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Penguins in Peninsula Valdes, Patagonia

Penguins in Peninsula Valdés

Penguins are one of the main highlights in the Peninsula Valdés area. They can be seen from September to March/April in two main locations:

Punta Tombo, located to the south of Puerto Madryn
Estancia San Lorenzo, within the Peninsula Valdés

During September and October, the mating season begins. Male penguins arrive first to repair and prepare their nests. About a month later, the females arrive and lay two eggs, usually around October.

The incubation period lasts about 35–40 days, a task shared equally by both parents. After hatching, the chicks are fed by both the male and the female, with a diet of anchovies and squid.

These chicks are initially covered in dark gray down, which they shed in February when they grow waterproof plumage that allows them to enter the sea and find food on their own. They will gain their adult plumage about a year later.

Take a look below to learn more about the penguin season and how to enjoy these fascinating creatures in Patagonia.

Penguins in Peninsula Valdés: When to See Them?

You can observe penguins in Peninsula Valdés and Punta Tombo from September to April.

Check more information about South American penguins in our article about the Magellanic Penguins, including where to see them and the best times to visit.

The Magellanic Penguin

Magellanic penguins travel in large flocks when hunting for food. During the breeding season, they gather in massive nesting colonies along the coasts of:

Argentina
Southern Chile
The Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

Breeding Timeline

September: Adult penguins arrive at the breeding colonies.
October: Nesting begins, and two eggs are laid per pair.
Incubation: Lasts 39–42 days, with both parents alternating in 10- to 15-day shifts.
Chick care: Both parents feed and protect the chicks for 29 days, usually every 2 to 3 days.

These penguins typically nest in burrows or under bushes, where temperatures remain above 20°C. While most pairs successfully raise both chicks, it is also common for only one to survive. On average, a successful pair raises 0.7 chicks per breeding season.

Main Viewing Locations

Punta Tombo – one of the largest colonies in the world
San Lorenzo, on the northern coast of Peninsula Valdés

Book an excursion to see penguins!

Book an amazing excursion to see penguins in Punta Tombo Penguin Reserve

Tours to visit Peninsula Valdes and see the amazing penguins!

We have many tours to visit Puerto Madryn and Peninsula Valdes area, combined with other amazing destinations in Argentina. One of my favorites is the 101 – Visiting Argentina Tour, an amazing 12 night tour. Check more information by clicking in the image below