You know, Peninsula Valdes is an amazing place to enjoy natural sea life in Patagonia: Whales, Penguins, Orcas, Dolphins, Sea Lions and Sea Elephants, birds… I wrote many articles about this incredible place.
Of course, I also wrote an article about Bahia Bustamente, located 300 km south of Peninsula Valdes, and it`s the perfect place to be combined. We talked with Rosario Barclay from Bahia Bustamente
Now, I came today to launch a new program to combine both destinations: Peninsula Valdes and Bahia Bustamante. Be ready to enjoy a very natural place, with many activities available to enjoy the best of nature and sea life in Patagonia:
PENINSULA VALDES & BAHIA BUSTAMANTE – 6 nights
DAY 1: ARRIVAL TO PUERTO MADRYN
Arrive at Trelew Airport and transfer to hotel in Puerto Madryn. Reception, check-in, and accommodation. 3 nights of accommodation with breakfast
DAY 2: EXCURSION TO PENINSULA VALDES
After breakfast, we start a visit to the incredible Peninsula Valdes Reserve.
This tour runs from September through April and has an approximate duration of 12 hours. We depart early in the morning towards the Wildlife Reserve Peninsula Valdes, UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999.
After a one-hour drive we arrive in Puerto Piramides where we join a boat tour (optional) to see Southern Right Whales (Eubalaena australis) between June and December, and Southern Sea lions (Otaria flavescens) and cormorants between January and March. No boat tours operate in Puerto Piramides in April and May.
Overnight in Hotel Océano in Puerto Piràmides
DAY 3: EXCURSION TO PENINSULA VALDES (with penguin reserve)
After breakfast, we continue our journey to Estancia San Lorenzo, a traditional sheep farm, where we can taste a spectacular lamb barbecue for lunch (optional). After lunch we visit a stunning Magellanic penguin colony with about 500.000 penguins located 7 km/4,35 miles from the main house.
Our next stop is the Wildlife Reserve Punta Norte, where depending on the time of year, we can see Southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina), Southern sea lions (Otaria flavescens), and eventually orca. Finally, we leave for Punta Cantor to observe Caleta Valdes, a large inlet that stretches along the peninsula’s Atlantic coastline. On the way back, we make a stop at the Visitor Centre situated on the Isthmus Carlos Ameghino.
Along the way, we may run into wild rheas, tinamous, guanacos, foxes, cavies and armadillos.
Return to Puerto Madryn and overnight.
DAY 4: PUERTO MADRYN TO BAHIA BUSTAMANTE
Transfer from Puerto Madryn to Bahia Bustamente. Welcome to Bahia Bustamante on time for lunch. Check-in. Afterward, we will walk around the Lodge to learn about its history, its founder, inhabitants, the buildings, everything! We will also visit the barns where the seaweed is processed & learn about the different species found in Bahia Bustamante, its uses & more.
According to the tide table and weather conditions, activities for the next day will be coordinated.
Dinner and night in Bahia Bustamante Lodge.
DAY 5: NAVIGATION AROUND MALASPINA COVE & TREKKING AROUND GRAVIÑA PENINSULA
Morning navigation along this quiet cove towards the Vernacci Islands, which are home to Sea Lions (4000 animals during breeding season), Magellan Penguins (100.000 – Season: October to March), and colorful Marine Bird colonies.
In the afternoon, we will explore Graviña Peninsula, with sandy beaches, crystal clear water, and reddish rocks. Perfect for biking, trekking or touring in our 4×4 trucks, not only to wonderful beaches but also to sites of great archeological and geological importance. A number of natural swimming pools are formed in between the rocks, and these are great fun for swimming with a view of the open ocean. The peninsula is a world of wonders to enjoy.
Dinner & night in Bahia Bustamante
DAY 6: PETRIFIED FOREST & PENGUIN ISLAND
A 4×4 ride combined with moderate trekking to the Petrified Forest, located 18 miles away from the Lodge within the limits of our land. The Petrified Forest is a journey to the past. Exactly some 60 million years ago expressed in petrified trees and pieces of wood. Fascinating!! During the visit, we will be able to observe all kinds of Steppe wildlife too (lesser rheas, guanacos, maras, and more).
Back to the Lodge for lunch.
Afterward, we will visit Penguin Island: Only 15 minutes away from the Lodge this island is home to a colony of Magellan Penguins. During low tide hours, we reach the island on foot, having the amazing experience of watching penguins, chicks, and nests all around us. Along the road to the island, we will also be able to observe all kinds of Steppe wildlife.
Dinner & night in Bahia Bustamante Lodge.
DAY 7: BAHIA BUSTAMANTE – END OF SERVICES
Morning departure after breakfast to Comodoro Rivadavia Airport
For more information, visit our website peninsulavaldes.com or email me to info@ripioturismo.com
Thank you!
Thanks to Bahia Bustamante (photos)