The Valdes peninsula

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The Valdés Peninsula, known for its abundant fauna, presents an ultimate wildlife sanctuary. Within its compact terrain, it is home to an impressive diversity of creatures. This peninsula is a must visit destination for anyone with a deep appreciation for wildlife. You can choose from a range of excursions, presenting up-close encounters with the local inhabitants, including whales, sea elephants, penguins, and killer whales.

In summer the penguins visit the east coast of Valdés from September to March. March also welcomes the presence of orcas. From spring until summer, the coast becomes one big gathering for large and small mammals and birds. Whales are usually seen from June to early December and use this area as a nursery. Inland, the peninsula is full of rheas, guanacos, and armadillos. The peninsula has miles of untouched nature and silence.

Puerto Pirámides is a good starting point for excursions to the Peninsula Valdés. In summer it is a cozy seaside resort with temperatures of 25 to 30 degrees Celsius (77 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit).

You can travel to Peninsula Valdés throughout the year. However, not all animals are present throughout the year. Your interest will determine what is the best time for you to visit the peninsula. One of the best times to go to Peninsula Valdes is in September, October and November. These months it is spring and most species start to breed in the area. This means that the males are about to fight for the females, the penguins come ashore to hatch their eggs and the orcas come along the coast to hunt for seals. A period that you might want to avoid is the months of April, May and June. In these months fewer animals can be seen than in the rest of the year. Click here for more climate details.

Where to stay

You can stay overnight on the peninsula. This is possible in the town of Puerto Pirámides. Hotel the Paradise is a good option for spending the night. Close by the whales, you can even see them from the rooms. The hotel is very nice and very quiet.

Fauna calendar and where to spot them

 Birds can be seen all year round – everywhere.

 Pinguins from September-March -  Punta Tombo

 Whales June-mid-December - From Puerto Piramide

 Sea lions all year - Punta Delgada (from the lighthouse)

 Sea elephants all year round (best in summer) - Caleta Váldes Sur, Punta Norte

 Orcas - March and April Punta Norte