• Argentina Whales

Itinerary Summary

Duration
13 Days
Price
£10295
When
Year Round
Destination
Argentina
Type
Small Group Safari
Duration Price When Destination Type
13 Days £10295 Year Round Argentina Small Group Safari
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The Power of the Patagonian Ocean

Explore the magnificent wild coast of the Patagonian Ocean; kayak through Villarino Beach with southern right whales, sail through the El Pedral Reserve, and be in the company of unique elephant seals on the shore of Dos Pozos.

Travelling to Argentina would not be the same without a visit to Patagonia. Along the coast of the Patagonian Ocean, savour incredible views of the largest ecoregion in the country, with inter-jurisdictional marine parks and extraordinary Patagonian reserves and ranches with intimate wildlife encounters. Marvel at the stunning landscape of the El Pedral Reserve as you come face-to-face with the delightful colony of Magellanic penguins before visiting Villarino Beach to kayak with the breath-taking southern right whales.

Known as the Blue Route, an expanse of 2000 kilometres of scenic road crosses three “blue parks”, taking you to the largest Natural Museum on Earth. From the fossils of marine organisms and petrified forests scattering the semi-arid landscape, the route is a paradise for ecotourism in the amount and variety of wildlife that can be seen there. Within the close proximity of visitors, large colonies of Magellanic penguins, elephant seals, flamingos, rheas, and foxes flourish, existing as the guardians of the immense Patagonian Ocean.

What makes this trip extraordinary

  • Kayak next to magnificent southern right whales for an immersive wildlife encounter
  • Explore the Patagonian blue route; a paradise for the variety of wildlife that can be seen there
  • Experience unique up-close encounters with the Magellanic penguin and elephant seal colonies
  • Explore Buenos Aires, Argentina’s colourful capital city

Embedded Video Overview

An 13-day trip tailored for wildlife enthusiasts and fans of stunning natural scenery from £10,295 per person, excluding international flights

Day by day

Day by day

Day 1

Arrival at Buenos Aires

You will start your adventure by arriving in Buenos Aires, the fully autonomous city and capital of Argentina located on the western shore of the Río de la Plata. You will be met and welcomed with lunch, followed by a walk through the Recoleta neighbourhood to the magnificent Buenos Aires Botanical Garden to marvel at the wild side of the city. The evening will be enjoyed with a delightful welcome dinner, together with the Onesixth Expeditions crew.

Day 2

Beunos Aires

After breakfast, take a stroll around the southern area of Buenos Aires, exploring the extensive neighbourhoods of San Telmo, Plaza de Maya, and the La Boca district. The afternoon is yours to continue exploring the city at your leisure, before being taken to visit an authentic Tango house in the evening for a live tango show that is sure to impress. As the evening draws in this is the best way to enjoy the cultural side of the vibrant city of Buenos Aires.

Day 3

Buenos Aires - Trelew - El Pedral

Transfer to the Airport in time for your flight to Trelew, where you will be met and transferred to your accommodation, El Pedral Lodge, in Punta Ninfas. A part of the UNESCO biosphere reserve, this area offers some of South America's most impressive wildlife encounters with a variety of marine wildlife species, including whales, penguins, and seals, right on its doorstep. You will be met by your guide for the next few days and educated on the conservation of the El Pedral Magellanic Penguin Reserve in preparation for your upcoming expedition.

Day 4

El Pedral

Today you will pay a visit to the El Pedral Reserve, spending the day amongst the large Magellanic penguin colony. Here you can expect to see the penguins tottering about, tending to their young, interacting with each other, and perhaps hunting small fish just offshore. This is a magical area where you will be able to walk freely amongst penguins in their native habitat. There are many species of seabirds, including oystercatchers and albatrosses, which you can expect to see.

Day 5

El Pedral

Today you will leave the Estancia and head to the Dos Pozos area, where you will spend the day in the company of the charismatic elephant seal colony. You will be led by an elephant seal specialist, available to answer questions and allow you to experience the best wildlife encounters possible! You will learn anecdotes and information about these huge animals including insights into their behaviour, characteristics, and much more. For lunch, you will enjoy a delicious lunch box on-site in the company of the elephant seal colony and stunning scenery; one of Argentina's most unique experiences. The evening continues to entertain as you are joined by an astronomer, giving the opportunity to gaze at the immense Patagonian skyline, leaving you to reflect on the sights of some of Patagonia's finest natural landscapes.

Day 6

El Pedral - Puerto Pirámides

This morning after breakfast, you will drive to your next destination of Puerto Pirámides . This small village on the Peninsula de Valdes, is surrounded by cliffs resembling pyramids and waters, crystal clear. Along the way, you will make a stop on the steppe to meet your next guide, a scientist who specialises in large marine mammals. He will share the next few days with you, revealing the secrets of the whales habiting the area along with the honeypot of marine wildlife. Later in the evening, you will experience your first encounter with whales, a magical moment during the Patagonian sunset as colours are painted across the sky.

Day 7

Puerto Pirámides

At dawn, you will enjoy a private navigation to spot whales that every year, from June to December, migrate to this area to mate. The experience is sublime, and even more so in the company of a local scientist with more than 40 years worth of knowledge from studying these species. Upon disembarking, you will travel to Playa Larralde, located just 15 kilometres from Puerto Piramides, on the San Jose Gulf. The Diaz Family, pioneers in artisanal fishing, will be waiting for you to board upon their boat and learn about this long family trade and tradition. Back at the beach, around noon, you will enjoy a feast with an undisrupted view of the Patagonian Sea. 

Day 8

Puerto Pirámides

You will meet early in the morning with our sea kayak expert and guide, who will give an introduction to the highlights which you will be lucky enough to experience once arriving at Villarino Beach, in the small San Jose Gulf.  Kayaking and trekking will be the highlight of the day on the pristine Patagonian waters. Upon analysing the weather and location, you will have the opportunity to row near majestic southern right whales for up-close encounters at the right place at the right time. Upon noon, a break will be marked by a delightful picnic lunch by the sea, the perfect setting to take in the beauty that Patagonia offers.

Day 9

Puerto Pirámides - Camarones

After an early start with breakfast, you will say goodbye to Puerto Piramides and head south, precisely towards the town of Camerones, declared an Authentic Town by the National Ministry of Tourism and Sports. Around noon, you will stop at Cabo Raso, a coastal village that has become a refuge for fisherman, algae collectors, drifters, and travellers looking to escape the city and connect with nature. Enjoy a light brunch whilst overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Once settled in and enjoying some 'me' time, you will explore the town and its history at your own leisure with an entertaining walking tour with a local host.

Day 10

Camarones - Bahía Arredondo

In the morning you will re-join alongside the local whale expert, who will share his knowledge, stories, and anecdotes on the marine expedition to the Isla Leones Lighthouse. You will board the boat at Bahía Arredondo, on the coast of Estancia El Sauce, crossing the waters of these lesser explored coastal regions, passing by islets, islands, and coves. Without a doubt, the geography, flora, and fauna will leave you in awe on endless occasions along with the stunning sunset covering the evening's sky. Dinner will be a farewell but also presents itself as the perfect occasion for fact-checking and revision with the whale expert, leaving you prepared for the experiences the following days will present.

Day 11

Camarones

Your final stop off in Patagonia will be on the shores of Estancia El Sauce, a quaint, family-run working estancia situated in the lovely Rocha region. With extensive cattle grasslands, marshes, and rice fields. Today focuses on the exploration of the wild Patagonian Ocean, viewing the outstanding beauty from different natural viewpoints. Led by local guides, you will explore the most fantastic corners of the Estancia as you will walk along the rocky outcrops alongside trails observing the geological formation and scars left by the passage of time.

Day 12

Camarones - Buenos Aires

This day is the last chance to enjoy the wind and aromas of this incredible corner of Atlantic Patagonia. It's time to leave for Trelew and take the flight back to Buenos Aires where the Big City awaits you. In the evening, share an incredible farewell dinner with some of our hosts and the Onesixth Expeditions crew, for a chance to say goodbye until the next adventure.

Day 13

Beunos Aires

After a delicious breakfast, you will be transferred from your hotel to Ezeiza International airport within plenty of time for your onward flight. Wave a fond farewell as your incredible impact journey in South America comes to an end.

TRIP DETAILS

This safari is run on a small group basis but is also available on a tailor-made basis/alternative dates. Please enquire below.

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