Rincon Chico, Peninsula Valdes

Puerto Madryn, Peninsula Valdes and Estancia Rincon Chico

Visit Puerto Madryn, the surrounding areas and Peninsula Valdes with overnight in Estancia Rincon Chico
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Best Season | Shoulder Season | Low Season | Not Available
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OVERVIEW

Check best season to see whales and penguins in the area

It´s a great combination of Puerto Madryn with Estancia Rincon Chico in Peninsula Valdes. Check the fauna season and enjoy visiting whales, penguins, sea lions, sea elephants, birds and other interesting animals in the area.

In the Puerto Madryn and Península Valdés area, southern right whales can be seen from June to December, with peak sightings in September and October.
Sea lions and elephant seals are present year-round, with their breeding season from January to March.
Orcas can be spotted between February and April, especially at Punta Norte.
Magellanic penguins arrive in September and stay until April, with chicks visible from October.
Commerson’s dolphins are often seen in the summer months.
The region is also home to guanacos, rheas, and other Patagonian birds throughout the year.

ITINERARY

Rincon Chico, Peninsula Valdes

DAY 1 - PUERTO MADRYN

Arrive to the city

Arrival at the airport (Trelew or Puerto Madryn). Meet and transfer to your hotel in the city of Puerto Madryn.

Puerto Madryn is a charming coastal city located in the Argentine Patagonia, known as the gateway to Península Valdés.
It offers stunning views of the Golfo Nuevo and is one of the best places in the world for whale watching.
The city has a relaxed atmosphere, with a scenic waterfront, sandy beaches, and excellent seafood restaurants.
It also features the EcoCentro, a museum focused on marine life and conservation.
Puerto Madryn is a hub for nature lovers, offering easy access to incredible wildlife and landscapes.
Its rich cultural mix includes strong Welsh and Italian influences, adding to its unique character.

After check-in at your hotel, enjoy free time to explore the city, or you may choose to take part in a suggested optional activity.

OUR SUGGESTED HOTELS

Superior

Hotel Territorio
Hotel Territorio

For those of you who wish to enjoy peacefulness and nature, at El Pedral’s re...

Tourist Superior

Estancia Rincon Chico
Estancia Rincon Chico

Lote 113, U9121 Península Valdés, Chubut

Tourist Superior

Reserva El Pedral
Reserva el Pedral

For those of you who wish to enjoy peacefulness and nature.

Penguins in Punta Tombo, Chubut province, Argentina.

DAY 2 - PUNTA TOMBO

Visiting the amazing Penguins

After breakfast, we will start the visit to the incredible Penguin Reserve of Punta Tombo.
Punta Tombo is the most important Magellanic penguin colony in South America.
It is located about 180 km south of Puerto Madryn, near the city of Trelew.
Each year, from September to April, over a million penguins arrive to nest and raise their chicks.
Visitors can walk along marked trails that run through the colony, allowing for close and respectful observation. Penguins build their nests in burrows or under shrubs, and their behavior can be observed at every stage. During October and November, eggs are incubating or hatching, while by December and January, chicks are growing rapidly.
In addition to penguins, you may spot guanacos, rheas, and seabirds in the area.
There is a visitor center with information about penguins and Patagonian wildlife.
The landscape is arid and coastal, offering dramatic views of the Atlantic Ocean.
The experience is highly photogenic and great for nature lovers and families.
Guided tours usually depart from Puerto Madryn or Trelew, often combined with Gaiman or other nearby sites. Punta Tombo is a must-see destination for anyone traveling through Argentine Patagonia.

You can see penguins at Punta Tombo from September to April.

  • September: Penguins begin to arrive and start preparing their nests.

  • October–November: Eggs are laid and incubation begins; some chicks start to hatch.

  • December–January: Chicks grow quickly and are very active.

  • February–March: Many chicks begin to molt and prepare for life at sea.

  • April: The colony begins to disperse as the penguins return to the ocean.

If traveling outside of penguin season, the excursion can be replaced with a visit to the sea lion colony at Punta Loma.

  • Lunch in Punta Tombo
    Lunch in local restaurant
People watching a whale on a boat tour in Puerto Piramides.

DAY 3 - PUERTO PIRAMIDES, ESTANCIA RINCON CHICO IN PENINSULA VALDES

Visiting Peninsula Valdes. Check in Estancia Rincon Chico

After breakfast, we will start the excursion to Península Valdés from Puerto Madryn is one of the most iconic in the region. It starts early in the morning, crossing the typical landscapes of the Patagonian steppe. You enter the nature reserve, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The first stop is usually at the Istmo Ameghino Interpretation Center, which provides information on the area’s wildlife and geography.

Next, you continue to Puerto Pirámides, where, from June to December, you can take boat trips for whale watching.

Along the way, you may spot guanacos, Patagonian hares, foxes, armadillos, and native birds.

Different areas of the peninsula are visited depending on the season, such as Punta Norte, Caleta Valdés, or Punta Cantor.

These spots are home to colonies of sea lions, elephant seals, and occasionally orcas.
In spring and summer, penguins can also be seen in some parts of the peninsula.
The landscape features a stunning mix of sea, cliffs, and wide open plains.

Your guide will share insights about the wildlife, history, and conservation efforts of the region.
In the late afternoon, you return to Puerto Madryn after an unforgettable day immersed in nature.

IMPORTANT: Southern Right Whales can be seen from June to December, with peak sightings in September and October. Sea lions and elephant seals are present year-round, with their breeding season from January to March. Orcas can be spotted between February and April, especially at Punta Norte but seeing them cannot be guaranteed Magellanic penguins arrive in September and stay until April, with chicks visible from October.

Then, continue to  Estancia Rincon Chico and check in. Activities available in Rincon Chico. Meet the guides and organize available activities to enjoy the area.  Overnight.

  • Puerto Piramides Whale Watching Tour
    Witness Majestic Whales on an Unforgettable Adventure in Puerto Pirámides, Argentina.
  • Lunch in Puerto Piramides
    Add a lunch in a local restaurant in Puerto Pirámides
Rincon Chico, Peninsula Valdes

DAY 4 - ESTANCIA RINCON CHICO

Activities in Peninsula Valdes

Today, and after breakfast the guides will organize activities to enjoy the area.

At Rincón Chico, activities are designed to offer a deeply personal and flexible experience, tailored to each guest’s interests, pace, and the natural rhythms of the land and sea. Rather than following a strict schedule, daily plans are crafted in coordination with the guests, based on weather conditions, wildlife behavior, and seasonal highlights. This approach ensures a truly immersive and enriching stay.

How Activities Are Organized

  • Personalized planning: Each day’s activities are discussed with the hosts, who consider wildlife sightings, tides, and guest preferences.

  • Small groups or private outings: With a very limited number of guests at the lodge, most activities are either private or shared in very small groups, ensuring intimacy and quiet observation.

  • Flexible timing: There’s no rush—guests can take time to explore at a comfortable pace or simply relax and enjoy the surroundings.

Activities Available at Rincón Chico

Elephant Seal Watching

  • Rincón Chico has exclusive access to one of the most important elephant seal colonies on the peninsula.

  • Guests can walk quietly along the beach and observe these incredible animals up close without crowds.

Sea Lion and Marine Mammal Observation

  • Depending on the season, sightings may include sea lions, southern right whales, orcas, and dolphins.

Birdwatching

  • Over 100 species of birds inhabit the area, including penguins, oystercatchers, skuas, and petrels.

  • The coastal cliffs and inland trails offer amazing opportunities for bird enthusiasts.

Guided Nature Walks

  • Explore coastal paths, canyons, and plateaus with expert guidance.

  • Learn about native plants, animal tracks, and the conservation work being done on the land.

Wildlife Photography

  • Rincón Chico is a dream for photographers. You’ll get unparalleled access to wildlife in a natural, undisturbed setting.

Stargazing & Relaxation

  • With no light pollution, the night sky at Rincón Chico is breathtaking. Evenings often end with wine and storytelling under the stars.

Conservation Insights

  • Guests can learn about ongoing scientific research and conservation projects conducted in collaboration with NGOs and biologists.

 

Rincon Chico, Peninsula Valdes

DAY 5 - ESTANCIA RINCON CHICO

Activitites at Rincon Chico

Today, we will explore the area, with some available activities at Rincon Chico

Activities Available at Rincón Chico

Elephant Seal Watching

  • Rincón Chico has exclusive access to one of the most important elephant seal colonies on the peninsula.

  • Guests can walk quietly along the beach and observe these incredible animals up close without crowds.

Sea Lion and Marine Mammal Observation

  • Depending on the season, sightings may include sea lions, southern right whales, orcas, and dolphins.

Birdwatching

  • Over 100 species of birds inhabit the area, including penguins, oystercatchers, skuas, and petrels.

  • The coastal cliffs and inland trails offer amazing opportunities for bird enthusiasts.

Guided Nature Walks

  • Explore coastal paths, canyons, and plateaus with expert guidance.

  • Learn about native plants, animal tracks, and the conservation work being done on the land.

Wildlife Photography

  • Rincón Chico is a dream for photographers. You’ll get unparalleled access to wildlife in a natural, undisturbed setting.

Stargazing & Relaxation

  • With no light pollution, the night sky at Rincón Chico is breathtaking. Evenings often end with wine and storytelling under the stars.

Conservation Insights

  • Guests can learn about ongoing scientific research and conservation projects conducted in collaboration with NGOs and biologists.

Rincon Chico, Peninsula Valdes

DAY 6 - RINCON CHICO - AIRPORT

Transfer out

After breakfast, check out and transfer to Trelew or Puerto Madryn Airport

WHAT'S INCLUDED

  • Transfer airport to Puerto Madryn Airport
  • Two nights of accommodation with breakfast in Puerto Madryn
  • Excursions including english speaking guides
  • Three nights of accommodation with breakfast in Estancia Rincon Chico with meals included
  • Activities in Rincon Chico
  • Transfer out to airport from Rincon Chico
  • Tips
  • Internal flights, that can be added on request
  • Entrance fee to animal reserves, that can be added on request

FAQ

Yes, but please remember that In Puerto Madryn and Península Valdés area, southern right whales can be seen from June to December, with peak sightings in September and October.

Magellanic penguins arrive in September and stay until April, with chicks visible from October

In the Puerto Madryn and Península Valdés area, southern right whales can be seen from June to December, with peak sightings in September and October.
Sea lions and elephant seals are present year-round, with their breeding season from January to March.
Orcas can be spotted between February and April, especially at Punta Norte, but it´s not guaranteed. 
Magellanic penguins arrive in September and stay until April, with chicks visible from October.
Commerson’s dolphins are often seen in the summer months.
The region is also home to guanacos, rheas, and other Patagonian birds throughout the year.

Yes, our three night program is just a basic program, but we can make changes of course

The best time to visit Península Valdés depends more on the wildlife season than the weather. Whale watching is from June to mid-December, penguins from September to March, sea lions and elephant seals all year, dolphins from December to March, and orcas year-round (more often from September to April). Birds and land animals can be seen year-round. The ideal time to visit is mid-September to March for a greater variety of species.

The region has a dry climate with little rainfall (220 mm per year). Winter nights can drop below 0ºC, with daytime highs around 15ºC. Summers can be hot (up to 35ºC) but chilly at night. It can be windy, so proper clothing is advised.

What forms of payment are accepted?
Bank transfers and cash in Argentine Pesos, USD, or Euros. No credit cards or checks accepted.

Are pets allowed?
No, pets are not accepted.

Check-In: from 12 PM
Check-Out: 9:30 AM

Spanish and English

Yes, all meals are included (excluding drinks). Breakfast: buffet (8–10 AM); lunch: fixed menu (12–2 PM); dinner: fixed menu (8–10 PM). Dietary restrictions can be accommodated with prior notice.

All activities on Rincón Chico property are included. Activities offered by third parties (e.g., whale watching in Puerto Pirámides) are not.

Is it possible to book activities in advance?
No. Activities are planned daily with guides once guests arrive.

Minimum age is 10 due to activity nature and location.

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