Penguins of Patagonia

Somewhere close to one million penguins live in the Patagonia's coasts. In the Punta Tombo reserve you can meet them face-to-face. Punta Tombo is only a few miles from Puerto Madryn.

The Puerto Madryn city, located on the Atlantic Ocean side, is one of the best starting points to visit Punta Tombo. Punta Tombo was created in 1979 by the government of Chubut (Argentina); here we can see thousands of sea birds less than 3 feet away.

The only way to get to Punta Tombo is by land. This way the fauna and flora of the land can also be greatly appreciated. As we get closer, the first families of penguins start to show themselves.

Each family lives in small 3 feet deep caves. These holes are made by male penguins in order to conquer female partners who arrive one month later. Penguins are accomplished swimmers. They reach speeds of around 15 knots and can go as deep as 80 meters below sea level.

Depending on the time when you get here, different penguin rituals can be seen. In September females arrive to mate with males, November is the month dedicated to the magnificent birth of baby penguins and a month later the little ones take the first trips to the sea.

More Info:

The right whales (Valdes Peninsula)

Whales watching, Peninsula Valdes

Fauna Calendar, Valdes Peninsula

Penguins in Patagonia

Travel itineraries

Patagonia Argentina

Un recorrido integral por uno de los lugares naturales mas exóticos del planeta, que ofrece desde la fauna de la Península Valdés: ballenas, lobos marinos y pingüinos magallánicos, pasando por Ushuaia la ciudad del fin del mundo una puerta hacia la inmensa y misteriosa Antártica y finalizando en El Calafate con la majestuosidad del Glaciar Perito Moreno, Upsala y Spegazinni.

Ver el itinerario Patagonia Argentina

Lodging:

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.