Fantastic Animals of Patagonia

Fantastic Animals of Patagonia

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  • Visit Península Valdés, the famous wildlife reserve of Patagonia, a UNESCO World Heritage.
  • Go whale watching and meet the southern right whale!
  • Saty in 2 different ranches on the península, and enjoy hiking, bike rides and sea explorations to discover colonies of elephant seals, sel lions and marine birds..
  • Enjoy peace and relax in the remote locations of the estancias.
  • Best time to travel: From July to December.

Explore the wildlife of Península Valdés and nearby beaches. Sail side by side with whales, walk among penguins and watch immense elephant seals froling on the coast. This is an immersive trip, get on and meet the animals of patagonia!

Itinerary

Welcome to Your Wildlife Trip in Patagonia
Puerto Madryn

Your trip to discover animals of Angentine Patagonia, starts here in Trelew, the nearest airport to Puerto Pirámide. This is the only place in Península Valdés where boats can embark travelers to experience the whale watching experience, an absolute highlight of the region. We will drive you to the port where you will jump on the whale-watching navigation. 

 

  • Whales Watching navigation

 

Sail along the coast and then, one or two miles into the sea, and get closer to the Southern Right Whales.

 

But first, we will stop at La Lobería (sea lion colony). On the way, appreciate the many cormorant nests, built against the cliff.

 

We will continue our navigation and approach to the first whales. The boat will stop the engines and wait for the cetaceans to get closer. Whales are very curious animals, they voluntarily come closer to see humans, this is their extraordinary gift! You will enjoy a close encounter with this particular kind of wildlife, see their tale arising from the water, their expressive and giant eyes watching from the water, and enjoy some spectacular jumps. 

 

After 1h 30 min of peaceful navigation among the whales, we will return to Puerto Piramides and bring you to your accommodation for the next few days.

Day1

Exploration of Península Valdés
Puerto Madryn

After breakfast, you will start your full-day tour of the Valdes Peninsula, a UNESCO World Heritage site, connected to the continent by an incredibly narrow strip of land with sea on both sides.

The first stop is Caleta Valdes, a large natural creek, home to a colony of elephant seals. These impressive animals of Patagonia can be seen from close at Caleta Valdés. Continue along the road as it drops suddenly down into a crescent of golden cliffs overlooking a bright blue bay and the small village of Puerto Piramides. Finally we will return to Puerto Madryn at sunset and will drive you back to your hotel.

Day2

From Puerto Madryn to Estancia El Pedral

Stay one night in an impressive ranch on the coast and enjoy a wildlife experience nearby. Visit the Punta Ninfa Lighthouse and drive along the cliffs that rise above the coast. Enjoy the most perfect sunset and watch the moon rise from the Atlantic Ocean. You can also visit a colony of Magellan penguins that gather near the estancia. This colony arrived in 2009 and it has been growing ever since! Other outdoor activities include a visit to the elephant seal colony just 15 minutes away from the main house, trekking or bike demarcated self-guided trails, and a beach day to enjoy the exclusive coasts of El Pedral. There is also a pool, a soccer field and nice bookshelves to enjoy a relaxing reading next to the fire at the loft of the house. 

Day3

From El Pedral to Bahía Bustamante

Today, we will drive you to Bahía Bustamante lodge in Patagonia´s Atlantic coast, where you will spend 2 nights at one of the traditional “houses by the sea”. This remote seaside village on the northern arch of San Jorge Gulf, is entirely surrounded by nature, an area characterized by its relevant biological biodiversity. There are few places in the world that house such an amount and diversity of seabirds and marine mammals like Bahía Bustamante.

 

This is a great place to experience life as it has been for the last 100 years. Apart from the variety of outdoor activities available to explore landscapes and wildlife, the lodge has a reduced electricity  policy which encourages you to get out of your comfort zone. From sunset until late night electricity is supplied by an electric generator. Once the lights go out each house is still illuminated by battery lights. It’s your chance to spend some bonding old-school time far away from any electronic devices!

 

 We recommend taking flashlights and getting outside with your kids to explore, watch the sunset or the starlit sky over the Patagonian steppe or, if there’s rough weather, spend some time at The Club playing table-football or choosing one of the board games available for guests.

Day4

Explore Bahía Bustamante

Make the most of your time in Bahía Bustamante and explore the area. Visit a typical Patagonian ranch, and learn about the production process of wool and shearing. Depending on the season, you may participate in a day´s work at one of the estancia.

You can also sail along Malaspina Cove to visit seal lions and seabird colonies, or enjoy a 4WD and a moderate trekking to reach the Petrified Forest. Here you’ll travel 60 million years back in time as you explore the forest, spot petrified trees and pieces of wood. In this remote landscape you’ll have the chance to sight lesser rheas, guanacos, maras, other kinds of the fantastic animals of Patagonia.

Day5

End of your Wildlife Trip in Patagonia

At the appropriate time, we will drive you to Comodoro Rivadavia’s airport to take your flight. Vacation’s over: it’s time to return home…but not empty-handed! You’ll have learnt a lot about Patagonia and it’s amazing wildlife. The result: lots of travel memories to treasure.

Day6

If this trip doesn’t meet your expectations we can tailor it to your needs and budget.

PRICING

  • Prices in US Dollars.
  • Valid until April 2022 (ask for prices for Christmas and New Year).
  • Prices are per person, based on 2 people in double occupancy. Single rates are available on request.
  • Flights are not included in the price but can be arranged on request.

PEACE OF MIND THIS IS A CARBON NEUTRAL TRIP

We care deeply about our planet, as we know you do. When you book with us, the carbon emissions from your trip are 100% offset. We are working to create more sustainable, responsible and meaningful ways of exploring South America. It feels good to do it right. Learn more about our actions against climate change here.

INCLUDED

  • 1-night accommodation at a hotel in Puerto Pirámide 
  • 1-night accommodation in Puerto Madryn
  • 1-night accommodation at a ranch in El Pedral
  • 2-night accommodation at a ranch in Bahía Bustamante
  • Daily breakfast
  • Transfers and tours mentioned in the itinerary
  •  Bilingual local guide (English / Spanish)

NOT INCLUDED

  • International or domestic flights
  • Travel / Medical Insurance – To get a free quote please follow this link: World Nomads

FLIGHTS NEEDED
FOR THIS ITINERARY

No flights are needed. This itinerary starts in Trelew and ends in Comodoro Rivadavia.

FLIGHTS NEEDED
FOR THIS ITINERARY

No flights are needed. This itinerary starts in Trelew and ends in Comodoro Rivadavia.