Argentina, whales and orcas on the Valdés Peninsula

BUENOS AIRES
A city of a thousand faces, 48 barrios with varied architecture, a cultural diversity shaped by successive waves of immigration throughout its history. Buenos Aires is passionate, enthralling and endearing.

One glance and the charm takes hold. Buenos Aires deserves to be lingered over.

TRELEW – VALDÉS PENINSULA – PUERTO PIRAMIDES
An early morning departure to fly to Trelew. Your guide meets you at the airport and drives you to Puerto Piramides, the only village on this 4,000 km² peninsula and gateway to the Valdés Peninsula. Boarding on a semi-submersible vessel, the spectacle begins: you move between the underwater cabin and the outer deck to watch southern right whales in their own world, breaching in majestic leaps.

The southern right whale season opens as they flee the cold waters of Antarctica, running from June through December.

ESTANCIA RINCON CHICO
On to Estancia Rincon Chico, on the southwestern coast of the peninsula. This haven of peace and quiet welcomes guests from September to late March. It is the prime location for observing this pristine environment, where elephant seals and sea lions come ashore to give birth.

Biologist and naturalist guides introduce you to this exceptional, well-preserved marine wildlife.

ESTANCIA LA ERNESTINA
Heading to the northern part of the peninsula.
La Ernestina opens its doors from October to early December, then again from March to May. Sea lions can be observed year-round, elephant seals come ashore to give birth in September and October, and from September to April there is a distinguished visitor: the Magellanic penguin.

And suddenly, in the distance… a fin, then two, then… black and white giants arrive to feed on the beach. The sight is extraordinary!

Caleta Valdés is the orcas’ favourite hunting ground in March and April. At high tide, they surge into the lagoon to feast on elephant seals dozing on the beach. Not for the faint of heart!

RETURN TO BUENOS AIRES
In the morning, you make the most of your last moments of wildlife watching on the beaches.
Return to Trelew airport, passing through the small port town of Puerto Madryn.

Flight to Buenos Aires and overnight stay there before your return flight to France the next day, or extend your stay at Estancia Bahia Bustamante.