The coastline of Península Valdés is a vast, remote and barren area in the middle of Atlantic Patagonia. The bays and shoreline of the peninsula jut out into the Atlantic, like a nipple, and is home to a remarkable variety of wildlife, notably penguins, elephant seals, sea-lions and whales. Every year Southern right whales come in between June and December to breed, particularly in October and November joining the thousands of other animals. Killer whales, Orcas, also pass up the coastline with their young families training them to feed on the sea-lions that lounge around on the shoreline.
There are also large numbers of seabirds such as petrels, albatrosses and cormorants. All this incredible wildlife can be admired during boat trips into the bay from Puerto Madryn or walking excursions on the Penínsular. For those with more time staying out on the edge of the Penínsular is the most ‘off the beaten’ track place to stay for unrivalled back to nature experiences – quad biking, horse riding, trekking and just sitting and enjoying the panoramic views. Getting there requires a 75kms drive an unsealed road, or to be more specific, a dirt track. A 4x4 is highly recommended. Animals in this area all run wild, in addition to the guanacos there are huge rabbits looking more like hares called Maras and a bevvy of small birds and reptiles. The local beach area is controlled and access is with local guides only but in other areas you are free to roam, just follow the rules.
As Penínsular Valdés is so remote a visit would need to be part of a larger itinerary. An iconic trip to see Patagonia Glaciers, lush Andean landscapes, windswept island and the marvellous wildlife in one comprehensive trip.
‘At-a-Glance’ Illustrative Itinerary
