Peninsula Valdes

Located in the Northwest coast of the Province of Chubut, this Natural Protected Area, declared a World Heritage by UNESCO in 1999, constitutes the most important attraction of the Patagonian coast on account of its biological and geographical features.
Right Whales, elephant seals and sea lions, Magellan penguins, dolphins, orcas, numerous terrestrial fauna species and marine birds become the protagonists of the visit in a unique natural environment chosen by Nature lovers.

How to get there

The tour starts Northwise along provincial road N?1 which later joins provincial road N?2 (both are macadam roads). Some times during the whale high season the tour takes the old gravel road to Piramides for watching the whales at El Doradillo Natural Protected Area, as based on Las Canteras beach which is considered a natural reproduction and breeding area.
On arriving to El Desempeno control booths (48 km away from Puerto Madryn), the entrance fee to Peninsula Valdes shall be paid (See Rates). The ticket is valid for the day and enables you to visit all the Operative Units (Istmo Ameghino, Isla de los Pajaros, Punta Piramide, Punta Delgada outlook point, Caleta Valdes, Punta Norte).
After driving an additiona 26 km, the tour arrives to Carlos Ameghino Isthmus, a narrow strip of land from where you may contemplate Golfo San Jose on the left and Golfo Nuevo on the right.
There you can stop and enter the Visitor Center to obtain full information on the flora, fauna, gea and history of the Peninsula as well as the places that are worth visiting within the protected area. The Center has qualified personnel (fauna keepers and tourist informers) as well as an auditorium and toilets.

Isla de los Pajaros

Some 5 km. (3 miles) away from this place, travelling along a gravel road towards the San Jose Gulf, you will come to Isla de los Pajaros, an important marine birds colony. There is also a small interpretation center and telescopes as visits to the island are banned since 1974 due to its being an intangible zone.
A replica of the San Jose Fort chapel, destroyed by an indian raid in 1810, has remained as a proof of the old Spanish settlement of 1779.

Puerto Piramides

Going back to provincial road N? 2 and after travelling for approximately 25 km, you will arrive to Puerto Piramides, the only village and service center in the Peninsula, where it is possible to undertake some adventure activities and take fauna watching boat trips (whales from June through December and sea lions in summer). A few minutes from this place, and following a gravel road, you may visit Punta Piramide, where a sea lion breeding colony and a cormoran rookery may be observed from December till March.
From Puerto Piramides to Caleta Valdes, Punta Norte or Punta Delgada you will travel along gravel roads for approximately 75 km. (45 miles) to arrive to each of the mentioned places where fauna keepers assist the visitors and monitors the development of tourist activities.

Punta Delgada

There is at this Southern End of the Peninsula an elephant seal colony that can be seen from the public outlook point from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Caleta Valdes

An important geographical feature formed by a 30 km long land strip and inner islands offering a very beautiful landscape. A considerable elephant seal (Mirounga leonina) colony has settled on this place. They may be observed from lookout points located on the cliff and the interpretation path leading to the creek mouth. During the reproduction and breeding season, orcas can be seen in the area. Only 2 km away, heading North, a small Magellan penguin colony can be found (from September to March, approximately).
The area has restaurant, toilet and handicrafts shop facilities.

Punta Norte

There is an important reproductive colony of Sea lions (Otaria flavescens) and elephant seals. The unit has an Interpretation center, a store and toilets. This is a likely area for sighting orcas from October through April, concurrently with the presence of sea lion and elephant seal newborns. The ideal time for visiting this point is at high tide; this information may be required when accessing the Protected Area.

Recommendations

• Before starting on the full tour of the Peninsula, it is advisable to refuel at the gas station located in Puerto Piramides.
• Drivers are warned to be extremely careful on gravel roads and not to exceed the recommended highest speed (60 km/h)
• Drivers are reminded to keep their lowlights on and that the use of seatbelts is mandatory.
• Pay attention to loose animals (sheep, horses, huanacos) on both sides of the road.
• The ecosystem is highly vulnerable to fire, particularly during the summertime. Do not throw away lit cigarette butts and make sure that you put out the fires completely.
• Abide by the rules, in this way you will not only avoid accidents but will be able to enjoy the area beauty as well as its flora and fauna.