Wonders Of The Patagonia Coast – Peninsula De Valdes & Bahia Bustamante 

 

Departures: From July to December

Places Visited: Peninsula de Valdes & Bahia Bustamante

 

Highlights

Experience the rugged unspoiled beauty of the Valdes Peninsula in Southern Patagonia. The remote peninsula features a striking coastline with steep cliffs, lighthouses and offers some of the best wildlife viewing in the region: observe sea lions, seals and Southern Right whales and spot dozens of species of birds. Unwind at an elegant Estancia on the San Jorge Gulf and enjoy long walks on deserted beaches, sailing tours, hiking and plenty of opportunity to photograph the abundant wildlife.

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • 3 Nights of accommodation at Territorio Hotel
  • 3 Nights of accommodation at Estancia Bahia Bustamante
  • Daily breakfast and local taxes
  • Taxes, full board, non-alcoholic beverages during meals and activities included at Estancia Bahia Bustamante
  • Bilingual guides for transfers and tours
  • 1 Full day tour of Peninsula de Valdes and Whale watching
  • 1 Full day tour of Puerto Madryn Lighthouses and cliffs 

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED:

  • International and Domestic Flights
  • Meals and drinks other than those mentioned
  • Tips or personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Optional tours and experiences
  • Any items not mentioned

Day 1: PUERTO MADRYN. Upon arrival at Trelew airport, private transfer to Territorio Hotel.

Day 2: PUERTO MADRYN/PENINSULA DE VALDES.

Peninsula de Valdes 

Enjoy a full day tour to Peninsula de Valdes, a rugged nature paradise that has recently been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. Drive through the vast Patagonian steppes to reach the entrance to the World Heritage National Park, flanked by the immense waters of the Golfo San Jose to the left and the vast bay of the Golfo Nuevo to the right. Enjoy a brief tour of the small village of Puerto Piramides the only inhabited area on the Peninsula. This is also from where the whale watching tours depart (July to December only; optional excursion). Then continue to Caleta Valdes to observe a colony of sea elephants. Other animals such as storks, guanaco deer, armadillos, Patagonian hares, foxes and eagles are also often spotted. On the way back to Puerto Madryn, visit the intriguing Salinas Grande y Chica. These salt pits lie 35 meters/100 ft below sea level and are a great spot for observing maras (Patagonian hare), guanacos, foxes and skunks. Return to Puerto Madryn.

Whale watching

Today’s nature-watching tour departs from Port Piramides and heads into the waters of the Golfo Nuevo. This region is home to numerous bird species, including huge colonies of cormorants that build their nests against the cliffs. Continue further into the gulf to observe the imposing Southern Right Whales come close to shore to mate and give birth. It is a truly magnificent and unique experience to watch these gentle mammals up close. Season: From July to December.

Day 3: PUERTO MADRYN.

Full day Lighthouses and Cliffs

Explore the real Patagonian coast with its extensive steppes, high cliffs and abundant wildlife.

Start out with an invigorating mountain bike ride; feel the wind, listen to the sounds of nature and take in the stunning landscape. At the end of the ride, vehicles away to continue the tour. Observe the antique houses inhabited by the native residents and early explorers in the region. Visit the Punta Ninfas Lighthouse, set at the mouth of Nuevo Gulf, just across from the Valdes Peninsula. The area features striking high cliffs and it is home to an impressive colony of elephant seals colonies. Savor a delicious lunch and enjoy outdoor activities, such as hiking, bird watching and wildlife observation.

Day 4: PUERTO MADRYN/BAHIA BUSTAMANTE.

Private transfer to Bahia Bustamante. Arrival at Estancia Bahia Bustamante.

The ranch is remotely located on the northern shore of the San Jorge Gulf in South Patagonia and is devoted to seaweed production and sheep farming. The rustic estancia (farm) is a private family-owned marine farm founded in 1953. Surrounded by nature and boasting important biodiversity, the Estancia harbors a fantastic array of marine mammals and seabirds. Hundreds of bird species are unique to this region, making Estancia Bahia Bustamante one of the best bird-watching destinations in the world

Day 5 & Day 6: BAHIA BUSTAMANTE.

Spend two days at Estancia Bahia Bustamante and explore its magnificent white sandy beaches and crystal clear water, framed by dark red rocks. Further inland, the landscape transforms into a striking moonscape-like desert. Depending on the time and weather conditions, enjoy the many daily activities, such as:

A sailboat tour to Malaspina Cove, bird watching (Penguins, Steamer Duck, Skuas, Cormorants, Petrel, Terns, Olrog Seagull, Oyster Catchers), a visit to a sea lion rookery, , a tour of the Gravina Peninsula, a visit to a working Patagonian ranch with hands-on farm activities, a visit to the Aristizabal Lighthouse and Penguin Island, and a variety of hikes and mountain bike rides. Discover the remaining fossils of forests that existed in Patagonia 60 million years ago in the Petrified Forest, where trees have become rocks. Guests also have the option of booking a horseback ride or a kayak tour (additional cost fee).

Day 7: BAHIA BUSTAMANTE/TRELEW. At appropriate time, private transfer to Trelew airport for flight.


Tour descriptions and approximate times are for informational purposes only.

Some places described may be substituted and/or approximate times may be subject to change, due to unexpected circumstances or weather conditions.