Special Interview:
La Elvira Natural Lodge, nature and wildlife experience in Peninsula Valdes. We met Manuel Garcia Leyenda from La Elvira Lodge, to talk about this incredible place in Penisula Valdes
Located in the heart of Península Valdés—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Argentina’s most important wildlife reserves—La Elvira Natural Lodge offers an immersive nature experience like no other. Once abandoned, the lodge was revived in 2021 by a local family with a deep connection to the land, who transformed it into a sustainable, solar-powered retreat. Today, La Elvira welcomes travelers looking to explore the unique biodiversity of the region while staying in a cozy, eco-friendly setting surrounded by Patagonian steppe.
We’re here today to talk with one of the people behind this remarkable project, to learn more about the story of La Elvira, the wildlife experiences they offer, and how they balance tourism with conservation. We met Manuel Garcia Leyenda.
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– Hello Manuel, thanks for your time. We know that La Elvira is a unique place in Peninsula Valdes. Let´s start with the history of the place
– Hello Ramiro, it´s a pleasure for us. Yes, La Elvira Natural Lodge is located in Península Valdés, a place that—thanks to extensive scientific research in biology, climate, and economics—was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Natural Site in 1999 for its vital role in the conservation of endangered species. Furthermore, with a strong focus on promoting biodiversity and the ongoing environmental preservation of its wild ecosystems, it was designated a RAMSAR Site in 2012 due to its ecological richness and importance as a refuge for a wide range of aquatic and migratory birds.
La Elvira was originally built over 20 years ago. Unfortunately, it remained mostly abandoned and closed for many years, until, in 2021 after the COVID-19 pandemic, my family and I recovered and transformed it into La Elvira Natural Lodge. We envisioned a new management concept, restoring and reusing the existing structure to minimize environmental impact. We also committed to environmental sustainability and energy efficiency, relying 100% on renewable energy through solar panels.
After much effort and hard work, we opened our doors in late 2021. Guided by the belief that “you can’t protect what you don’t know,” we built a sustainable and environmentally responsible model that serves as a foundation for conservation. La Elvira now offers the opportunity to stay in the heart of Península Valdés—one of Argentina’s most important natural reserves—and experience wildlife in its purest form.
– That´s great Manuel. And what type of accommodation do you offer, and how many people can stay at once?
– Well, we´re set in the heart of the Patagonian steppe, and our lodge features 8 double rooms with private bathrooms, a spacious living room, and a cozy Patagonian-style kitchen and dining area. Our concept is that of a “large home,” where guests can not only rest and recharge, but also be introduced by our team to the life cycle of Península Valdés, while sharing experiences with fellow travelers.
– What people can do? What activities are included during a stay at the Lodge?
– Well, Península Valdés is not a single destination but a collection of experiences within a vast natural reserve of approximately 4,000 km². It’s made up of several smaller reserves, and to fully enjoy it, one must explore the entire area. Highlights include visiting one of the largest colonies of Magellanic penguins at Estancia San Lorenzo, whale watching by boat in Puerto Pirámides, and visiting the Punta Norte and Punta Cantor reserves, among others.
Staying at La Elvira Natural Lodge places you in a strategic location in the heart of the peninsula, making it the perfect base to explore these unique places and experience the full spectrum of local wildlife—Magellanic penguins, Southern right whales, orcas, elephant seals, sea lions, and also land animals like guanacos, rheas (choiques), maras, and foxes, seen during drives across the steppe.
Guests will have the opportunity to visit the nearby elephant seal colony, accompanied by our in-house guide/host, who will also introduce them to birdwatching, observation of steppe wildlife, and the traces of the Tehuelche indigenous people, among other activities.
Experiences are tailored to each guest’s interests.
– What kind of wildlife can be seen around the lodge?
– Well, all kinds of birds, maras, rheas, guanacos, armadillos (peludos), foxes, skunks, and more.
– Do you offer regional culinary experiences? What dishes are featured?
Yes of course. La Elvira Natural Lodge offers homemade regional cuisine, with the warmth of the countryside. The menu is simple, homemade, and most importantly, Patagonian.
In a relaxed and peaceful environment, the dishes are based on local products used in traditional recipes, enhancing the natural flavors.
Featured ingredients include: meats from the Chubut River valley, Patagonian steppe lamb, and fish from the Argentine Sea.
– And… and important question is what are the best times of year to visit La Elvira?
– The most recommended season is spring, with our season beginning on September 15th, when the greatest diversity of wildlife overlaps.
From September to mid-December, visitors can observe: Whales, Orcas, Elephant seals, Penguins, Sea lions, among others.
Our lodge is located just 7 km from Caleta Valdés, which during this time becomes a unique place in the world to witness wild orcas.
This area is globally renowned for the orcas’ rare hunting behavior—intentional stranding, a technique observed only here.
While we prioritize this wildlife-rich season (September 15th to December 15th), we can also accommodate special groups, incentive trips, or full-lodge bookings outside these dates.
– Can guided tours or excursions be organized from the Lodge?
– Península Valdés is a vast reserve, and it’s essential to explore and experience as much of it as possible. The destination is all about a collection of extraordinary experiences, including visiting the penguin colony, whale watching by boat, and orca spotting at Caleta Valdés.
The ideal setup is to have independent transportation, whether renting a vehicle or hiring a guide and driver to fully enjoy these activities.
– What type of guests typically visit the Lodge: families, solo travelers, groups?
– Well, let´s say all kinds. From film crews, corporate groups, photography clubs, and wildlife enthusiasts, to scientists, orca researchers, and travelers seeking something unique and different in one of the world’s largest continental marine wildlife reserves.
– How do you balance tourism and conservation of the natural environment?
– We are located within the protected area of Península Valdés, which operates under a management plan with clear parameters for conserving natural and cultural resources.
In my opinion, tourism is a key ally of conservation. I truly believe that “you can’t protect what you don’t know.” Nature tourism’s greatest asset is environmental stewardship, so by necessity, it must protect the environment—investing in respectful experiences that raise awareness and understanding of the need to preserve it.
– Do you offer educational or interpretive activities to better understand the region?
– Yes, all activities promoted by the Lodge and carried out by our staff are focused on education and interpretation of the area. Each site visited throughout the peninsula features guides and park rangers ready to share their knowledge and passion about Península Valdés and its wildlife.
– What sets La Elvira apart from other lodges in Península Valdés?
– After many years working in various tourism projects across Península Valdés, we focused on designing the best way to explore the peninsula. Based on years of visitor feedback, we realized the ideal way to experience the area is to get to know it in its entirety—which makes La Elvira the perfect base to do so. Our long-standing experience in tourism speaks for itself. In 2000, we were involved in developing the Punta Delgada Lighthouse and Estancia San Lorenzo, followed by work at places like Hostería Isla Victoria on Victoria Island in Río Negro, Posada La Escondida in Villa Pehuenia, Neuquén, and managing the Hotel Correntoso in Villa La Angostura, Neuquén. This reflects the dedication and professionalism of my parents throughout their careers. On a personal note, I was born in Puerto Madryn and spent the first year of my life at Punta Delgada Lighthouse, in the southern part of the peninsula.
Our service is one of our greatest strengths. It’s incredibly meaningful for us to offer a comprehensive, sustainable, and respectful experience that helps others discover the magic of Península Valdés and understand the importance of protecting it.
– What is the recommended minimum stay to enjoy the experience fully?
– Well, an ideal stay is 2 to 3 nights to experience Península Valdés in a complete and meaningful way.
– Fantastic Manuel, thanks for your time. We will suggest our clients to visit La Elvira Lodge next time they visit Peninsula Valdes
– A pleasure Ramiro, we will be waiting for them
Book La Elvira Lodge and enjoy Peninsula Valdes
The “Península Valdés from La Elvira Natural Lodge” package offers an immersive experience in the heart of this UNESCO World Heritage natural reserve. Staying at a restored eco-lodge with eight double rooms and views of the Patagonian steppe, guests enjoy a sustainable stay with local cuisine and personalized service. The lodge’s strategic location, just a few kilometers from Caleta Valdés and Punta Cantor, allows for wildlife viewing of iconic species such as southern right whales, orcas, elephant seals, and Magellanic penguins, depending on the season. The itinerary includes guided excursions, wildlife observation, and moments of relaxation in a unique natural setting—combining comfort, sustainability, and a deep connection with nature.
