We recommend a minimum stay of 3 nights due to the wide variety of activities available.
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This program combines Puerto Madryn, Puerto Pirámides in Penisula Valdes and Bahia Bustamante known as the “New Galapagos”. You will enjoy penguins and whales, but please check fauna season to be sure about what you can do and see during your trip.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Overnight in Puerto Piramides
After breakfast, we will continue our visit to the rest of the Peninsula. We then head to Estancia San Lorenzo, a traditional Patagonian sheep ranch that is home to the largest colony of Magellanic penguins in the world. Here, a lunch service is available (not included) featuring a delicious spit-roasted Patagonian lamb. We will also have the opportunity to visit the penguin colony, located 7 km from the main house (admission fee applies).
From San Lorenzo, we continue to the Punta Norte Reserve to observe, depending on the time of year, South American sea lions, southern elephant seals, and occasionally orcas.
On the way back to Puerto Madryn, we stop at the Carlos Ameghino Interpretation Center, which offers a great overview of the peninsula’s natural richness.
Throughout the excursion, there are excellent chances to spot native wildlife such as guanacos, rheas, foxes, Patagonian maras, armadillos, and skunks. Return to Puerto Pirámides and overnight
Important:
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
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.
Then, you will continue to the south, to arrive to Bahia Bustamante.
Bahía Bustamante is a remote coastal village in Argentina’s Chubut Province, often referred to as “Argentina’s secret (and private) answer to the Galapagos” by The New York Times. Established in the 1950s by Lorenzo Soriano for seaweed harvesting, it has transformed into a unique eco-tourism destination. The area boasts remarkable biodiversity, hosting colonies of Magellanic penguins, sea lions, and over 100 bird species. Visitors can explore pristine beaches, petrified forests, and archaeological sites, all within the Patagonia Austral Marine National Park and UNESCO’s Patagonia Azul Biosphere Reserve. Accommodations at the Bahía Bustamante Lodge offer immersive experiences in nature, with guided excursions such as boating, trekking, and wildlife watching. The lodge emphasizes sustainability and conservation, providing an intimate setting for guests to connect with the natural environment.
Arrival and check in
After breakfast, free time to enjoy any of the available activities in Bahia Bustamante
Historical Tour
A walk around the Lodge to learn about its history, its founder, what life was like here, the orchard, the museum, the “Bar de López,” the old barns, and more.
Boat Navigation
To discover sea lion haul-outs and seabird colonies, we sail through the calm waters of Caleta Malaspina toward the islands of the Vernacci archipelago. These islands are home to sea lions (around 4,000 during breeding season), Magellanic penguins (about 100,000), and rich seabird colonies with great variety and abundance: cormorants, petrels, steamer ducks, skuas, plovers, gulls, terns, and more. Navigation is done during high tide and good weather conditions.
The Peninsula
This area features white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and striking reddish rock formations contrasting with the deep blue sea. It’s ideal for exploring on foot, by bike, or with our 4×4 vehicles, reaching not only breathtaking beaches but also places of geological and archaeological importance. Natural pools carved into the rock are perfect for swimming and enjoying summer afternoons, always with the endless sea in the background. The Peninsula hides many wonders waiting to be discovered.
Petrified Forest
A journey 60 million years into the past. Visiting the Petrified Forest involves a combination of 4×4 driving and trekking to explore the entire site. Located 30 km from the Lodge, within the same property, the landscape is striking: a lunar desert filled with fossilized tree trunks—wood turned into solid rock. Incredible! Along the way, you may also spot guanacos, rheas, maras, and other Patagonian wildlife.
Penguin Island
Just 15 minutes from the Lodge, this island hosts a colony of Magellanic penguins. At low tide, it connects to the mainland, allowing visitors to walk across and enjoy the incredible experience of being surrounded by hundreds of penguins, their chicks, and their nests. A truly unique moment! On the way, it’s common to see rheas, maras, foxes, and armadillos.
Cabo Aristizábal
A scenic 4×4 journey leads to this stunning cape—a rocky point with dramatic views, open sea, and hidden beaches. Along the way, you’ll spot local wildlife: guanacos, foxes, rheas, maras, armadillos, and a variety of birds. The cape offers many surprises: an old lighthouse, sea lion colonies, skeletons of giant marine mammals, a major art installation by French artist Christian Boltanski, deep canyons, archaeological sites, and natural rock pools.
Cañadón de Piedra
A fascinating trek through a vast canyon, following the path of a now-dry riverbed until it reaches the ocean. We walk between walls over 15 meters high, formed during the Jurassic Period of the Mesozoic Era. Natural pools invite you to cool off and take great photos. We also visit an archaeological site. Sheltered from strong winds, the canyon is perfect for birdwatching.
Trekking & Mountain Biking
The property boasts a rugged, diverse coastline with spectacular views. Treks are easy to moderate, and distances can be adjusted. These outings immerse you in a changing landscape full of wildlife encounters and archaeological or geological discoveries.
Day on the Ranch
We produce sustainable wool. During the visit to the ranch facilities, pens, corrals, and barns, you’ll learn about the process of wool and meat production—and depending on the time of year, you may even participate in the day’s rural activities.
Overnight
Choose from different activities available.
Historical Tour
A walk around the Lodge to learn about its history, its founder, what life was like here, the orchard, the museum, the “Bar de López,” the old barns, and more.
Boat Navigation
To discover sea lion haul-outs and seabird colonies, we sail through the calm waters of Caleta Malaspina toward the islands of the Vernacci archipelago. These islands are home to sea lions (around 4,000 during breeding season), Magellanic penguins (about 100,000), and rich seabird colonies with great variety and abundance: cormorants, petrels, steamer ducks, skuas, plovers, gulls, terns, and more. Navigation is done during high tide and good weather conditions.
The Peninsula
This area features white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and striking reddish rock formations contrasting with the deep blue sea. It’s ideal for exploring on foot, by bike, or with our 4×4 vehicles, reaching not only breathtaking beaches but also places of geological and archaeological importance. Natural pools carved into the rock are perfect for swimming and enjoying summer afternoons, always with the endless sea in the background. The Peninsula hides many wonders waiting to be discovered.
Petrified Forest
A journey 60 million years into the past. Visiting the Petrified Forest involves a combination of 4×4 driving and trekking to explore the entire site. Located 30 km from the Lodge, within the same property, the landscape is striking: a lunar desert filled with fossilized tree trunks—wood turned into solid rock. Incredible! Along the way, you may also spot guanacos, rheas, maras, and other Patagonian wildlife.
Penguin Island
Just 15 minutes from the Lodge, this island hosts a colony of Magellanic penguins. At low tide, it connects to the mainland, allowing visitors to walk across and enjoy the incredible experience of being surrounded by hundreds of penguins, their chicks, and their nests. A truly unique moment! On the way, it’s common to see rheas, maras, foxes, and armadillos.
Cabo Aristizábal
A scenic 4×4 journey leads to this stunning cape—a rocky point with dramatic views, open sea, and hidden beaches. Along the way, you’ll spot local wildlife: guanacos, foxes, rheas, maras, armadillos, and a variety of birds. The cape offers many surprises: an old lighthouse, sea lion colonies, skeletons of giant marine mammals, a major art installation by French artist Christian Boltanski, deep canyons, archaeological sites, and natural rock pools.
Cañadón de Piedra
A fascinating trek through a vast canyon, following the path of a now-dry riverbed until it reaches the ocean. We walk between walls over 15 meters high, formed during the Jurassic Period of the Mesozoic Era. Natural pools invite you to cool off and take great photos. We also visit an archaeological site. Sheltered from strong winds, the canyon is perfect for birdwatching.
Trekking & Mountain Biking
The property boasts a rugged, diverse coastline with spectacular views. Treks are easy to moderate, and distances can be adjusted. These outings immerse you in a changing landscape full of wildlife encounters and archaeological or geological discoveries.
Day on the Ranch
We produce sustainable wool. During the visit to the ranch facilities, pens, corrals, and barns, you’ll learn about the process of wool and meat production—and depending on the time of year, you may even participate in the day’s rural activities.
Overnight.
After brekfast, free time until transfer to Comodoro Rivadavia Airport
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 lodge is open from October 1st until Easter every year, and has been for over 20 years.
There is also the option of off-season accommodation, available as long-term rentals and limited to only two accommodation categories.
Feel free to contact us for more information.
We recommend a minimum stay of 3 nights due to the wide variety of activities available.
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