula Valdés are striking, the main attraction is undeniably its world-class wildlife. This is not a zoo; it is a dynamic, wild ecosystem where animals live and thrive according to the rhythms of nature. Here is a guide to the incredible creatures you can expect to encounter.

Southern Right Whales

From June to December, the calm, protected waters of the Golfo Nuevo and Golfo San José become a nursery for the Southern Right Whale. These gentle giants arrive to mate, give birth, and raise their calves, offering some of the most intimate and spectacular whale watching opportunities on the planet.

• Best Viewing Spots: For shore-based viewing, El Doradillo Beach, just north of Puerto Madryn, is unparalleled. Here, whales and their calves often come within meters of the pebble shore. For a different perspective, boat tours departing from Puerto Pirámides take you out into the gulf for respectful, close-up encounters.
• Behaviors to Watch For: Keep an eye out for breathtaking displays such as breaching (leaping out of the water), tail slapping, and pectoral fin waving. The most touching sight is often a mother gently guiding her newborn calf through the water.

Orcas (Killer Whales)

The orcas of Peninsula Valdés are globally renowned for a hunting strategy found nowhere else on earth: intentional stranding. This remarkable and dramatic behavior is a highlight for patient wildlife observers.

To hunt the pups of sea lions and elephant seals, these highly intelligent predators will ride a wave onto the beach, grab their prey, and then wriggle back into the sea. It’s a high-risk, high-reward technique passed down through generations. Witnessing it requires immense luck and patience, but the payoff is an unforgettable display of raw nature.

• Key Locations: This behavior is primarily seen at Punta Norte from late February to April, coinciding with the sea lion pupping season. A similar, though less frequent, phenomenon occurs at Caleta Valdés in September and October, targeting elephant seal pups.
• Tips for Spotting Them: Success depends entirely on timing. The orcas only hunt this way during high tide when the water reaches the colonies. Arrive at the viewing points several hours before high tide and be prepared to wait.

Sea Lions and Elephant Seals

The coastline of Peninsula Valdés is dotted with bustling colonies of pinnipeds. The noisy, social South American sea lions (loberías) and the colossal southern elephant seals (elefanterías) are permanent residents, with their populations swelling during breeding seasons.

You can see them at various points along the coastal road, particularly at dedicated lookouts in Punta Norte, Caleta Valdés, and Punta Delgada. The air is often filled with the sounds of bellowing males and calling pups.

Distinguishing between the two: Elephant seals are much larger than sea lions. The males are enormous and possess a distinctive, trunk-like proboscis which they use to produce deep roars. Sea lions are smaller, light brown, and the males have a thick, lion-like mane. You can also spot sea lions by their ability to “walk” on land using their front flippers, whereas elephant seals move more laboriously by wriggling on their bellies.

Magellanic Penguins

From September to April, the peninsula and its surroundings host vast colonies of Magellanic penguins. They arrive to build their nests in burrows, raise their chicks, and moult before returning to the sea. Walking among thousands of these charming birds as they go about their daily lives is a quintessential Patagonian experience. Learn more about the Patagonian experience to ensure a respectful visit.

• Major Rookeries: The largest and most accessible colony on the peninsula is at Estancia San Lorenzo. A significant day trip from the area is to Punta Tombo, south of Trelew, which is home to one of the largest Magellanic penguin colonies in the world.
• The Penguin Life Cycle: Visitors can witness different stages depending on the month. September and October are for nest-building and egg-laying. Chicks begin to hatch in November, and by January and February, the colonies are at their busiest and noisiest as the fluffy chicks grow and demand food.

Other Notable Fauna

Beyond the “big five,” the peninsula is rich with a diverse array of other animals, both on land and in the sea.

Marine Life

The gulfs are home to playful pods of Dusky dolphins, known for their acrobatic leaps. The smaller, striking black-and-white Commerson’s dolphins can also be spotted, particularly near the port towns.

Terrestrial Animals

As you drive the gravel roads, keep a look out for the native fauna of the Patagonian steppe. You are almost guaranteed to see elegant guanacos (a wild relative of the llama), flightless rheas (ñandú), and the unique mara, or Patagonian hare, which looks like a cross between a rabbit and a small deer. You might also spot armadillos scurrying through the scrubland.

Birdlife

Peninsula Valdés is a paradise for birdwatchers. Besides the penguins, the coastline hosts numerous seabirds, including cormorants, oyster-catchers, and skuas. The inland steppe is home to raptors like the black-chested buzzard-eagle and the elegant-crested tinamou. The salt flats also attract migratory birds, including Chilean flamingos.

Key Locations and Circuits on the Peninsula

Navigating Peninsula Valdés is an adventure in itself, with unpaved roads leading to dramatic coastlines and secluded wildlife havens. The landscape is vast, so planning your route is essential. Most visitors follow one of two main circuits, each offering a distinct perspective on this remarkable ecosystem.

The Northern Loop

The most popular and comprehensive route, the Northern Loop covers the key wildlife hotspots and typically takes a full day to explore at a comfortable pace. It’s a journey that showcases the peninsula’s most iconic scenes. Consider checking the Patagonian experience before your trip.

• Puerto Pirámides: This charming coastal village is the only settlement within the reserve and serves as the primary starting point for the circuit. It’s the hub for whale watching tours and has a relaxed, windswept atmosphere.
• Punta Norte: Located at the northernmost tip, this point is world-renowned for one of nature’s most dramatic spectacles: the intentional stranding of orcas to hunt sea lion pups. This behavior is most common during high tide from February to April, but the large sea lion colony makes it a fascinating stop any time of year.
• Caleta Valdés: This long, narrow inlet is a protected haven for a vast colony of elephant seals. A series of walkways offers excellent, elevated views of the seals resting on the pebble beach below. Orcas are also known to patrol this channel, particularly in September and October, hunting the young elephant seals.

The Southern Area

Less traveled than the northern circuit, the southern part of the peninsula offers a sense of rugged isolation and unique geological features. The roads here can be more challenging, but the rewards are serene landscapes and significant wildlife colonies.

• Punta Delgada: This dramatic point features a historic lighthouse and hosts a significant elephant seal colony. It’s an impressive sight, but it is important to note that public access to the main viewing areas is often restricted and reserved for guests of the hotel located at the lighthouse, Faro Punta Delgada.
• Salinas Grande and Chica: These immense salt flats are among the lowest points in South America, dipping more than 40 meters below sea level. The stark, white expanse creates a surreal and photogenic landscape, offering a striking contrast to the coastal scenery and a glimpse into the area’s geological past.

The Visitor Centre (Istmo Ameghino)

Your journey into the reserve begins at the Carlos Ameghino Isthmus, a narrow strip of land connecting the peninsula to the mainland. Here, you’ll find the main Visitor Centre, which is an essential first stop. For those planning an extensive trip, understanding Patagonian travel is crucial for budgeting.

The centre provides valuable context for your visit, with well-curated exhibits on the region’s unique geology, its diverse flora, and the life cycles of the incredible fauna you are about to see. A highlight is the lookout point, which offers a stunning panoramic view. From this single vantage point, you can see the calm waters of the Golfo Nuevo to one side and the more open Golfo San José to the other, truly appreciating the unique geography that makes this peninsula a perfect sanctuary for marine life.

Essential Activities and Tours

While driving the peninsula’s circuits offers incredible sights from land, participating in a guided activity provides a different and often more intimate perspective on the region’s wildlife and culture. From boat-based excursions to Patagonian ranch visits, these tours are central to the Valdés experience.

Whale Watching Boat Tours

The single most popular activity on the peninsula is, without a doubt, the whale watching tour. All registered boats depart from the shores of Puerto Pirámides, the only town within the reserve. Getting out on the water offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the immense scale and gentle nature of the Southern Right Whales.

• Types of Boats: Operators typically offer two main experiences. Traditional open-deck boats provide excellent, panoramic views from the water’s surface, perfect for photography and observing surface behaviors like breaching. The semi-submersible boats feature an underwater viewing cabin, allowing you to see the whales swimming gracefully beneath the waves, an almost surreal experience.
• What to Expect: Tours last approximately 90 minutes. The whales are famously curious and often approach the boats, offering incredibly close encounters. Responsible tour operators are mandated to cut their engines and let the animals dictate the interaction, ensuring a respectful and sustainable experience for both visitors and wildlife.

Kayaking and Scuba Diving

For a more active and personal encounter with the marine environment, consider kayaking or scuba diving. These activities allow you to connect with the sea on its own terms. Paddling a kayak along the coast can bring you face-to-face with curious sea lion pups, who often swim up to investigate. Scuba diving in the Golfo Nuevo reveals a rich underwater world, and diving with sea lions is an unforgettable, playful experience.

It is essential to only undertake these activities with certified, professional operators based in Puerto Madryn or Puerto Pirámides. They are knowledgeable about local conditions and adhere to strict regulations designed to protect both the wildlife and the participants.

Estancia Visits

To understand the human history and culture of the region, a visit to a traditional Patagonian estancia (ranch) is highly recommended. These vast properties offer a glimpse into the life of the Patagonian gaucho, often including a traditional lamb barbecue (asado al palo) and a tour of the grounds. Beyond the cultural aspect, some estancias provide exclusive access to significant wildlife colonies on their private land. A prime example is Estancia San Lorenzo, which is home to one of the largest Magellanic penguin colonies in the world. A visit here allows you to walk among the penguins in a more controlled and often less crowded setting than public sites.

Practical Tips for a Perfect Trip

A little preparation goes a long way in ensuring your visit to this remote natural sanctuary is smooth and memorable. From park regulations to what to put in your suitcase, these practical tips will help you navigate the logistics of exploring Peninsula Valdés.

Park Entrance Fees and Rules

As a protected nature reserve, Peninsula Valdés requires an entrance fee that contributes to its conservation efforts. It’s important to be aware of the following guidelines:

• Fee Structure: Entrance fees are typically priced differently for foreign tourists, Mercosur residents, and Argentine nationals. Prices are subject to change, so it is always best to check the official Chubut province tourism website for the most current rates before your visit. Payment is made at the checkpoint on the Istmo Ameghino.
• Park Hours and Regulations: The reserve is generally open from sunrise to sunset. To protect the delicate ecosystem and its inhabitants, visitors must adhere to strict rules. These include staying on marked roads and trails, never feeding or touching the animals, and maintaining a respectful distance from all wildlife.
• Drone Prohibition: There is an absolute and strictly enforced ban on the use of drones within the entire reserve. Drones cause significant stress to the animals, can interfere with their natural behaviors, and are considered a major disturbance. Flying one will result in immediate penalties.

What to Pack

Patagonian weather is famously unpredictable, and conditions can shift from sunny and calm to cold and windy in a matter of minutes. Packing strategically is key to staying comfortable throughout your explorations.

• Layered Clothing: The most effective way to dress is in layers. Think a base layer (thermal or t-shirt), a mid-layer (fleece or light sweater), and a protective outer layer. This allows you to adapt easily as temperatures change during the day.
• Windproof and Waterproof Jacket: This is arguably the most essential item you can bring. The wind on the peninsula can be relentless, and a good jacket will provide crucial protection from both the wind and any potential rain, ensuring you can enjoy the outdoors regardless of the elements.
• Sun Protection: The Patagonian sun is surprisingly strong, even on overcast days. Be sure to pack high-SPF sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat or cap, and UV-protective sunglasses.
• Binoculars and a Zoom Lens: To truly appreciate the wildlife from a safe and respectful distance, a pair of binoculars is indispensable. For photographers, a camera with a good zoom lens is a must-have for capturing incredible shots of whales breaching or orcas hunting without disturbing them.

Services and Connectivity

Once you pass the entrance gate, you are entering a vast and sparsely populated wilderness. Modern conveniences are few and far between, which is part of the peninsula’s charm.

• Connectivity: Expect limited to non-existent cell phone service and Wi-Fi throughout most of the reserve. Puerto Pirámides offers some connectivity, but it can be slow and unreliable. It’s best to download maps offline and inform others of your itinerary beforehand.
• Food and Water: While you can find a few restaurants and small shops in Puerto Pirámides, options are limited and more expensive than in Puerto Madryn. It is highly advisable to pack a cooler with plenty of water, drinks, and snacks for your day trips around the peninsula.
• Fuel: This is a critical point for anyone driving. Fill up your fuel tank in Puerto Madryn before entering the peninsula. There is only one gas station within the reserve, located in Puerto Pirámides. Its supply can be unreliable, its hours limited, and its prices are significantly higher. Driving the gravel loops can consume more fuel than expected, so arriving with a full tank is the safest and most economical approach.

Sample Itineraries for Your Adventure

Peninsula Valdés is vast, and planning your time can feel overwhelming. Whether you have a couple of days or a more leisurely pace, these sample itineraries can help you structure your visit to maximize wildlife sightings and appreciate the stunning Patagonian landscapes. For more general advice on visiting this incredible region, check out our Do’s and Don’t in Patagonia.

The 2-Day Wildlife Blitz

This intensive plan is designed for those short on time but eager to see the highlights. It requires an early start each day and is best accomplished with a rental car for maximum flexibility.

• Day 1: The Northern Loop Expedition. Dedicate your first full day to the peninsula’s northern circuit. Start early from your base and drive towards Punta Norte. Time your visit with the high tide for the best (though never guaranteed) chance of seeing orcas. Afterwards, continue to Caleta Valdés to observe the sprawling elephant seal colonies and enjoy the unique coastal geography. This is a long day of driving on gravel roads, so pack lunch and water.
• Day 2: Whales and Departure. Head straight to Puerto Pirámides for a morning whale watching tour (book in advance during peak season). Experiencing the southern right whales up close is an essential part of any visit. On your way out of the peninsula in the afternoon, make a final stop at El Doradillo Beach. If the tide is high, you may be treated to the incredible sight of whales swimming just meters from the shore—a perfect farewell.

The 4-Day Deep Dive

With more time, you can explore the peninsula at a more relaxed pace, immerse yourself in the environment, and include a visit to a major penguin colony. This itinerary balances driving with dedicated time for key activities.

• Day 1: Arrival and Puerto Madryn. Arrive at the airport, pick up your rental car, and settle into your accommodation in Puerto Madryn. Spend the afternoon exploring the city’s waterfront, visiting the Ecocentro Pampa Azul to learn about the local marine ecosystem, and enjoying a fresh seafood dinner.
• Day 2: A Full Day on the Peninsula. Drive into the reserve and spend the entire day exploring the Northern Loop. With a full day, you can linger longer at key sites. Spend several hours at Punta Norte, patiently waiting through the high tide cycle for orcas. Continue to Caleta Valdés, taking time to walk the viewing paths and observe the dynamic between the elephant seals. Keep an eye out for terrestrial wildlife like guanacos and rheas along the drive.
• Day 3: Marine Immersion. In the morning, take a whale watching boat tour from Puerto Pirámides. After the tour, instead of rushing off, spend the afternoon in the village. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, walk along the beach, and soak in the unique, isolated atmosphere of the only settlement within the reserve.
• Day 4: The Penguin Encounter. Today is dedicated to the Magellanic penguins. You have two excellent options. You can visit Estancia San Lorenzo, located on the northern edge of the peninsula itself, which has a large and growing colony. Alternatively, you can take a longer day trip south from Puerto Madryn to Punta Tombo, home to one of the largest Magellanic penguin colonies in South America. The choice depends on how much driving you’re prepared to do.