Estancia San Lorenzo is a distinguished private reserve located on the northern coast of Argentina’s Península Valdés, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its rich biodiversity. This traditional Patagonian sheep farm offers visitors an unparalleled opportunity to observe one of the world’s largest Magellanic penguin colonies in their natural habitat.

The Penguin Colony

The reserve is home to an estimated 600,000 Magellanic penguins during the breeding season, making it the largest continental colony of its kind. Visitors can embark on guided tours that provide intimate encounters with these charming birds, offering insights into their behaviors and conservation efforts. The penguin-watching season typically spans from September to March, aligning with their breeding and nesting periods.

How to Get to Estancia San Lorenzo

Estancia San Lorenzo is located within Península Valdés, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Argentine Patagonia. Access is via well-maintained gravel roads that are suitable for regular vehicles, although a 4×4 is recommended in rainy weather. Most travelers arrive by car or as part of a guided tour.

Distances to Estancia San Lorenzo

• From Trelew:
  Approx. 200 km (124 miles) – about 2.5 to 3 hours by car
  Route: Trelew → Puerto Madryn → Península Valdés

• From Puerto Madryn:
  Approx. 160 km (99 miles) – about 2 to 2.5 hours by car
  Route: Puerto Madryn → Puerto Pirámides → Estancia San Lorenzo

• From Puerto Pirámides:
  Approx. 75 km (47 miles) – about 1 to 1.5 hours by car
  This is the closest town to the estancia, accessible by gravel road through the peninsula.

Travel Tips

• Fuel up in Puerto Madryn or Puerto Pirámides before entering the peninsula.

• Entry to Península Valdés requires a conservation fee, payable at the checkpoint near the Istmo Ameghino.

• Navigation apps like Google Maps work in the area, but signal may be limited—downloading offline maps is recommended.

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Other Wildlife you can see in Estancia San Lorenzo

Beyond penguins, Estancia San Lorenzo’s strategic location within Península Valdés allows for sightings of diverse wildlife, including sea lions, elephant seals, and, during certain times of the year, Southern right whales along the coastline. The reserve’s proximity to Punta Norte further enhances opportunities to observe orcas, especially during the orca hunting season in March and April.

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Peninsula Valdes Tour With Estancia San Lorenzo

Discover the captivating wildlife of Peninsula Valdés with Estancia San Lorenzo. Penguin colonies and scenic landscapes await!

• Peninsula Valdes

From Price: USD 210

SEE TOUR

Activities and Tours

Visitors to Estancia San Lorenzo can enjoy a variety of activities:​

• Guided Penguin Tours: Led by knowledgeable guides, these tours offer close-up views of the penguin colony and educational insights into their ecology.​

• Traditional Patagonian Cuisine: The estancia offers authentic meals, including the famed Patagonian lamb barbecue, providing a taste of regional culinary traditions. ​
  

• Combined Excursions: Many tours integrate visits to Estancia San Lorenzo with other notable sites within Península Valdés, such as Puerto Pirámides for whale watching and Punta Norte for observing sea lions and orcas. ​

Visitor Information

• Access: Estancia San Lorenzo is situated approximately 160 kilometers from Puerto Madryn, with travel times averaging around two hours by vehicle.

• Operating Season: The reserve welcomes visitors primarily during the penguin breeding season, from September to March.​

• Booking: Given the reserve’s popularity and commitment to preserving the natural environment, it’s advisable to arrange tours in advance through reputable operators or directly via the estancia’s official channels.​

Estancia San Lorenzo offers a unique blend of wildlife observation, cultural immersion, and gastronomic delight, making it an essential destination for those exploring the natural wonders of Península Valdés.

Staying in Estancia San Lorenzo

Staying at Estancia San Lorenzo is a truly unique experience immersed in the vastness of the Patagonian steppe and its fresh, pure air. Guests are welcomed into the life of a traditional Patagonian ranch, surrounded by incredibly friendly wildlife in a natural and sustainable environment.

A Rural Way of Life

Estancia San Lorenzo is a working ranch, operating like any typical Patagonian estancia. Its geographical location, terrain, climate, and accessibility define the lifestyle and customs of the people who live and work there. One important aspect to keep in mind is the use of water and electricity, both of which are valuable and carefully managed resources in the Patagonian countryside.

Please note that the type of lodging is simple and rustic. Future guests should be aware that the emphasis is not on luxury accommodation, but rather on using the facilities as a base for enjoying nature at its finest.

Accommodation in Estancia San Lorenzo

The estancia offers a very simple and rustic guesthouse, featuring:

• One double room with two single beds.

• A living room with sofas that can sleep three people.

• One shared bathroom in the house.

Electricity is provided by solar panels, with generators as backup during cloudy days.
Internet service is very basic, with a limited bandwidth only suitable for WhatsApp and text messaging. At times, there may be no internet signal due to instability.

Meals

• Breakfast includes coffee, tea, milk, and homemade toast served with butter, jam, and dulce de leche.

• Afternoon tea (merienda) includes coffee, mate, and traditional tortas fritas. Guests who prefer mate should bring their own mate set; the estancia provides yerba mate, sweeteners, and hot water.

• Lunch features meat empanadas, all-you-can-eat Patagonian lamb grilled over an open fire, served with salad, and flan with dulce de leche for dessert.

• Dinner offers home-style options suitable for families, such as:

  • Roast chicken with potatoes

  • Breaded beef cutlet (milanesa) with potatoes

  • Mozzarella-filled sorrentinos with cream and green onion sauce (vegetarian)

  • Ham and cheese sorrentinos with Bolognese sauce

Each guest has included with lunch and dinner:

• Two non-alcoholic drinks

• One glass of wine

Extra consumption of wine or beer must be paid for at the estancia.

Book a program with overnight in Estancia San Lorenzo

​The Puerto Madryn & Estancia San Lorenzo package offers an immersive exploration of Argentina’s Patagonian region, combining coastal city charm with rich wildlife experiences. Beginning in Puerto Madryn, guests can enjoy the city’s scenic waterfront, sandy beaches, and vibrant culture. The journey continues with a visit to Península Valdés, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its biodiversity. A highlight is the overnight stay at Estancia San Lorenzo, a traditional Patagonian ranch that hosts one of the world’s largest Magellanic penguin colonies. Here, guests can observe these charming birds up close and savor authentic Patagonian cuisine, including the famed lamb barbecue. Throughout the trip, opportunities abound to witness diverse wildlife such as sea lions, elephant seals, and, depending on the season, Southern right whales and orcas. This thoughtfully curated itinerary provides a harmonious blend of nature, culture, and gastronomy, ensuring an unforgettable Patagonian adventure