The right whales (Valdes Peninsula)

The right whales are marine mammals belonging to the family Balaenidae, which contains four species in two genera: Eubalaena three species of right whale (which are discussed below), and Balaena the Bowhead Whale.

Right whales are easily distinguished from other whales by the large number of callosities on their heads, a thick back without a dorsal fin, and a long dropping mouth that begins high above the eye and the arches round beneath it. The body of the whale is very dark grey or black with some white patches, particularly on the belly. Right whales are slow swimmers but highly acrobatic and frequently breach (jump clear of the sea surface), tail-slap and lobtail. Females reach sexual maturity at 6-12 years and breed every 3-5 years. Calves are approximately 1 metric ton (1.1025 tons) in weight and 2-4 meters (6.6-13.2 feet) in length. Adults may be between 11-18 meters (36-59 feet) in length and up to 80 metric tons (88.2 tons) in weight. Right whales have between 250 and 350 baleen plates on each side of the mouth.

Its diet consists mainly of plankton and tiny crustaceans like copepods, krill, and pteropods.In Argentina, Península Valdés in Patagonia hosts (in winter) the largest breeding population of the species, with more than 2,000 animals catalogued by the Whales Conservation Institute.

More Info:

Whales watching, Peninsula Valdes

Fauna Calendar, Valdes Peninsula

Penguins in Patagonia

Travel itineraries

Orcas en Península Valdés – (Marzo a Abril)

Las Orcas son mamíferos pertenecientes al orden de los cetáceos, el miembro mayor de la familia de los delfines, a diferencia de las ballenas, poseen dientes. Las Orcas de la Patagonia son consideradas como las expertas mundiales en el varamiento intencional como estrategia de alimentación (salen a la playa de la Caleta para alimentarse de Lobos y Elefantes Marinos). Esta destreza para realizarlo necesita de un largo periodo de aprendizaje el cual se lleva a cabo en parte en la Península de Valdes y se las puede observar principalmente entre los meses de Abril y en Punta Norte y Caleta Valdés.

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Estancia El Deseado (Peninsula Valdes)

The Estancia is located at the entrance to the Peninsula de Valdes just a few meters from the beach El Doradillo.

Here you can find perfect location, to rest for a day or two, enjoying the landscape of Patagonia.

On the seaside you have the chance to do whale watching and see Sea lions. Diverse activities can be pursued such as: Horse riding, mountain biking, hiking and walking in the countryside. The guides in the Estancia will glad to show you around including flora and fauna interpretation footpaths. On the return from your excursions to the peninsula, you will enjoy the Hospitality and typical Patagonian cooking. Livestock is still being raised in the Estancia, "tio Nestor" is the Foreman, in charge of the sheep. El Deseado is a warmhearted and beautiful place to stay. El Deseado is a wonderful alternative to a hotel in Puerto Madryn.

Posada Los Mimbres (Gaiman)

Situated only 6 Km from Gaiman and 30 minutes away from Trelew.

The original settlement dates from 1879 Los Mimbres is beautifully landscaped farm on the Rio Chubut.You have the choice to stay in the "old House" or in the "new House. The old House still keeps part of the original furnishings dating back to the settler's times. Here you will find modern accommodation: three bedrooms each with a private Bathroom, a comfortable dinning room with a fireplace, a reading room which will enable you to learn from past events and customs of the region.

The new house has been built to get its light and heat from the sun. The house is well protected from the Patagonian winds providing a cool and quit surrounding. Enjoy one of the three rooms with private showers and toilets. From the living room you have an excellent view overlooking the garden. The fireplace offers a serene and intimate atmosphere to relax and enjoy music.The friendly family-run restaurant offers traditional Patagonian food, home cooked. Blending local flavours with the delicious national and European cuisine.Many activities and services are available: trekking, geological and ecological tours, river navigation, etc.