A two-hour flight south of Buenos Aires, Puerto Madryn is a small coastal city in Patagonia and a great destination for wildlife lovers.
It’s the main gateway to Peninsula Valdés, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a nature reserve of global significance for the conservation of marine mammals.
Among its iconic inhabitants are rare and endangered southern right whales, which are best viewed on small boat excursions from Puerto Pirámides on the isthmus that connects the peninsula to the mainland. Patrolling just offshore are orcas, who sometimes launch themselves onto the shore to capture a sea lion, fur seal or elephant seal.
With more than 180 species recorded — from flightless rheas to Magellanic penguins — the peninsula is also paradise for birdwatchers. Away from the shore, guanaco graze the grassy inland portions of the peninsula.
Puerto Madryn also makes a good base for venturing farther south to the old Welsh colonies of the Chubut River Valley and the huge penguin colony at Punta Tombo.
ILS Tours can create the perfect itinerary for discovering all of these amazing places in and around Puerto Madryn.
