Bariloche and Peninsula Valdes Wildlife Watching Trip

Arrive in Puerto Madryn, the coastal town south of Buenos Aires known for its amazing wildlife sightseeing. Fly into the Puerto Madryn airport, and then head to the Punta Tombo penguin rookery, where you can see hundreds of Magellanic penguins waddle about on the beach. Then check in to the 3* Hotel Tolosa in Puerto Madryn, located just 200 meters from the city center and the beach.

After breakfast at the hotel, head out on a full day excursion to Peninsula Valdes, the wildlife refuge where you can spot whales, sea lions, sea elephants, and marine birds. Drive to the Carlos Ameghino Isthmus, a narrow piece of land between the San José Gulf and Nuevo Gulf. Also stop at Puerto Pirámides, where you can go whale watching Southern Right whales (June-December), and Punta Pirámide to see sea lions (December-March). Then continue to the Punta Delgada lighthouse, where you can have lunch and view the cliffs of this beautiful region. Next, see the Valdés Inlet, where there are huge sea elephants of about 1 to 3 tons and up to 6 meters long. On the return trip, stop at Birds Island, where there are telescopes for viewing flamingoes, gulls, petrels, and other birds.

Today, depart from the coast and head inland to Esquel by bus. Esquel is a small Patagonian town and the gateway to the Los Alerces National Park. Upon arrival in Esquel, transfer to the hotel and check into the 3* Hosteria Cumbres Blancas.

Have breakfast in the Esquel hotel, and then spend the day at your leisure. You may want to take the La Trochita Patagonia Express train, an optional scenic train ride.

After breakfast, your guide will take you on an 8 hour tour of Los Alerces National Park. The driver will take you on a scenic journey past Futalaufquen Lake, Arrayanes River, Verde Lake, Border Menendez River, Chucao Pier, and Menendez Lake. Thn visi the Alerzal Milenario, larch wood that is over 3000 years old, 60 meters high, and 2.6 meters in diameter. These forests, lakes, rivers, and glaciers will take your breath away. Return trip includes transportation to your hotel.

Continue exploring Argentina's gorgeous Patagonia region by heading to Bariloche, the gateway to the Patagonia Lake District. The bus journey takes you past more beautiful scenery and finishes at Nahuel Huapi Lake in Bariloche. Check in to your Bariloche hotel.

After breakfast, go on an 8 hour tour to Cerro Tronador, one of the iconic peaks in the Patagonia Lake District. Drive past picturesque lakes, verdant forests, crystal forests, and the Pampa del Huenuleo. The route follows the Manso River to the Pampa Linda. Nearby, visit the Ventisquero Negro Glacier, and then walk around the base of the Cerro Tronador volcano.

After time for lunch, return on the same route and transfer back to the hotel in Bariloche by late afternoon.

After breakfast at the Bariloche hotel, depart from Nahuel Huapi Lake to the Llao Llao region, visiting the San Eduardo Chapel, the Llao Llao Municipal Park, and Tacúl Village. Then visit a vista point with a beautiful panoramic view of the Moreno Lake. Next, visit Campanario Hill and take the ski-lift to the top of the hill. Enjoy views over the whole region from the cafeteria located at the summit.

Return to town and transfer back to Bariloche for your return flight or bus ride to your next destination.