Experience Patagonia’s finest wildlife on this exciting tour that covers highlights on land and sea, from pumas and guanaco to penguins and whales, and all in some sensational scenery.
Beginning in Buenos Aires, this journey takes you to the extraordinary Valdés Peninsula on Patagonia’s rugged Atlantic coast. This stark, windswept peninsula is shaped by dramatic cliffs, pebble beaches, desert‑like grasslands and sheltered coves, but it's the rich marine environment that makes it world‑famous.
Here we aim to observe southern right whales, and Commerson’s and dusky dolphins offshore, while vast colonies of Magellanic penguins, southern elephant seals, and South American sea lions crowd the beaches. Inland, the dry scrub supports a different suite of species, including mara, large hairy armadillo, lesser rhea, burrowing owl, variable hawk, and the elegant‑crested tinamou.
Our second base takes you into the wild heart of Argentine Patagonia, to the little‑visited Parque Patagonia. This is a land of windswept steppe, glacial valleys, untouched wetlands, towering Andean peaks, and a stronghold for the puma. Thanks to the efforts of Rewilding Argentina, the local puma population is now thriving, and years of careful habituation have made sightings increasingly reliable. During our stay, we search for pumas both on foot and by vehicle, while also enjoying the region’s other characteristic wildlife, including Andean condor, guanaco, Wolffsohn’s viscacha, culpeo fox and South American grey fox.
On arrival in Buenos Aires, we're met and transferred to our hotel. The afternoon is free to unwind after the journey, and in the evening we come together for a welcome dinner.
Accommodation: VAIN boutique Hotel, 1-night
Today we transfer to the airport for our domestic flight to Puerto Madryn, followed by a road journey to our accommodation to settle in. In the afternoon, we begin exploring the dry habitats surrounding the lodge, searching for Patagonian steppe specialities such as mara, and characteristic birds including lesser rhea, elegant‑crested tinamou, Patagonian canastero, white‑throated cacholote, band‑tailed earthcreeper and burrowing parakeet.
Accommodation: The Paradise, 2-nights
Today begins with our first boat trip from the town of Puerto Piramides, in to the sheltered waters of the Gulfo Nuevo. Here we can enjoy close views of the majestic southern right whales that return to these calm waters each year for breeding. This is one of the world’s most important sites for the endangered southern right whale, and it's common to see mothers and calves frolicking in the sheltered waters.
After the boat tour we continue our exploration of the northern sections of Valdés Peninsula, taking in key wildlife sites for species such as a huge colony of South American sea lions that reside at the Lobería Punta Pirámides.
Both dusky and Commerson's dolphins also frequent the bays close to the shore during the spring and summer months.
We spend the morning on a second whale watching boat trip, hoping for more memorable encounters and behaviour from southern right whales. Other possible cetacean sightings include Commerson’s dolphins and dusky dolphins. Out at sea, we may also see pelagic birds such as southern giant petrel, white‑chinned petrel, black‑browed albatross, imperial shag, and dolphin gull.
In the afternoon, we transfer to La Elvira Natural Lodge on the outer edge of the peninsula. After checking in, we visit the large elephant seal colony on the nearby beach — this is the best place to get close and appreciate the sheer size of these remarkable animals. With luck, we may witness dominant males battling for territory and mating rights, an unforgettable display of power and behaviour.
Accommodation: La Elvira Natural Lodge, 1-night
This morning we return to the nearby elephant seal colony to enjoy more of the impressive and often dramatic behaviour of these remarkable animals. An opportunistic snowy sheathbill is sometimes present among the seals, while American oystercatchers, blackish oystercatchers and a variety of migrant waders may be found foraging along the strandline.
In the afternoon, we head back to Puerto Pirámides to explore more of the wildlife-rich areas close to the village. As evening approaches, we may try to locate some of the region’s more elusive mammals, including the large hairy armadillo and lesser cavy, both characteristic species of the Patagonian steppe.
Accommodation: The Paradise, 1-night
Today we travel from Puerto Pirámides to Comodoro Rivadavia, stopping en route at Punta Tombo to experience the extraordinary Magellanic penguin colony. Around 300,000 penguins gather here to nest, often right beside the walkways, offering unforgettable close‑up views and a fascinating insight into their behaviour and daily routines.
Accommodation: Austral Plaza Hotel, 1-night
Today we travel from Comodoro Rivadavia to Perito Moreno, a journey of around five hours. We make several stops along the way to enjoy the scenery and look for any interesting Patagonian birdlife. On arrival, we check in to our hotel, which is our base for the next six nights.
Accommodation: Hotel Cueva de las Manos, 6-nights
Over the following days, we follow a similar rhythm as, with the support of an expert tracker, we search the rugged landscapes of Parque Patagonia for puma.
This region holds one of the highest densities of guanacos in Patagonia, the puma’s preferred prey, and, combined with the protection offered by the park, this has resulted in an exceptional concentration of the big cats.
Our puma tracking involves exploring both by 4x4 vehicle and on foot, with walking distances typically around 2–3 kilometres, sometimes away from a designated path. Thanks to years of sensitive research and habituation, many of the pumas here are now relatively accustomed to the presence of people. Viewing distances remain respectful, but the experience of tracking and observing these magnificent cats in this still little-visited and remote corner of Patagonia is truly memorable.
Parque Patagonia is one of Rewilding Argentina’s flagship projects, where wildlife monitoring, community engagement, and the reintroduction of lost species, including the endangered huemul deer, make the area even more inspiring to visit and support. In addition to pumas, we enjoy the park’s wider wildlife, such as the soaring Andean condor, Wolffsohn’s viscacha, and both South American grey fox and the larger culpeo fox.
Today we travel by road to Comodoro Rivadavia to catch our flight back to Buenos Aires. On arrival in the capital, we transfer to our hotel for the night and settle in ahead of our onward journey.
Accommodation: VAIN Boutique Hotel, 1-night
Today we have a leisurely morning before we transfer to the international airport, to take our flight back home.
A tailor-made holiday or private departure can be arranged, please contact us to tailor a trip to suit your requirements.
Argentina’s foremost wildlife site is a flat peninsula at the northern end of Patagonia, lined with sandy beaches and rocky shelves. The beaches are home to prodigious numbers of marine wildlife, including the only colony of elephant seals on the South American mainland. Birdwatching is good year round. Find Out More about {acc:title}
Located in the north-west of Santa Cruz Province, Parque Patagonia is a vast protected area within the Patagonian steppe that's gaining a reputation for its puma watching. The canyons, plains, wetlands and valleys are host to a range of other species including guanaco and Darwin’s rhea. Find Out More about {acc:title}
The Paradise occupies an ideal location for exploring the network of trails running through the Valdés Peninsula Natural Reserve, home to a superb variety of wildlife, including sea lions, orcas and penguins. The hotel offers comfortable air-conditioned rooms with TV and scenic views of the area. Find Out More about Hosteria The Paradise
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