The Valdes Peninsula

The Valdes Peninsula is found along the South Atlantic Coast in the north east of the Chubut province. In the numerous gulfs, bays and inlets you will find large colonies of marine animals; whales, seals, penguins and other wildlife. Due to the various ocean currents, relatively low traffic and fishing activity the sea here is still rich in plankton, seaweed, fish and shellfish. These in turn serve as food for the enormous bird and marine mammal populations. It makes for fantastic wildlife viewings.

In some of the bays and gulfs the water is so calm that the sea is practically transparent: a paradise for divers. The Patagonian land mass ends abruptly in the sea, forming high cliffs and, at their feet, rocky shelves and/or wide sandy or stony beaches. 

Unique species such as Southern Right whales (from end June to mid December), dolphins, orcas, southern elephant seals, South American sea lions, Magellan penguins (from late September to March) and cormorants congregate in areas such as Peninsula Valdes and Puerto Deseado.

All areas are ideal for birdlife viewing and sailing, together perhaps with some mountain biking and hiking in the lower Chubut River Valley. Plus, along the Chubut River Valley many Welsh settlements can be visited, where the famous ‘welsh tea’ will be ready and waiting for you.

You can visit Peninsula Valdes all year round. The summer season lasts from mid December to mid March. To see an itinerary which incorporates the Valdes Peninsula click here.

Estancia Rincon Chico is owned by the fourth generation of two families who were among the first inhabitants of the Peninsula Valdes. The estancia, right in the centre of the national park, has eight comfortable double rooms with private bathroom, a cosy drawing room and dining room. More...

Posada Los Mimbres, a beautifully landscaped farm with six guest rooms on the Chubut river is just a couple of miles away from Gaiman and 30 minutes away from Trelew. The original settlement dates from 1879. More…

El Pedral Hotel is an elegant 19th century farmhouse on an estancia overlooking a huge stony beach at Punta Ninfas near to the Península Valdés on a rather rugged piece of Atlantic coastline. More…

Bahia Bustamante (Seaweed Village and Patagonian ranch) is a place that many don’t get to. It is quite a bit further south than the Valdes Peninsula and there are just 4 houses. More…

The Welsh - More…