4-Day Peninsula Valdes and Punta Norte
On this trip you'll discover the wilderness of the Peninsula Valdes on the Atlantic coast of northern Patagonia.
Depending on the time of year you visit you'll have the chance to see southern right whales and orcas. You can also see elephant seals, sea lions and penguins.
Stay at the Estancia La Erenestina in Punta Norte, with optional excursions from the ranch; or del Nomade Eco Hotel in Puerto Piramides where you can explore on your own or go on optional excursions including sea kayaking.
We recommend adding a night in Puerto Madryn before departure.
Best time to go:
September - November
March - April NOTE: lodging at La Ernestina fills up early for these months so we advise booking anywhere from 6 - 12 months in advance. During orca season you may spend 8 to 10 hours per day waiting to catch a glimpse of an orca strikes from one of the few locations where they approach the shore.
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Transfer to Puerto Piramides or Punta Norte
Punta Norte Option: Transfer to Estancia La Ernestina (approximately 2-3 hours) upon your arrival in Trelew or Puerto Madryn. Along the way you can admire the landscape and stop if you wish to explore some areas of the National Park. You might wish to stop for lunch in Puerto Piramides. Arrive at Estancia La Ernestina in time to explore the ranch and relax before dinner.
Puerto Piramides Option: Transfer to Puerto Piramides (approximately 1 to 1.5 hours). Visit the sea lion colony of Punta Piramides. During the peak of the breeding season there are young babies being born and males defending territory, so it is possible to watch a female giving birth or males fighting. Many kelp gulls and blackish and American oystercatchers can be seen below the cliffs where the observatory is located. Several species of terns, cormorants, and snowy sheathbills are other sea birds that may be seen. (Note: Dinner not included)
Meals included: n/a
Mid-Range Accommodations: Estancia La Ernestina (Punta Norte)
Day 2: Full day at Punta Norte or Puerto Piramides (B)
Punta Norte Option: Free day at Estancia La Ernestina with various options for hikes and tours. Chances to see orcas in March and April.
Puerto Piramides Option: Tour from Puerto Piramides in Private Vehicle with easy hikes. We suggest a morning visit to the San Lorenzo Magellanic penguin colony followed by a drive to the San Pablo de Valdes private reserve which belongs to the Fundacion Vida Silvestre Argentina. Here you can take a nice walk which is not very demanding. Other wildlife and sights: Guanacos (over one thousand are protected here), Darwin's Rhea, foxes, 2 species of wild cats, maras (a large rodent also named a Patagonian hare), and a marine fossil beds. Picnic lunch. This tour is ideal for people who like taking pictures. (Note: Dinner not included)
Meals included: Breakfast
Mid-Range Accommodations: Estancia La Ernestina (Punta Norte)
Day 3: Full day at Punta Norte or Puerto Piramides (B)
Punta Norte Option: Free day at Estancia La Ernestina with various options for hikes and tours. Chances to see orcas in March and April.
Puerto Piramides Option: Full-day Kayaking with Patagonia Explorers, picnic included. Description of sea kayaking (provided by Patagonia Explorers): We leave the beach of Puerto Piramides and navigate towards Piramides Point. There, the abundance of wildlife: Southern Sea Lions, Cormorants, South American Terns - gives life to these cliffs. Once we have passed the point, we are able see the rock formation that gave Puerto Piramides its name. On our return we stop at a beach known for its caves and fossils. From here we do a mini-trek with an interpretation of the coastal environment. (Note: Dinner not included)
Meals included: Breakfast
Mid-Range Accommodations: Estancia La Ernestina (Punta Norte)
Day 4: Transfer to Puerto Madryn (B)
Punta Norte Option: Return to Trelew or Puerto Madryn at the time of your choice. You may stop along the way to explore other areas in the National Park.
Puerto Piramides Option: Return to Trelew or Puerto Madryn at the time of your choice.
Meals included: Breakfast
Pricing
4-Day Peninsula Valdes and Punta Nortefrom $1575 USD
*** Contact Us for other itinerary and lodging options! ***
NOTE: Prices are per person in U.S. dollars based on double/triple occupancy. All quotations are based on the current rates of park fees, VAT, other government taxes, and current exchange rates. Should any of these be increased or a new tax introduced, these increases will be added on even if your trip has already been paid for.
INCLUDES:
|
EXCLUDES:
|