Northeastern Patagonia

The Valdés Peninsula & Punta Tombo

4 Days – 3 Nights

Starts and ends in Puerto Madryn or Trelew

Tour runs on request – Prices based on group size.

Northeastern Patagonia is a semi-arid steppe, outlined by the deep blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean. In the heart of the Argentine Patagonia, the Province of Chubut holds the most spectacular natural treasures of them all. The Valdés Peninsula is home and breeding ground for a great diversity of marine mammals. Punta Tombo is for far the biggest of all nesting colonies of Magellanic Penguins on Earth, with more than half a million nesting birds, and it is certainly a magic place where visitors can enjoy walking right next to these amusing penguins.

The Atlantic coast of Patagonia is, by far, the area where the highest numbers and widest diversity of marine mammals are to be found in southern South America. Images of Orcas taking sea lions from solitary gravel beaches at the Valdes Peninsula have been the substance of innumerable nature films made by the most prestigious international television networks. This area is home to the largest breeding population of Southern Right Whales on Earth. More than 800 individuals spend up to 9 months of the year in the pristine waters of this remote paradise… that does not even speak to the 32,000 Southern Elephant Seals, 8,000 Southern Sea Lions and huge numbers of several species of Dolphins and Porpoises who share this environment as well.

A diversity of land mammals inhabits this unique Peninsula too. Herds of Guanacos roam in the endless steppes of Patagonia, and being protected here, they are really abundant. Rodents are also present in the Valdes, and cavies are no exception. The Maras, or Patagonian Cavies, are for far the largest rodents in Patagonia, and they live and reproduce in the Valdes Peninsula. Their smaller cousin, the Patagonian Lesser Cavy, is frequently found taking the sun just outside the Magellanic Penguins’ burrows, where they find shelter. Two species of armadillos live here as well, and there are Grisons, Skunks, Wild Cats, and many other desert dwellers, all possibly seen during this tour.

There is no other adventure like staying inside the Valdes Peninsula and enjoying its unique fauna. In the small village of Puerto Pirámides, we’ll have the chance take a boat excursion to observe Southern Right Whales. We will also go visiting the eastern coast of the Valdes, where the extensive gravel beaches are home to thousands of breeding Elephant Seals and Sea-Lions.

Birds in this part of the world are really unique, since many of them are restricted to the Patagonian region. In a visit to Punta Tombo, the 500,000 penguins will surely be the stars of the trip. But it is also here were birders can enjoy watching some of the Patagonian endemic birds, like the White-headed Steamer-Duck, Rusty-backed Monjita, Band-tailed Eremobius, Patagonian Canastero and Carbonated Sierra-Finch.

Our Itinerary in a Nutshell

We will gather in Trelew or Puerto Madryn on day 1 and -depending on tides-go visiting either a Southern Sea Lion colony of go watching Southern Right Whales from the shore. On day 2 we will go visiting the Valdés Peninsula. Marine fauna is really abundant here, and today we will have the chance to take a boat tour to watch the Southern Right Whales. Lots of photo opportunities here, so cameras are a must! We will also go visiting a colony of southern elephant seals, and depending on the time of the year, it is also possible to see Orcas, so we will certainly try our best to find these incredible creatures along the outer coast of the peninsula. Those who are keen on birds will certainly enjoy this part of Patagonia, since almost half of the Argentine endemics live here. On day 3 we will go visiting Punta Tombo, the world’s largest nesting colony of Magellanic Penguins, with more than 200,000 active nests! Today we will also enjoy another boat tour in the area of Rawson, this time to go watching Commerson’s Dolphins. On day 4 we will drive to the local airport to take the flight to your next destination.

Some of the highlights

Whales. Penguins. Elephant Seals. Commerson’s Dolphin. Argentine endemic birds. The Valdes Peninsula. Punta Tombo.

Best time to go

This tour is possible year round, but the itinerary above is only possible between mid September and mid December, since several animal species are migratory. If you are looking for specific birds and mammals, please send us an e-mail with your preferences to get advise on best possible time of the year for you to go.

What is included?

Private transportation for all transfers and excursions. Accommodations on a twin/double basis. Single supplements on request. Full time Trogon Tours’ local guide. All breakfasts, lunches or box-lunches and dinners. No drinks included. Admission fees to all national parks and nature reserves.

What is not included?

International and domestic airfares and airport taxes. Tips to guides, drivers, hotel & restaurants personnel, etc. Drinks with your meals. Personal travel and medical insurance. Anything not specified in “What is included?”