Routes · Americas

Nairobi to the Patagonian coast: Puerto Madryn and Península Valdés

Nairobi → Puerto Madryn → Península Valdés

Right whales, penguins & sea lions Best season (general guide): Jun–Dec (whales), Sep–Mar (penguins)

Península Valdés, on Argentina's Patagonian coast, is one of the best places in the world to watch southern right whales. This route spends three nights in Puerto Madryn and three on the peninsula. From Nairobi you'll connect through São Paulo or Buenos Aires. Puerto Madryn sits on a bay where whales come close to the shore in season. Welsh settlers arrived in the nineteenth century, and in Gaiman, nearby, tea houses still serve Welsh cakes.

How to pace it: Spend days one to three in Puerto Madryn: day one, the waterfront; day two, Punta Tombo penguins; day three, Gaiman tea houses. Then spend days four to six in Península Valdés: day four, drive to Puerto Pirámides; day five, whale-watching boat; day six, Punta Norte and Caleta Valdés.

Punta Tombo, south of Madryn, has one of the largest Magellanic penguin colonies in South America, and trails pass among the nests. Península Valdés, listed by UNESCO, protects right whales, elephant seals and sea lions. Boat trips leave from Puerto Pirámides to watch the whales. At Punta Norte, orcas sometimes hunt sea lions in the shallows, a rare sight in certain months.

June to December is the whale season, and September to March is best for penguins. Patagonian winds can be strong and cold, so pack a windproof jacket, a hat and gloves, even in spring. Bring binoculars for the wildlife. On the peninsula, distances between viewpoints are long, so start early and carry food and water. Whale-watching boats and penguin colonies follow strict rules on distance, which help protect the animals. In Puerto Madryn, the coastal path is a good place to watch the bay.

Good to know: A hire car or tours are needed, as distances are long and roads unpaved in places. Check boat times, as wind can cancel trips.

Seafood restaurants line the waterfront in Puerto Madryn, and evenings are long in summer, with late dinners and walks by the sea. Fill the fuel tank before each long drive.

Partner links may earn LarkTours a commission at no extra cost to you. Prices, availability and terms are set by each partner.