Punta Tombo and Valdes Peninsula Kayaking Adventure
Observe the endangered southern right whale where 1000s migrate breed and calve
Duration: 4 days
Cost: $1,450
This memorable Patagonia wildlife excursion takes paddling enthusiasts to two of Argentina’s most spectacular spots for observing penguins, whales and other marine mammals at close range. Not only will you have the magical experience of walking among thousands of Magellanic penguins but also observe the endangered southern right whale in an area where thousands migrate each year to breed and give birth.
Itinerary details for Valdez Peninsula
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Day 1 BUENOS AIRES - TRELEW - PUNTA TOMBO
View Puerto Madryn accommodations picture gallery
Observing whales at close range
On arrival in the Patagonian community of Trelew, a former Welsh settlement, you will be met by a guide for the drive south to the Punta Tombo Reserve, site of the most important breeding colony of Magellanic penguins in the world. Here on the bank of Rio Chubut, over 300,000 of these remarkable birds arrive in early September and stay through the spring until their offspring learn to swim. Other species such as kelp gulls, skuas, guanay cormorants, giant petrels, dolphin gulls, Chubut steamer ducks, hairy armadillos and Patagonian foxes also inhabit the area. On the return trip to Trelew, you'll stop for tea in Gaiman, another Welsh settlement, known for its replicas of famous murals as well as a park that features junk sculpture. You’ll spend the night in the region’s gateway city, Puerto Madyrn. (B,L)
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Day 2 PUERTO MADRYN – VALDES PENINSULA.
Southern right whales search out the gulf’s sheltered waters
After breakfast, you will be met by your guide and driven to the start of today’s marine Patagonia tours that launch from Punta Tehuelche on the gulf of San José bordering the Valdés Peninsula. After a gear check and brief overview of the trip ahead, your paddling journey begins in an easterly direction towards Cerro Montículo, today’s lunch stop. The coastline alternates between beaches of sand or stone, rocky formations and nesting cliffs for various seabird species. From your kayak, you may view some small sea lion colonies as well as encounter the southern right whales that search out the gulf’s sheltered waters. Today’s Patagonia kayaking adventure ends at El 39, a small beach that is your Valdés base camp. A local whale conservation organization conducts research here in conjunction with the Ocean Alliance & Whale Conservation Institute. You will learn about the scientists’ work at their field lab before returning to kayaks to watch the sun go down. A traditional Patagonian lamb dinner, enjoyed to the distant sounds of whales, tops off this unforgettable day before retiring to your El 39 campsite. (B,L,D)
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Day 3 VALDES PENINSULA KAYAKING
If you don't want to camp at El 39, you may stay at a pleasant hosteria in the small, nearby village of Puerto Pirámides
After breakfast, it’s another big day of Patagonia kayaking along the coast. Today’s destinations are Punta Conos, named for the cone-like hillocks in the area, and El Puente, a marine rock formation. Conos contains a huge concentration of marine fossils dating back millions of years. The low cliffs allow kayakers to paddle close to sites inhabited by cormorants and black crowned night herons among other species. The small beach at El Puente offers a seaside setting for lunch and a place to stretch your legs. Back in the kayaks, you will visit a large colony where sea lions may be observed at close range. You’ll then return to El 39 beach, arriving by mid-afternoon with time to relax and enjoy an afternoon snack with fellow-kayakers. Tonight’s accommodations are at El 39 base camp. If you prefer, you may stay at a pleasant hosteria in the small, nearby village of Puerto Pirámides, the region’s whale watching hub. (B,L,D)
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Day 4 VALDES PENINSULA – TRELEW
Following an early breakfast and breaking camp, you will visit Puerto Pirámides before boarding a vessel for this morning’s whale watching excursion. After lunch, you will be driven to the Trelew Airport to fly to your next destination. (B,L)
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Key: (B)reakfast (L)unch (D)inner
CONTACT US
CALL
1.877.784.5400
TOLL FREE
OUTSIDE
THE U.S.A. CALL
1.206.784.8111
INCLUSIONS / EXCLUSIONS
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Included in tour cost
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Professional, English-speaking local guides while on hikes
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All hotel accommodations
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Meals as indicated
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All transfers in private van
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Entrance fees for national parks
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Southern Explorations pre departure services
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All Kayaking equipment
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Excluded in tour cost
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International round-trip airfare USA / Buenos Aires / USA
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Airfare: Buenos Aires / Trelew - Trelew / Buenos Aires
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Lunches and dinners in the cities (unless otherwise noted)
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Hiking boots and other personal gear
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Personal expenses (tips and gratuities, alcoholic beverages, medical or travel insurance, laundry, airport taxes, etc.).
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
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Additional $115
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Single Supplement is the additional cost of a single traveler not sharing a room in double occupancy. We will match you with another same gender traveler unless you request single accommodations.
Prices based on 3.5% cash discount
