Estancia San Lorenzo
A Patagonian estancia among thousands of penguins
At the northern edge of Península Valdés, estancia life coexists with one of the region’s great penguin colonies.
From US$ 420
The experience
The experience takes place at Estancia San Lorenzo, around 160 km from Puerto Madryn within Península Valdés. Once at the estancia, we enter a property of more than 5,000 hectares with an extensive stretch of coastline on Golfo San Matías. The main focus of the day is its breeding colony of Magellanic penguins, with a population of around 500,000 adults and juveniles. During the visit, we can walk through the colony area and watch penguins moving between their nests and the sea, always following the designated paths and guidelines. The estancia also offers the chance to encounter other characteristic inhabitants of the Patagonian coast, including elephant seals, and to discover traces of the region’s natural and productive history. Along the route, it is possible to see a fossilised oyster and the remains of an old sea-lion processing site, adding a historical dimension to the nature experience. San Lorenzo also has several trail options, allowing visitors to explore different parts of the property. Gastronomy is part of the estancia’s identity too, with the possibility of enjoying traditional Patagonian lamb cooked over an open fire. The excursion operates from September to April and can be combined with a Península Valdés route.
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The place
Estancia San Lorenzo is located in Península Valdés, about 160 km from Puerto Madryn, in the Punta Norte sector. The property extends across 5,134 hectares and has approximately 4,600 metres of coastline on Golfo San Matías. This landscape of Patagonian steppe and coast is home to an important breeding colony of Magellanic penguins, as well as areas frequented by elephant seals.
Why we love it
Because it lets you experience the wildlife of Península Valdés from a different perspective: inside a private estancia and in direct contact with the Patagonian landscape. Walking through the colony while penguins move freely towards the sea makes the visit feel especially close, while always respecting the animals’ space.
A Patagonian estancia where the road ends among thousands of penguins and the sea.
Included
- Admission to the penguin colony within Estancia San Lorenzo.
- Tour of the estancia.
- Guided visit.
- Bilingual guide.
- Observation of Magellanic penguins in their natural habitat.
Not included
- Transfer to Estancia San Lorenzo, subject to confirmation with the operator.
- Lunch and meals.
- Península Valdés Protected Natural Area entrance fee, when applicable.
- Whale-watching navigation if combined with the Península Valdés route.
- Personal expenses.
- Any other services not expressly mentioned.
What to bring
- Comfortable walking clothes.
- Warm layers.
- Waterproof, windproof jacket.
- Comfortable closed shoes with good soles.
- Cap or sun hat.
- Sunglasses.
- Sunscreen.
- Water.
- Binoculars, optional for wildlife viewing.
- Camera or phone with sufficient battery.
Accessibility
Please consult in advance according to each guest’s specific needs.
Recommendations
Throughout the visit, it is essential to follow the instructions of guides and wildlife rangers, remain in authorised areas and avoid interfering with animal movement. If you would like the full experience with Patagonian lamb cooked over an open fire, we recommend reserving lunch in advance. The visit can also be combined with Península Valdés and, during the relevant season, with whale-watching by boat. In that case, it is best to coordinate all logistics for the day in advance.
Weather policy
The activity is subject to weather conditions, tides and road conditions. Animal Travel may reschedule the day or time, cancel, or partially modify the route when conditions are unsuitable. If weather, tides or impassable roads make it necessary to shorten or modify the excursion, the operator states that no refund applies. If the operator fully cancels the tour due to weather and cannot reschedule it within the guest’s stated stay, 100% of the amount paid is refunded.
Experience details
- Duration
- Approximately 7 hours
- Availability
- January, February, March, April, September, October, November, December
- Options
- Shared, Small group
- Activity level
- Low
- Minimum age
- 12 years
- Minimum group size
- 2
- Maximum group size
- 8
- Subject to availability
- Dates depend on availability, the provider or prior confirmation.
Best time to visitSeptember to April
LocationPuerto Madryn