Peninsula Valdes, located on the Atlantic coast of Argentina, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Known for its diverse marine life, stunning landscapes, and unique ecosystems, Peninsula Valdes offers a memorable travel experience. The peninsula is linked to the mainland by a thin and longish finger of land that extends into a half island. The vegetation is sparse, with bushes and sun scorched earth. The fauna is composed by suicidal quails that try to jump under passing cars, ostrich like ñandus, tons of merino sheep and anorexic looking foxes.
The true attraction however is in the turquoise waters of the Atlantic: the abundant plankton draws all kinds of sea life to the region. Whales feast on the plankton, small fishes enjoy this gourmet dish and in turn are eaten by Sea Lions that are the favoured snack of Orca Whales or Killer Whales, call them as you wish. The feature that makes this natural park unique is that Orcas beach themselves in order to capture sea lions, this technique is not used anywhere else in the world and is one of natures great shows. Renting a car may be a bit more expensive than participating in an organised tour but it allows you the freedom of going wherever you want without having to put up with hordes of other tourists. We drove around the entire peninsula, which took up almost the entire day. The golden sand of the beaches is a beautiful stage for the amusing act of sea lions and seals. We did not get to witness an Orca projecting its six tons out of the water to snack on a fat seal, but the sea lions put on a show of their own and we also got to see some clumsy looking penguins. All in all it is really worth to stay here for a week or longer. Below you can find some useful information to plan your trip.
Important information:
Getting There:
By Air: The nearest airport is the Almirante Marcos A. Zar Airport in Trelew. From there, you can hire a car or take a bus to Puerto Madryn, the gateway to Peninsula Valdes.
By Road: Puerto Madryn is approximately 1,100 kilometers south of Buenos Aires. You can drive or take a long-distance bus to reach the region.
Best Time to Visit:
Wildlife: The best time to witness the abundant marine life is from September to April when southern right whales, orcas, sea lions, and elephant seals are present.
Bird Watching: November to March is ideal for bird enthusiasts as migratory species flock to the region.
Main Attractions:
Whale Watching: Take a boat tour from Puerto Piramides to witness southern right whales, orcas, and other marine life. The peak season for whale watching is from June to December.
Punta Norte: Visit Punta Norte to see the largest population of elephant seals in the world. Orcas often frequent the area to hunt seal pups during the breeding season.
Puerto Pyramids: A picturesque coastal town and the main hub for excursions. Besides whale watching, you can explore its beaches and enjoy local seafood.
Caleta Valdes: A scenic bay where you can observe sea lions and elephant seals. Birdwatchers will also appreciate the diverse bird species.
Istmo Ameghino: A narrow strip of land connecting Peninsula Valdes to the mainland. It offers stunning views and is a great spot for bird watching.
Other Activities
Scuba Diving: Explore the underwater world with scuba diving excursions, discovering diverse marine life and shipwrecks.
Biking: Several trails and paths provide opportunities for biking, allowing you to explore the landscapes and encounter wildlife.
Kayaking: Paddle along the coastline for a unique perspective and a chance to see marine mammals from a closer distance.
Accommodation
Puerto Madryn offers a range of accommodation options, from hotels to guesthouses. You can use the common international booking platform to search for an accomodation or you can check this local website with some great offers. There are also lodges and estancias closer to Peninsula Valdes for a more immersive experience. If you prefer more immersive experience then Rinco Chico Lodge lodge will be your paradise.
Local Cuisine
Try traditional Argentine dishes, especially seafood. Puerto Madryn is renowned for its delicious fish and shellfish. In my opinion one of good options is Nautico Bistro de Mar but the best fish in town is the one bought at the fishshop in Vicente López y Planes 2. Obviously only if you know how to grill it and you have a space to do that.
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