Valdés Peninsula, San Lorenzo Ranch & Punta Norte
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Port
Puerto Madryn, Argentina
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Activity Level
Moderate Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$250
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 8½ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
This full-day tour combines wildlife viewing, stunning scenery, and cultural immersion for a memorable experience in one of Patagonia’s most untouched ecosystems.
Start by crossing the narrow Carlos Ameghino Isthmus to reach the Valdés Peninsula, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999. Spanning over 1,500 square miles, the peninsula features windswept plains, salt lakes, and dramatic cliffs extending into the Atlantic. Its bays and beaches support one of the richest marine ecosystems in the Southern Hemisphere, home to sea lions, elephant seals, seabirds, and breeding grounds for Southern right whales.
Your first stop is the Visitors Center, offering exhibits on local wildlife and geology. Continue to Punta Norte, with a brief stop to view Isla de los Pájaros, a bird sanctuary. At Punta Norte, take a guided beach walk to observe sea lion and elephant seal colonies from a safe distance.
Next, travel across the peninsula to Estancia San Lorenzo, a family-owned sheep ranch and private reserve on the Golfo de San Matías. It hosts the world’s largest Magellanic penguin colony, with over 600,000 nesting pairs. Walk through the rookery and observe penguins caring for their young. Watch for native wildlife like guanacos, rheas, maras, and armadillos, as well as fossilized oyster beds and ancient sea lion remains.
After visiting the penguins, enjoy a traditional Patagonian barbecue lunch at the estancia, featuring lamb, chicken, and regional dishes. Relax in the peaceful countryside before returning to Puerto Madryn.
Please note:
This tour uses small vehicles to access the penguin reserve. While penguins are not afraid of humans, guests should avoid close contact, as bites can cause serious injury. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. The distance of the trail is approx. ½ miles.