Estancia Rincón Chico is an exclusive eco-lodge located in the southeastern corner of Península Valdés, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve in Argentina’s Patagonia region. The estancia boasts approximately 20 kilometers (12 miles) of private coastline along the Patagonian Sea, offering guests unparalleled access to one of the richest marine ecosystems on Earth.

Rincon Chico: the lodge

Estancia Rincón Chico Lodge, recognized by National Geographic Traveller as one of the top 10 lodges in Latin America, offers guests a deeply immersive Patagonian experience rooted in sustainability and heritage. The lodge itself is designed in the style of late 19th-century English houses, featuring a wrap-around gallery, spacious deck, and interiors decorated with antique family furniture and local cultural photography. Just 30 meters from the main lodge stands one of the first original houses on the property—brought by boat from England in 1897.

The property is unique in the region for being managed directly by the estancia’s owners, ensuring highly personalized service for a limited number of guests. The lodge includes 8 cozy rooms, each with a private bathroom and bathtub, and features a welcoming living room filled with wildlife books, photo collections, and documentaries filmed on-site by the BBC and National Geographic. Meals are homemade using organic ingredients and family recipes, served in a charming dining room with a regional wine bar. Surrounded by the pristine steppe, wildlife such as guanacos and foxes are often visible from the lodge’s panoramic windows or even the comfort of your own room, making Rincón Chico a true sanctuary of nature and tranquility.

Accommodations in Rincon Chico

The lodge features eight comfortable double rooms, each with a private bathroom and views of either the sea or the Patagonian steppe. The main house includes a cozy living room, a dining area, a bar, a library, and a welcoming fireplace, all furnished in a style that reflects the family’s long-standing traditions. ​

Wildlife and Activities

At Rincón Chico, visitors can enjoy a variety of authentic and exclusive experiences in direct contact with the natural wonders of Península Valdés, one of the richest regions in marine and terrestrial biodiversity in Patagonia. Some of the main experiences include:

Wildlife watching

Rincón Chico is a paradise for animal lovers. From the estancia’s private coastline, guests can observe elephant seals, sea lions, guanacos, grey foxes, maras, and a wide variety of marine and terrestrial birds. During the season, southern right whales can also be spotted from the shore.

Guided interpretive walks

Accompanied by hosts or resident biologists, guests can take guided walks along coastal trails and across the steppe to learn more about the local ecosystems, native flora and fauna, and the ongoing conservation efforts on the property.

Nature photography

Thanks to its pristine setting and the closeness of the wildlife, Rincón Chico is ideal for nature photographers. Many documentaries by the BBC and National Geographic have been filmed in the area.

Relaxation and connection with nature

The lodge’s peaceful atmosphere, combined with its rustic yet comfortable infrastructure, offers a complete escape from city life. With ocean views, starry skies, and constant wildlife presence, the experience invites deep reflection and immersion in nature.

🌱 Involvement in conservation

By staying at Rincón Chico, visitors directly support the work of Conservación Península Valdés (CPV), a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the local ecosystem.

Conservation Efforts

The estancia is managed through Conservación Península Valdés (CPV), a non-profit organization dedicated to land and wildlife conservation projects in the region. By staying at Estancia Rincón Chico, guests directly support these conservation initiatives.

Sustainability

Estancia Rincón Chico not only offers a unique experience in close contact with nature but is also deeply committed to the protection and conservation of the Península Valdés ecosystem. Through Conservación Península Valdés (CPV), a non-profit organization run by the owning family, important initiatives are carried out to safeguard the environment, preserve wildlife, and promote sustainable practices.

This commitment is reflected in concrete actions such as monitoring native species, supporting scientific research, environmental education, and habitat restoration. Every guest who stays at the estancia directly contributes to these conservation efforts, supporting a model of responsible tourism that prioritizes harmony with nature and the ecological legacy of the region

Rincon Chico: a bit of history

Estancia Rincón Chico has deep roots in the history of Península Valdés, dating back more than 120 years. Its origins trace to two pioneering families who settled in this remote corner of Argentine Patagonia in the late 19th century. Over generations, these families shaped the land through traditional sheep ranching while living in harmony with the rugged beauty of the Patagonian steppe and coastline.

Today, Rincón Chico is managed by the fifth generation of these original settlers—brothers Juan and Tomás Cosentino and their families—who have transformed the property into a beacon of conservation and responsible tourism. Their love for the land and its wildlife is evident in every aspect of the estancia, from the careful stewardship of its habitats to the warm, personalized attention offered to each guest.

More than just hosts, the Cosentino family are conservationists and storytellers, eager to share their deep knowledge of the local ecosystem and the rich cultural heritage of the region. Through their leadership, Rincón Chico is not only a gateway to one of the world’s most extraordinary coastal ecosystems but also a living legacy of Patagonia’s pioneering past.

How to arrive to Rincon Chico?

Estancia Rincón Chico is approximately 170 km (105 miles) from Puerto Madryn and 230 km (143 miles) from Trelew, where the nearest airports are located. Guests can rent a vehicle, hire a private transfer, or arrange for a flight to the estancia’s private airstrip. ​

Rincon Chico location map

Best Time to Visit Rincon Chico

The prime wildlife viewing season is from September to November, when guests have the opportunity to observe southern right whales, orcas, sea lions, and elephant seals

Book a tour visiting Rincon Chico

This nature-focused tour explores the rich wildlife and landscapes of Argentine Patagonia. It begins in Puerto Madryn, a coastal city known for its marine life and whale watching. On the second day, guests visit Punta Tombo, home to South America’s largest Magellanic penguin colony. The third day features a trip to the UNESCO-listed Península Valdés, with a wildlife safari through dramatic coastal scenery. The tour culminates with a stay at Estancia Rincón Chico, an exclusive nature reserve ideal for up-close wildlife encounters and immersive Patagonian experiences.