In Península Valdés, there are several estancias (ranches) that offer accommodation and unique experiences for visitors. To stay in an Estancia is a wonderful idea. Each offers unique experiences that blend Patagonian rural traditions with the region’s rich biodiversity. Below are some of them:

Estancia Rincón Chico

Located in the southeastern corner of Península Valdés, Estancia Rincón Chico boasts approximately 20 kilometers of coastline along the Patagonian Sea, one of the richest marine areas globally. This exclusive property is renowned for its abundant wildlife, including southern right whales, elephant seals, sea lions, orcas, penguins, and various bird species. The estancia has been recognized as “The secret jewel of Atlantic Patagonia” by BBC Travel. ​

The lodge, designed in the style of late 19th-century English houses, offers guests an authentic Patagonian experience. It features a surrounding gallery and a large deck, providing panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The interior is adorned with original photography showcasing local ancient culture, enhancing the cultural immersion. ​

Guests can engage in various activities such as guided wildlife watching explorations led by bilingual biologists and naturalists, hiking trails across the steppe and cliffs, horseback riding, mountain biking, birdwatching, and visits to the property’s historical livestock facilities. The estancia’s commitment to conservation is evident through its management by the Conservación Península Valdés (CPV), a non-profit organization dedicated to steppe and wildlife conservation projects.

Estancia La Elvira

Situated within Península Valdés, La Elvira Natural Lodge offers eight double rooms and is located approximately five kilometers inland from the Caleta Valdés Reserve and Punta Cantor. The lodge emphasizes sustainability, focusing on environmental preservation, energy efficiency through renewable sources, carbon footprint reduction, responsible waste management, and economic sustainability.

The lodge provides a comfortable stay with simple, local cuisine complemented by regional wines. Designed as a “big house,” it fosters a communal atmosphere where guests can share experiences and rejuvenate. The surrounding area is rich in biodiversity, offering opportunities to observe species such as whales, orcas, elephant seals, penguins, guanacos, maras, and various bird species, depending on the season. ​

Estancia San Lorenzo

Located on the shores of the San Matías Gulf within the Punta Norte area of the peninsula, Estancia San Lorenzo is renowned for hosting one of the world’s largest breeding colonies of Magellanic penguins. The estancia is dedicated to the production of Australian Merino wool and offers visitors the chance to observe various ranching activities, including sheep shearing and herding with sheepdogs, particularly in late September. ​

In addition to penguin watching, guests can explore marine fossils exposed in the cliffs and canyons, remnants of ancient reefs from millions of years ago. The estancia also features historical sites, such as the ruins of a sea lion oil factory that operated between 1917 and 1953. The Machinea family, descendants of the original settlers, manage the estancia with a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.

Estancia El Principio

Nestled within Península Valdés, Estancia El Principio has a long-standing history in sheep farming, particularly focusing on Merino wool production. Recognizing the area’s unique beauty and its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the estancia has adapted its country house to offer comfortable accommodations for guests.

The lodge features three rooms that can be configured as single or double accommodations, catering to a maximum of six guests, ensuring personalized service. Guests can enjoy a full meal plan, including breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner, with an emphasis on local cuisine. Activities focus on eco-friendly tourism, offering guided explorations of the Patagonian steppe, wildlife observation, and insights into the region’s paleontological and geological significance. The estancia is committed to environmental responsibility, implementing practices such as rainwater collection, solar energy utilization, waste recycling, and participation in coastal cleanup initiatives.

Estancia La Ernestina

Located at Punta Norte, within Península Valdés, Estancia La Ernestina is a 15,000-hectare ranch founded in 1907. It is renowned for being the site of a unique natural event: a small group of orcas that have learned to intentionally beach themselves on the pebble shoreline to hunt sea lion pups, and occasionally elephant seal pups. This spectacular predatory behavior is exclusive to this region and attracts wildlife enthusiasts and filmmakers from around the world.

Estancia La Providencia

Estancia La Providencia is a historic ranch established in 1905, located approximately 30 kilometers southeast of Puerto Madryn, Argentina. Nestled along the shores of Golfo Nuevo, the estancia offers guests a sustainable tourism experience amidst Patagonia’s natural beauty. Accommodations include four rooms—Coratina, Atlántica, Estepa, and Merino—each featuring private bathrooms and heating. Common areas provide a fully equipped kitchen, integrated dining and living spaces, and seasonal galleries for relaxation. Activities available encompass hiking, biking, birdwatching, beach leisure, and excursions to nearby penguin colonies. Notably, the estancia cultivates a multivarietal olive grove, producing extra virgin olive oil on-site. Additionally, a multi-purpose room with sea views is available for events and gatherings.

Estancia El Pedral

Located on the southern coast of the Golfo Nuevo, Estancia El Pedral offers a mix of history, nature, and comfort. The main house, built in the early 20th century, has been restored to provide cozy accommodations for visitors. The ranch is known for its Magellanic penguin colony and the chance to spot southern right whales from the shore during the season. Guests can also enjoy scenic walks along cliffs, bike rides through the Patagonian landscape, and delicious regional cuisine in a peaceful, remote setting.
Estancia El Pedral is not located inside Península Valdés proper, although it is very close by and often visited as part of wildlife experiences in the region.