Puerto Madryn: VALDÉS PENINSULA with visit to the Magellanic penguin colony

Puerto Madryn , Argentina

Puerto Madryn: VALDÉS PENINSULA with visit to the Magellanic penguin colony

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About this experience

Full day excursion:
We leave the city of Puerto Madryn heading north, we begin to explore and discover the charms of the Peninsula, its landscape, its flora and fauna. The first stop we make is at the "Carlos Ameghino Interpretation Center", which provides information on the ecosystem of the Peninsula. We continue the tour until we reach Puerto Pirámides, the only tourist village on the Peninsula and the only place allowed for wildlife watching embarked.
We will visit La Caleta Valdés, a colony of Magellanic penguins, where you can walk and observe these curious little animals in their habitat.
We leave Puerto Pirámide to continue with the excursion, depending on the state of the roads and the migration of fauna, we visit Punta Norte, a rookery for elephants and fur sea lions. At high tide it is possible to spot killer whales in the months of February, March and April.

Available options

PRIVATE SERVICE

Car and guide for your group

Regular Service

What's included

Lunch box with mineral water

Guides: Spanish/English

Navigation

Visit to the reserve of Magellanic penguins, elephants and sea lions, terrestrial fauna.

Meeting point: We depart from the entrance of the city dock

Detailed itinerary

Puerto de Madryn is an Argentine city on the coast of the northern part of Patagonia. Its sandy beaches and its coastal promenade full of restaurants face the bay of the Golfo Nuevo, where the southern right whales reproduce in May. to Dec The Ecocentro is a museum on a cliff with exhibits of the nature of Patagonia and a lighthouse-style tower overlooking the ocean. On the other side of the bay, the rocky Peninsula Valdés houses penguins and elephant seals, which are hunted by orcas.

Peninsula Valdés is a Patagonian nature reserve, on the coast of Argentina. It is known for the marine animals that inhabit the sea and the surrounding beaches, such as whales, sea lions, and elephant seals. In the west of the peninsula is the village and beach of Puerto Pirámides, which was once a salt mining port. Nearby beaches include Los Molinos, with an abandoned mill, and Las Cuevas, which gets its name from the caverns on its low cliffs.

Puerto Pirámides is a town and municipality in the Biedma department, in the north of the province of Chubut, Argentina, on the Nuevo gulf, on the Valdés Peninsula. It is the only populated center and service center within the Valdés Peninsula, an area that was declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco

Province of the penguins

What's not included

Entrance to the reserve

Available languages

Guide guide

EN FR ES

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Itinerary: El Desempeño Post (entrance to the reserve). Isthmus Ameghino Puerto Pirámides (Optional Whale Watching or Marine Fauna according to the time of year). Punta Cantor, natural rookery for elephant seals. Parador de Estancia La Elvira (place for refreshments or lunch). Caleta Valdés, colony of Magellanic penguins from October to March. Punta Norte On the internal roads of the reserve you can see specimens of terrestrial fauna such as Guanacos, Choiques, Maras, Gray Foxes, Skunks, etc., and a great variety of birds.

Suggested equipment: Comfortable shoes, warm clothing, photography equipment, sunscreen and hat.

Please send your cruise information when making your reservation so we can organize the pick-up time according to your itinerary.

You have the option of purchasing this service in Private: Where the driver and guide will be available to your group only.

Meeting point

This excursion begins in the morning, we depart from the entrance of the city dock.

About Puerto Madryn

Puerto Madryn is a vibrant coastal city in Patagonia, renowned for its stunning natural beauty and incredible wildlife. It serves as the perfect base for exploring the nearby Peninsula Valdes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and offers a rich blend of outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and welcoming local charm.

Top Attractions

Peninsula Valdes

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Peninsula Valdes is a haven for wildlife, including penguins, sea lions, elephants, and whales. The peninsula offers breathtaking landscapes, pristine beaches, and incredible opportunities for wildlife viewing.

Nature Full day Moderate (Entry fees and guided tours)

Punta Tombo Penguin Colony

One of the largest penguin colonies in South America, Punta Tombo is home to over 200,000 Magellanic penguins. Visitors can walk along a boardwalk to observe the penguins up close and learn about their fascinating behaviors.

Nature Half day Moderate (Entry fee)

El Doradillo Beach

El Doradillo is a beautiful beach known for its clear waters and soft sand. It's also a prime spot for whale watching, as southern right whales come close to the shore between June and December.

Beach Half day Free

Museo Oceanografico

The Oceanographic Museum is a fascinating museum dedicated to the marine life of the Patagonian coast. It features exhibits on whales, penguins, and other sea creatures, as well as interactive displays and educational programs.

Museum 1-2 hours Budget (Entry fee)

Puerto Piramides

A small fishing village on the Peninsula Valdes, Puerto Piramides is known for its pristine beaches, clear waters, and excellent whale watching opportunities. It's a peaceful and scenic spot to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Patagonia.

Nature Half day Moderate (Entry fees and guided tours)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Centolla (King Crab)

A delicacy of the Patagonian coast, king crab is typically served steamed or grilled, accompanied by a variety of sauces and sides. Its sweet, tender meat is a must-try for seafood lovers.

Main Course Contains shellfish

Asado (Argentine BBQ)

A traditional Argentine meal featuring a variety of grilled meats, including beef, pork, and lamb. The meats are cooked on a parrilla (grill) and served with chimichurri sauce, salads, and bread.

Main Course Contains meat, gluten (bread)

Empanadas

Small, savory pastries filled with a variety of ingredients, such as beef, cheese, or seafood. Empanadas are a popular snack or light meal, often enjoyed with a side of chimichurri or salsa.

Snack Contains gluten (pastry), may contain meat or seafood

Mediolunas

Sweet, crescent-shaped pastries similar to croissants, typically enjoyed for breakfast or as a sweet treat. They are often served with coffee or mate (a traditional Argentine herbal tea).

Breakfast/Dessert Contains gluten (pastry), butter, and sugar

Popular Activities

Whale watching Penguin colony tours Kayaking and paddleboarding Hiking and trekking Horseback riding Beach lounging Spa and wellness treatments Scenic coastal drives

Best Time to Visit

December to February (Summer)

Summer is the peak tourist season, offering warm temperatures and long daylight hours. This is the best time for wildlife watching, as penguins and whales are abundant. However, it can be crowded, and accommodations may be more expensive.

18°C to 25°C (64°F to 77°F) 64°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Spanish
Widely spoken: English (limited), Welsh (in some areas)
English: Limited to Moderately spoken

Currency

Argentine Peso (ARS)

Time Zone

GMT-3 (Argentina Time, ART)

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in certain areas and situations

Puerto Madryn is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, it's important to exercise caution in certain areas and situations, such as walking alone at night or leaving valuables unattended. Petty theft and pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas, so it's important to be vigilant and take precautions to protect your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Be vigilant and aware of your surroundings
• Keep valuables and cash secure
• Use licensed taxis and reputable tour operators

Getting there

By air

El Tehuelche Airport • 10 km (6 miles) from city center

By bus

Terminal de Omnibus de Puerto Madryn

Getting around

Public transport

The local bus system is affordable and convenient, with frequent services to major attractions and neighborhoods. Buses are well-maintained and generally punctual.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Cabify

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Centro El Muerto Parque Industrial

Day trips

Trelew

65 km (40 miles) • Half day to full day

Trelew is a charming city known for its Welsh heritage, museums, and nearby attractions. The city offers a glimpse into Patagonia's history and culture, with a variety of museums, parks, and architectural landmarks.

Gaiman

75 km (47 miles) • Half day to full day

Gaiman is a small town known for its Welsh heritage and traditional tea houses. The town offers a unique cultural experience, with a variety of historical sites, museums, and local crafts.

Rada Tilly

20 km (12 miles) • Half day

Rada Tilly is a small beach town known for its beautiful coastline, clear waters, and relaxed atmosphere. The town offers a variety of outdoor activities, including swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.

Festivals

Festival de la Cancion Maritima • January Fiesta Nacional del Centollo • March Fiesta del Mar • December

Pro tips

Visit the Peninsula Valdes early in the morning or late in the afternoon for the best wildlife viewing opportunities
Book whale watching tours in advance, especially during peak season (June to December)
Bring layers and a waterproof jacket, as the weather can be unpredictable and windy
Try local seafood, such as king crab and other shellfish, which are a specialty of the region
Explore the local markets and fairs for unique souvenirs and handmade crafts