Itinerary

1. Peninsula Valdes with Whale Watching Tour

   • Meet your tour guide at 8:00 a.m. at the agreed-upon location and leave from the city of Puerto Madryn to the north, following provincial route Nº2, arriving at the control post, where the entrance fee is paid (approximately 40 km from Madryn). 
   • Begin to discover the enchantments of the Peninsula, its landscape, its flora and its fauna. At this point, you are on the Carlos Ameghino Isthmus, which is a narrow land strip of land that connects the Peninsula with the continent.
   • Stop at the “Carlos Ameghino Interpretation Center”, which offers information on the ecosystem of the Peninsula, the Patagonia land animals, the species of marine fauna that are concentrated in great numbers surrounding the Peninsula, and the flora and history of the region. See the skeleton of a whale, some animals and little history from the first settlers of the Peninsula. 
   • Climb up a tower to see the narrowest part of the isthmus to the South, the waters of the Gulf Nuevo and looking north, the waters of the Gulf San Jose. You can also see Birds Island. The island is an important nesting site for marine birds. Unfortunately, this entire island is a protected area, and visitors are not permitted.  
   • Proceed to Puerto Piramides, the only village on the Peninsula and the only place for starting the marine fauna boat trips. The beaches are surrounded by cliffs that resemble pyramids, hence its name. In the village, you have a stop of approximately 2 hours. Have the unforgettable experience of sailing the waters of the New Gulf if you have elected this option, or simply enjoy the enchantments of the village. The boat trips are made in boats of varying capacities, from 5 to 70 passengers, and last approximately one and a half hours.  
   • Spot Southern Right Whales from June to December in the Gulf. These whales are curious and slow-moving animals. From time to time, they swim under the boat, and you can observe their actions and hear their breathing. With luck, they will offer the wonderful spectacle of breaching (jumping) or at least a flap of the tail. {From January to March, Marine Fauna Cruises are available (the whales immigrate to the Antarctic seas).}
   • Sail first to the Sea Lion colony of Punta Pyramids. This colony of Southern Sea Lions is where you can observe the activity that dominates the colony according to the time of the year (the formation of the harems, mating and births).
   • Visit the “Island of Cormorants” and the “Precipice of the Birds” (colonies of Rock Cormorants and Neotropic Cormorants).
   • Travel to caves filled with fossils. Suppose the climate helps, you will be able to see Dusky Dolphins. This cruise also offers the option to go snorkelling; the boat makes a stop of about 20 minutes and has the necessary equipment (wetsuit, mask and fins) to enjoy this unforgettable experience.  
   • Leave Puerto Piramides, continuing with the excursion on the Provincial route Nº2. On the way, pass by the Great Salt Lake and Small Salt Lake, the most important depressions of South America. They are, respectively, 42 and 35 meters below sea level. Depending on the hour and the cloudiness, they appear with a pink colouration due to their chemical composition and the incidence of solar light.
   • Go to the Southeastern end of the Peninsula. Arrive at Punta Delgada, which is an old naval station. From here, you can observe one of the greatest concentrations of elephant seals. By the west coast, go to a new viewpoint where you can see more elephant seals.
   • Visit Caleta Valdés, an exceptional geologic formation consisting of a thin strip of land that runs parallel to the coast, locking up a portion of the sea. Connected through a small mouth to the surrounding sea, its calm waters, naturally, isolated beaches, and steep cliffs make it an excellent place for the elephant seal.
   • Descend the cliff by the stairs to observe the elephant seals on the beach. The Caleta also has a Magellan Penguin colony of several hundred individuals. Between the months of October and March, depending on the condition of the roads and the migrations of the fauna, you visit Punta Norte, a breeding elephant seals and sea lions. See Orcas (killer whales) if there is a high tide in the months of February, March and April. During these months, the Orcas feed on the young sea lions. The Orcas can also be seen in September, October and November off the coast of Caleta Valdes, feeding on the young elephant seals. 
   • Return to the city of Puerto Madryn. 

   Note: The time and order of places could change, depending on the season, weather or group interest.