Current as of: May 30, 2025 - 19:22
Current as of: May 30, 2025 - 19:22
1 out of 7 - Easy
Discover the Patagonian coastline in four days on this compact adventure to uncover the marine highlights of the Valdés Peninsula. Known for its rich marine life, we have the chance to observe sea lions, elephant seals and southern right whales (in season). Further south we visit a noisy magellanic penguin colony, one of the largest breeding colonies in the world. Immerse yourself in nature and enjoy the unique Welsh cultural heritage of this fascinating region.
Highlights
There is no Exodus leader on this extension, but you will have the services of a local guide, all tour transfers and be provided with the contact details of our local partner in Chile in case you should require assistance.
Adult min age: 16
Min group size: 1
Our adventure starts in Puerto Madryn on the Patagonian coast. This pretty town is the gateway to one of the world’s most extraordinary marine sanctuaries, the Unesco listed Valdés Peninsula. The unique geographical features of this area have created calm waters which serve as breeding, calving and nursing grounds for many marine species. From majestic southern right whales (May to December) and magellanic penguins (September to March) to year-round residents like sea lions and elephant seals.
Today we transfer from nearby Trelew Airport to our accommodation in Puerto Madryn.
Accommodation: Peninsula Valdés Hotel (or similar)
After breakfast, we set off for a full-day exploration of the striking Valdés Peninsula. On arrival to the Unesco World Heritage area our first stop is the interpretation centre for an overview of the different ecosystems. Today we visit Punta Pirámides to observe a sea lion colony, and Caleta Valdés, known for its large reproductive colony of southern elephant seals. A penguin rookery is also a highlight of today’s itinerary. From the cliff top it’s possible to see thousands of magellanic penguins (September to April). There is a good chance to see typical Patagonian species such as guanaco, rhea and many birds today.
Between June and December this extension includes a one and a half-hour boat trip for a close encounter with southern right whales. The Valdés Peninsula is one of the best places in the world for whale watching!
Today’s excursion operates on a shared basis with non-Exodus guests.
Accommodation: Peninsula Valdés Hotel (or similar)
Today we travel south to the Punta Tombo Natural Reserve, home to the world’s largest breeding colony of magellanic penguins. From September to April, hundreds of thousands of penguins gather here to nest and feed their chicks. Walkways lead through the habitat of the reserve, enabling a close observation of the penguins and their raucous chicks. We have several hours to enjoy the walkways and observe the penguins and their antics.
On our return journey we stop in Trelew to visit the Paleontology Museum (optional) and Gaiman for an Welsh afternoon tea (also optional). Today’s excursion operates on a shared basis with non-Exodus guests and will involve around five hours driving.
Accommodation: Peninsula Valdés Hotel (or similar)
After a great few days discovering the impressive Valdés Peninsula this adventure comes to an end.
Please advise us at the time of booking if you have any special dietary requirements. Vegetarians are catered for throughout the trip, but please ensure that you advise us before you travel so that we can make the necessary arrangements on your behalf.
Transfers to and from the airport are included.
We recommend dressing in layers to adapt to daily climate changes.
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Chile. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
Please note, a PDI tourist card will be given to you by migration at Santiago airport, upon arrival to Chile, and asked for upon departure from Chile (please retain this important slip of paper). The PDI certifies that you are a visitor and must be given back to migration upon departure from Chile.
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies and typhoid.
Dengue fever, a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes, is a known risk in places visited. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available, so we recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Chile's time zone: America/Santiago (UTC -04:00)
Chile's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins) and L (three round pins in a row) – 220V, 50Hz
Chile's currency: Chilean peso (CLP)
Gratuities are not something we can include in the tour cost and are of course totally at your discretion. We recommend approximately USD 5-10 per day for the local guide.
As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.
We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.
This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony though practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call us and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
Seatbelts
All vehicles used by us should be equipped with working seatbelts, except where approved by us based on the vehicle type or journey. Wherever seatbelts are available, we require our customers to use them for their own safety, even where it may not be a legal requirement.
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.