Remote, treeless, and covered with countless marine creatures, Peninsula Valdes is a land calling all nature and wildlife enthusiasts.
We recommend looking out for penguins while visiting Peninsula Valdes
Peninsula Valdes stretches over 100 kilometres into the vast Atlantic Ocean in the Argentinean Province of Chubut. At 360,000 hectares, this mushroom-shaped peninsula connects to the mainland by a narrow strip of land and conceals alcoves prevalent with marine wildlife, including 181 bird species. This expanse is 400 kilometres of coastline; to the north is Golfo San Matias, and to the south is Golfo Nuevo. Travelling between these points, you’ll find cliffs soaring to heights of 100 metres, glistening lagoons, small islands, pebble beaches, sand dunes and wetlands. Some of these wetlands are of international importance. The entire peninsula is registered as a UNESCO Nature Reserve, providing nesting spots for migratory birds and a home for thousands of Magellanic penguins.
Thanks to its diverse terrain, Peninsula Valdes contains habitats of significant conservation and scientific value. Its quiet gulfs have become breeding and calving areas of the Southern Elephant Seal, Orca, and Southern Sea Lion (you can kayak amongst the most curious in the Golfo Nuevo). Peninsula Valdes is the only place in the world where Orca beach themselves to hunt sea lion pups, and it’s also the world’s most important breeding ground for Southern Right Whales. So, bring your binoculars, and you might see some aquatic wonders, either from the shoreline or aboard a boat.
Dominating a significant portion of the peninsula is the Patagonian Steppe, an arid desert with a variety of plant communities. Be on the lookout for Guanacos and the Patagonian Mara, a rodent native to Argentina. Since the human population is scarce, the wildlife is courageous and sometimes ventures close to you. End your days by staying in a traditional estancia surrounded by wilderness.
Your Luxury Peninsula Valdes Trip Ideas
Our Argentina Wildlife Holiday ventures to Peninsula Valdes, where you’ll embark on a guided wildlife-watching tour with naturalists and bilingual biologists. They’ll take you off the beaten path to private beaches and offer the chance to go horseback riding, mountain biking, walking in the dune fields, and touring old livestock facilities.
Argentina Wildlife Holiday
Buenos Aires, Wetlands, Puerto Iguazú, Peninsula Valdes.
Discover MoreWhen to go to Peninsula Valdes
The main appeal of Peninsula Valdes is that it’s a wildlife haven, meaning you should decide when to visit this Patagonian gem based on wildlife activities. The weather will be unpredictable throughout the year, and you’ll find numerous land animals and birdlife, along with sea lions and elephant seals.
June to December
The best time to see Southern Right Whales is between June and December, as this is their breeding season. It’s good to note that around September, the whales are known to base themselves on the northern bay, and it’s a great time to go kayaking – you might find a whale with its calf skirting around you.
September to April
Between November and April, you're almost guaranteed to spot Orcas, dolphins, and Magellanic Penguins. However, Orcas will only be beaching between March and April, and fluffy chick penguins will first appear in November before taking to the water in January.
WEATHER CHART:
- Excellent
- Good
- Poor
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Find out more and tailor your perfect trip with the help of our specialist team
Lotte Nash
Luxury Travel Specialist
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