Estancia San Lorenzo is a hidden gem inside Peninsula Valdés, offering an exclusive and intimate experience with Magellanic penguins. Unlike Punta Tombo, this private reserve limits the number of visitors, making it less crowded and more immersive.

Why Visit Estancia San Lorenzo?

✔️ Over 500,000 Magellanic penguins in their natural habitat.
✔️ Less crowded than Punta Tombo—ideal for a more peaceful experience.
✔️ Located inside Peninsula Valdés, so you can combine it with whale watching and other wildlife encounters.
✔️ Exclusive guided tours allow for deeper insights into penguin behavior.
✔️ Patagonian lamb barbecue available at the estancia’s ranch.

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

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Best Time to Visit Estancia San Lorenzo Penguin Reserve in Peninsula Valdes?

The penguin season runs from September to March, but the best months for viewing activity are:
📍 October – November → Nesting & egg-laying.
📍 December – January → Chicks hatch, and parents feed them.
📍 February – March → Chicks molt and prepare for migration.

⭐ Best time to visit? November – February, when penguins are most active.

Diving With Sea Lions in Puerto Madryn

Diving with sea lions is one of the most exhilarating experiences you can have in the crystal-clear waters of Golfo Nuevo.

• Adventure

From Price: USD 299

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How to Get Estancia San Lorenao Pnguin Reserve

By Car

• From Puerto Madryn: 160 km (~2.5-3 hours).

• From Puerto Pirámides: 75 km (~1.5 hours).

• From Punta Norte: 30 km (~45 minutes).

• Road conditions: Gravel roads—suitable for most vehicles, but slow driving is required.

By Tour (it´s what we suggest!)

• Guided tours from Puerto Madryn are available.

• Many tours combine a visit to Estancia San Lorenzo with other Peninsula Valdés highlights like whale watching in Puerto Pirámides or visiting Punta Norte for orca sightings.

Closest Airport: Trelew (REL) – about 3.5 hours away.

Scuba Diving in Puerto Madryn

Dive into Puerto Madryn's underwater paradise, encounter playful sea lions, and explore vibrant marine life. Unforgettable scuba diving awaits! Book now!

From Price: USD 105

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What to Expect During Your Visit

Penguin Experience

• A guided tour through the colony, where you walk along a designated trail with thousands of penguins.

• Fewer tourists, allowing for a more intimate and peaceful visit compared to Punta Tombo.

• Penguins nest in burrows along the walking paths, and you’ll see them feeding their chicks, interacting, and waddling to the ocean.

• Other wildlife: guanacos, rheas, armadillos, and seabirds.

Traditional Patagonian Lamb Barbecue

• Optional lunch at the estancia’s restaurant, famous for “cordero al asador” (Patagonian-style roasted lamb).

• Locally sourced products and traditional Argentine flavors.

Entrance Fee & Hours

• Reservation required (since it’s a private reserve).

• Entrance fee: Around $25-$35 USD, depending on tour inclusions.

• Operating hours: Usually 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (varies by season).

Tips for Visiting

✅ Wear comfortable shoes – the trails are easy but gravelly.
✅ Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen – the sun is strong.
✅ Dress in layers – Patagonia’s winds can be unpredictable.
✅ Respect the wildlife – keep a safe distance and avoid loud noises.
✅ Try the lamb barbecue – it’s a unique culinary experience.

Puerto Madryn Whale Watching Tour at Doradillo Beach

Immerse yourself in unforgettable Puerto Madryn whale watching tour. Witness majestic whales up close on expert-guided adventures.

From Price: USD 115

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Alternatives & Comparisons

Punta Tombo – Bigger colony (~1 million penguins), but more crowded and further from Puerto Madryn.
Isla Escondida – A less touristy beach near Trelew with some penguins and elephant seals.
Punta Norte – Best in March-April for orca sightings, but some penguins can be seen too.