Punta Tombo
Among penguins on the Patagonian coast
The steppe stretches toward the Atlantic until it reaches one of Chubut’s most emblematic penguin colonies.
From US$ 150
The experience
The day begins early in the morning with pick-up directly from your hotel or accommodation in Puerto Madryn or Trelew. From there we travel to Punta Tombo, home to one of the great mainland colonies of Magellanic penguins. On arrival, our first visit is the Interpretation Center, designed to provide a better understanding of the ecosystem before entering the colony. Here we find a representation of the seabed and exhibits dedicated to the region’s terrestrial wildlife. We then begin walking an interpretive trail of approximately 1,500 meters through the penguin area, ending at two viewpoints overlooking the sea. The experience naturally changes with the season. Penguins begin arriving in September and, over the following months, we may observe different stages of their reproductive cycle: digging and occupying nests, defending territory, finding mates or caring for their chicks. As we follow the trail, we may also encounter other inhabitants of the steppe, including guanacos, maras, rheas, armadillos and foxes. At the end, there is time to enjoy views of the Atlantic from the lookouts. The reserve also has a service area with restrooms and a café, where guests may have lunch at their own expense before returning to Puerto Madryn.
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The place
Punta Tombo is a nature reserve on the Chubut coast and home to one of the world’s most important colonies of Magellanic penguins. The landscape combines the vastness of the Patagonian steppe with the Atlantic coast, where penguins return each season to nest, breed, raise their chicks and molt before returning to the sea. Beyond penguins, the area is also home to characteristic Patagonian species such as guanacos, maras, rheas, armadillos and foxes.
Why we love it
Because it allows you to observe penguins without separating them from the landscape around them. The walk passes through the colony itself, revealing how the birds move between nests and coast and how their behavior changes as the season progresses.
Walk between steppe and sea, following the rhythm of the penguins.
Included
- Round-trip transfer from Puerto Madryn or Trelew.
- Transportation by sedan or minibus.
- Specialist guide.
- Guided visit to Punta Tombo.
- Visit to the Interpretation Center.
- Walk along the 1,500-meter interpretive trail.
- Observation of Magellanic penguins in their natural habitat.
Not included
- Entrance to Punta Tombo Protected Natural Area.
- Lunch.
- Drinks.
- Personal expenses.
- Any other services not expressly mentioned.
What to bring
- Comfortable walking clothes.
- Warm layers.
- Waterproof and windproof jacket.
- Comfortable closed shoes with good grip.
- Sun hat or cap.
- Sunglasses.
- Sunscreen.
- Water.
- Snack or packed lunch if you prefer not to have lunch at the reserve.
- Binoculars, optional for wildlife viewing.
- Camera or phone with sufficient battery.
Accessibility
Please inquire in advance according to each passenger’s specific needs.
Recommendations
The excursion operates from mid-September to mid-April, following the natural cycle of Magellanic penguins. By mid-April, the animals begin returning to their feeding grounds and the reserve is left without penguins. The experience differs by travel month: the birds may be occupying nests, disputing territory, pairing, incubating or caring for chicks. We therefore recommend understanding the visit as a wildlife observation experience whose behavior is never scheduled. Throughout the route it is essential to follow the instructions of the guide and wildlife rangers, remain in authorized areas and avoid interfering with the animals’ natural movement.
Weather policy
The excursion is subject to weather and road conditions. The operator may reschedule the day or time or partially modify/cancel the route if conditions are unsuitable. If weather, tides or impassable roads require the excursion to be shortened or altered, the operator states that no refund applies. If the operator cancels the tour entirely due to weather and cannot reschedule it within the passenger’s stated stay, 100% of the amount paid will be refunded. As the wildlife is free and wild, the presence, number and behavior of animals cannot be guaranteed. Failure to sight a particular species does not entitle guests to a refund.
Experience details
- Duration
- Approximately 10 hours
- Availability
- January, February, March, April, September, October, November, December
- Options
- Shared
- Activity level
- Low
Best time to visitMid-September to mid-April
LocationPuerto Madryn
The kingdom of the penguins
Each season, penguins return from the ocean and the steppe of Punta Tombo fills with movement again. Walking its trails means stepping for a few hours into that natural cycle: nests, calls, dashes toward the sea and small unscripted encounters in one of the Patagonian coast’s most emblematic landscapes.
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