Patagonia Argentina - Wildlife Adventure

Welcome to Buenos Aires!

Buenos Aires is known as the Paris of South America, a country that is defined by the sensuality and emotion of its tango dances, its great barbecues (“asados en parrilla” as they called it in Spanish) and the excessive love of its citizens for football.

Upon arrival, a transfer will be waiting to take you to your accommodation, where you can rest and recharge after a long journey. But do not wait long to walk through its streets and after a short break, venture out to discover the city.

Recommended activities

• Stroll through Puerto Madero. Take a romantic walk across the canal at Puente de la Mujer ("Puente de la Mujer") at sunset.
• Stop by the Teatro Colón, one of South America's premier opera houses, which is known worldwide for its incredible acoustics. The Colon's neoclassical façade has made it one of the most handsome buildings in Buenos Aires since its opening in 1908.
• Visit the Obelisco, which might be the city's most famous monument.
• Dine at a classic Argentine parrilla (steakhouse). When night falls, enjoy a thick, juicy steak (Argentina has some of the best beef in the world) drizzled with delicious chimichurri sauce.

Half-Day City Tour

The best way to enjoy and get to know a city is by walking. After breakfast we will take a 4-hour guided tour in English through the most relevant places in Buenos Aires.

Main attractions in this tour include:

• Plaza San Martín, which is located at the end of downtown's commercial pedestrian thruway, Florida Street.
• The Obelisco, a monument that sits at the nexus of the city where the 16 lanes of Ave. 9 de Julio cross bustling Corrientes Ave.
• Plaza de Mayo, Buenos Aires' main square and home to the Casa Rosada, Argentina's presidential palace. The famous "pink house" (as the presidential palace is colloquially known), is also rife with history.
• Metropolitan Cathedral is the principal Catholic church in the city and another historic building that also faces the Plaza de Mayo.
• Puerto Madero, whose shimmering office towers and central canal make this one of the sleekest neighbourhoods in the city.
• San Telmo, which is Buenos Aire’s oldest neighbourhood and boasts a vibrant tango and arts scene.
• La Boca is a well-preserved historic neighbourhood that is nearly as old as San Telmo. It is home to the colourful Caminito Street, a pedestrian zone teeming with old restaurants and tanguerías.
• Cementerio de Recoleta this sprawling cemetery is in the "old money" enclave of Barrio Recoleta. It is filled with the ornate mausoleums of famous, notable, and wealthy Argentines from throughout history. It also happens to be where Evita Perón is interned.

Welcome to Puerto Madryn!

Puerto Madryn sits on the Golfo Nuevo (New Gulf), on northern Patagonia's Atlantic shore. The waters immediately offshore of this city are home to an abundance of marine mammals, including the southern right whale, which breeds in the area from May to December.

Puerto Madryn is most famous for being the gateway to nearby Península Valdés, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the best place to view a variety of animals in their natural habitat, including sea lions, penguins, guanacos, whales, and orcas. Also, near to Puerto Madryn is Gaiman, a small historic town founded by Welsh settlers in 1875. Gaiman has preserved many of its Welsh traditions, which is evident in the tea shops, chapels, and gardens found throughout town.

A transfer will take you to Aeroparque Airport located near to the city centre for your domestic flight to Puerto Madryn. Upon arrival at Puerto Madryn, a driver will meet you and you'll transfer to the hotel. If you have the energy after your flight, feel free to stretch your legs with a stroll around this tranquil city. It is a safe, walkable community and there is a charming waterfront promenade here lined with cafes and restaurants with patio seating and ocean views.

Punta Tombo

The largest rookery of Magellanic penguins, with an estimated population of 300,000 birds, is to be found at Punta Tombo, a 3hr drive from Puerto Madryn. During the September to March breeding season, you can wander among jostling crowds of unperturbed penguins, making this one of the area’s top attractions.

A transfer will take you to Puerto Rawson. Here you will board a ship and the tour will commence. As you head down the Patagonian coast, be sure to keep an eye out for black-and-white-coloured Commerson dolphins, which are known as the smallest species of dolphin in the world.

The tour will continue to Punta Tombo, where the aforementioned penguin colony is located. You will even be able to tour the area on foot and as you walk you will almost be able to reach out and literally touch them, such as the density of their population (but alas, this is not allowed).

The tour ends here, then you will be transferred to your accommodation.

Peninsula Valdes

Today we will travel to Peninsula Valdes. The first stop will be at the Istmo Ameghino Interpretation Centre, which will act as a useful primer for your foray into this unique eco-system. Through various educational exhibits, you will gain insight into the different types of fauna that call the peninsula home. There is even a lookout tower here featuring stunning views of the Golfo Nuevo and the Golfo San José.

The journey continues to Puerto Pirámides. This is the embarkation point for today's ocean wildlife viewing excursion. The ship will sail along the coast and offer many opportunities for wildlife spotting. Keep your eyes peeled for sea lions and (if you are lucky) right whales and killer whales.

Even after the boat ride, your day is not over yet. On the way back to Puerto Madryn you will pass some salt flats as well as Isla de Pájaros (Bird Island), an island abounding with different avian species like cormorants, egrets, rheas, and flamingos. Then, around 6 pm, the tour ends, and you will return to the accommodation.

Snorkelling with Sea Lions

There are only a few places in the world where you can swim with sea lions in their natural habitat. Puerto Madryn is one such place. In the morning, a guide will pick you up at your accommodation and transport you to their office where you will change into your swimwear. You will then board a boat at Puerto Pirámides, on Península Valdés, and depart for a nearby bay, which is full of sea lions.

Upon arrival, it is time to hop in the water (wetsuits and equipment will be provided). If you are feeling apprehensive, there is no need to be. Sea lions are curious by nature and will swim up and offer a friendly hello. Also, a guide will be there every step of the way to offer specific instructions about what to do when a sea lion approaches. It is nothing short of an unforgettable experience.

Back Home

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight back to Buenos Aires. Upon arrival in Buenos Aires, transfer to the international terminal for your flight back home.