Magellanic Penguin, Peninsula Valdes, Patagonia, Argentina

Peninsula Valdes

An outlying hideaway for an assortment of marine mammals and bird species, Peninsula Valdes is a UNESCO recognised nature reserve on the Patagonian coast of Argentina that provides sanctuary to whales, sea lions and elephant seals amongst others.

A site of global significance, Peninsula Valdes is an important breeding site for endangered southern right whales, southern sea lions and southern elephant seals. Joined by Patagonia by only a narrow collar, it is a peninsula of rocky outcrops, windswept beaches and sheltered bays. Interestingly, and of particular scientific interest, the orca whales that inhabit the ocean have developed an extraordinary hunting strategy to accommodate the coastal conditions.

Whale Peninsula, Valdes, Argentina
Valdes, Argentina

A little more about Peninsula Valdes

While the coastline and ocean are inhabited by an array of Magellanic penguins, elephant seals, sea lions, whales and almost 200 bird species including cormorants, terns and albatrosses, the interior of the peninsula is home to a plethora of guanacos, maras and rheas. A large chunk of land with roads of variable condition, a journey to Peninsula Valdes is a truly exploratory experience.

Experiences

What do you really love doing? We curate your itinerary especially for you

Gauchos and herds of cows, Patagonia, Argentina
Peninsula Valdes

Try Ranching

Lend a hand with livestock on a family-run ranch to experience the lifestyle of the local communities.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Peninsula Valdes, Argentina
Peninsula Valdes

Travel to Chubut Valley

Visit the remarkable valley that is home to a 19th century Welsh settlement, where cream teas are served and Welsh songs sung.

Magellanic Penguin, Peninsula Valdes, Patagonia, Argentina
Peninsula Valdes

Wildlife Adventures

Take a boat trip to search for penguins, whales elephant seals and sea lions, or hike on off-the-beaten-track wildlife trails in search of guanacos and rheas.

Peninsula Valdes coastline, Argentina
Peninsula Valdes

Coastal Horse Riding

Ride on wild-looking horses across the arid coastline, watching for guanacos, rheas, armadillos and Patagonian hares.

Suggested Holiday Idea

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Estancia Rincon Chico, Peninsula Valdes, Patagonia, Argentina
Estancia Rincon Chico, Peninsula Valdes, Patagonia, Argentina

Estancia Rincon Chico

The most significant marine mammal sanctuary in the world, Estancia Rincon Chico is an exclusive and utterly isolated wildlife-centric hideaway that sits within a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve.

One of the most biodiverse marine environments on the planet, the property is flanked on one side by the Patagonia Sea, with its resident populations of orca whales, elephant seals and penguins, and on the other by the steppe and its native terrestrial mammals. Whether by boat, 4×4, horseback or foot, guests of the estancia can discover this last frontier of wilderness in an authentic and memorable way.

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Meet our experts

A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

Rachael Tallents

Adventure, discovery and my curiosity for people and the natural world is what drives my love of travelling.  I am grateful for my parents’ desire to explore, and from an early age my eyes were open to diverse landscapes, cultures, and underwater worlds.

For the last 16 years, I have worked for a leading luxury tour operator designing incredible journeys for discerning clients and travelled to some magical places. I am excited to have joined Steppes Travel, and to be working for a company with such strong ethical and sustainable values.

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Paul Bird

Paul has visited Argentina several times, taking in everything from the mighty Iguazu Falls to the dazzling Perito Merino Glacier. According to him, any country that boasts one of Earth’s most dramatic waterfalls, magnificent salt flats, exquisite wines and a vibrant capital is more than worth a visit.

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