Peninsula Valdes

Patagonia embraces some hostile, barren lands but the fertility of its coast is a remarkable sight. The Southern Right Whales come yearly from June to December, to join sea elephants, sea lions and the largest colony of Magellanic penguins in South America. It is home also to petrel, albatross, cormorants and skuas, and in-land, armadillos, rheas, foxes, guanacos, burrowing owls and the Patagonian cavy can be spotted. Killer Whales are also among the annual visitors, and can sometimes be seen racing up the beach to snatch unsuspecting sea lions from the shore.

3 days / 2 nights

Day 1 Arrive at Trelew airport and transfer to hotel in Puerto Madryn.

Day 2 Early morning drive across the Patagonian Plateau to the Penínsular Valdés.Full day to observe wildlife, in the form of elephant seal, sea-lion colonies and Bird Island.

Day 3 Early morning drive south to the Punta Tombo Penguin Reserve, where over a million penguins congregate for breeding, offering a great chance to watch them at close range, while they wander around and bathe. Return to Trelew and transfer to airport.

During the whale season, boat trips can be made in the bay to observe the Southern Right Whales at close hand. Sightings of killer whales are sadly rare and one has to rely on chance rather than careful timing.

Hotels in Peninsula Valdes

• Hotel Bahia Nueva
• Peninsula Valdes Hotel
• Tolosa Hotel

The Bahia Nueva Hotel is situated just two blocks from downtown Puerto Madryn with its shops, restaurants, Museums and tourist attractions.

Rooms include those for the physically challenged and all rooms feature up-to-date facilities.

There is a breakfast lounge at your disposal located on the first floor and facing the sea.

For your convenience the hotel provides a bar where you can enjoy snacks and drinks or watch TV and use the Internet.

The Hotel Peninsula Valdes is a modern-looking high-rise building situated at the heart of Puerto Madryn, providing easy access to a range of excursions.

The 70 rooms all have en suite bathroom, telephone and air conditioning. The hotel also has a spa, offering a range of treatments.

The Hotel Tolosa is located in the commercial centre of Puerto Madryn City, only two bocks from the coast.

All 85 rooms have private bathroom facilities and are supplied with telephone, central heating, cable TV and hair dryer.