Excursion Peninsula valdés nature reserve tour at Puerto Madryn

Departing the port, begin your tour with a one-hour drive on paved road to the entrance of the Valdés Peninsula, connected to the mainland via a narrow isthmus. At this point, you will make a stop at the Visitors Centre for a look at interesting displays about the geography, history and wildlife of the Valdés peninsula. Valdés is one of the finest nature reserves in South America for sea lions, elephant seals and numerous species of seabirds and penguins. Often called an 'open air zoo', it has been declared a Natural World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999.

Punta Norte

From the Visitor Centre, continue with a 1.5-hour drive through a landscape of scarce vegetation and void of traffic. Most of the peninsula is barren land with several salt water lakes. There are a few private sheep estancias between salt flats and, occasionally, you can spot rhea, Patagonian hare and guanaco. The northern part, or Punta Norte, is the only continental breeding colony of elephant seals in the world. The huge mammals reach 21 feet (6.4 metres) in length and weigh an average of 3 tons. There are also colonies of sea lions mixed with a variety of birds. You will have time to observe the animals at close range and take photographs.

Leaving Punta Norte, proceed with a 30-minute journey to an estancia with a privately owned penguin reserve.

Estancia San Lorenzo & Penguin Colony

Following your arrival, drive through the sizable estate en route to the small rookery of Magellanic penguins. There are great photo opportunities of these endearing animals and their young. (Refrain from touching the penguins as their beaks can inflict serious wounds.)

Leave the rookery and return to the estancia where a typical lamb barbecue will be served. At the same time, get some insight into the lifestyle at this isolated locale.

Afterwards, begin the journey across the peninsula and back to Puerto Madryn and the ship.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Valdés Peninsula, sea lions, elephant seals and numerous species of seabirds and penguins

Note

Please note: This tour requires a moderate amount of walking and a drive of 240 miles (386 kilometres) roundtrip. Roads inside the peninsula are unpaved and rugged. Viewing the wildlife requires walking on uneven ground and pebble beach. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and bringing a windbreaker or warm sweater. Remember to bring your camera. Caution: never get in the path between the animals and the sea.