Current as of: July 22, 2025 - 02:48
Valdés Peninsula Add-on Tour Trip Notes
- Destination: Chile
- Programmes: Trip Extensions
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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 add-on tour 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 add-on tour, 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
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: Puerto Madryn
- End City: Puerto Madryn
Land Only Itinerary
Adventure Starts in Puerto Madryn
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)
A full day to discover the Valdés Peninsula
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 we include 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)
Visit Punta Tombo Magellanic Penguin Colony
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)
Adventure ends in Puerto Madryn
After a great few days discovering the impressive Valdés Peninsula this adventure comes to an end.
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.
- Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/americas/chile
- Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/chile
- United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/chile/entry-requirements
- USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Chile.html
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.
Important Information
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.
How to Book
Speak to our friendly team of experts to plan your adventure:
- Check availability: our website shows real-time availability or contact our team by phone, email or live chat.
- Hold a space: You can provisionally hold a space to give you time to finalise your travel plans.
- Confirm your booking: Payment of a deposit will complete your booking and secure your place on the trip.
After booking
You will receive a confirmation document and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements. Our dedicated Customer Operations team will help you with any pre-travel questions or arrangements and can easily add extensions or extra accommodation to your booking. Final Joining Instructions will usually be sent out two to three weeks prior to departure.
Trip Note validity
Trip notes may be updated after booking; if any updates significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary you will be advised in writing. A link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes will be sent out with your Final Joining Instructions before departure.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes, and occasionally it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
