Valdés Peninsula Extension

Valdés Peninsula Extension Trip Notes

Destination: Chile
Programmes: Trip Extensions
Activity Level:
1 out of 7 - Easy
Ages: 16+
Trip Code: XTNPVAL

Trip Overview

Marine wildlife discovery of the Valdés Peninsula

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.

At a Glance

4 days to discover the Valdés Peninsula
Price from GBP £899 per person (shared room and travelling together)
Compulsory sole traveller supplement from GBP £250

Highlights

Discover the marine highlights of the Valdés Peninsula
Chance to observe sea lions, elephant seals and whale watching (in season)
See thousands of magellanic penguins at a breeding colony
Stay in the pretty coastal town of Puerto Madryn

Is This Trip for You?

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

Max group size: 16

Itinerary

Land Only

Start City: Puerto Madryn
End City: Puerto Madryn

Land Only Itinerary

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)

Meals included: Breakfast

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)

Meals included: Breakfast

After a great few days discovering the impressive Valdés Peninsula this adventure comes to an end.

Meals included: Breakfast

Food & Drink

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.

Joining Instructions

Transfer Details

Transfers to and from the airport are included.

What To Take

Essential Equipment

We recommend dressing in layers to adapt to daily climate changes.

Warm and waterproof clothing
Long trousers/pants
Warm jumper/sweater
Thermal clothing
Gloves
Hat
Scarf or neck warmer
Shoes suitable for walking with good grip
Sun block
Sunglasses
Small daypack
Waterproof and warm jacket

Optional Equipment

Binoculars (in case you are interested in bird watching)

Practical Information

Visa

Chile

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.

Vaccinations and Health

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.

Local Time

Chile's time zone: America/Santiago (UTC -04:00)

Electricity

Chile's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins) and L (three round pins in a row) – 220V, 50Hz

Money

Chile's currency: Chilean peso (CLP)

Tipping

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.

Sustainability and Impact

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.