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Magellanic Penguin, Peninsula Valdes, Patagonia, Argentina

Peninsula Valdes

An outlying hideaway for an assortment of marine mammals and bird species, Peninsula Valdes is a UNESCO recognised nature reserve on the Patagonian coast of Argentina that provides sanctuary to whales, sea lions and elephant seals amongst others.

A site of global significance, Peninsula Valdes is an important breeding site for endangered southern right whales, southern sea lions and southern elephant seals. Joined by Patagonia by only a narrow collar, it is a peninsula of rocky outcrops, windswept beaches and sheltered bays. Interestingly, and of particular scientific interest, the orca whales that inhabit the ocean have developed an extraordinary hunting strategy to accommodate the coastal conditions.

Whale Peninsula, Valdes, Argentina — Valdes, Argentina

A little more about Peninsula Valdes

While the coastline and ocean are inhabited by an array of Magellanic penguins, elephant seals, sea lions, whales and almost 200 bird species including cormorants, terns and albatrosses, the interior of the peninsula is home to a plethora of guanacos, maras and rheas. A large chunk of land with roads of variable condition, a journey to Peninsula Valdes is a truly exploratory experience.

Experiences

What do you really love doing? We curate your itinerary especially for you

Gauchos and herds of cows, Patagonia, Argentina

Try Ranching

Lend a hand with livestock on a family-run ranch to experience the lifestyle of the local communities.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Peninsula Valdes, Argentina

Travel to Chubut Valley

Visit the remarkable valley that is home to a 19th century Welsh settlement, where cream teas are served and Welsh songs sung.

Magellanic Penguin, Peninsula Valdes, Patagonia, Argentina

Wildlife Adventures

Take a boat trip to search for penguins, whales elephant seals and sea lions, or hike on off-the-beaten-track wildlife trails in search of guanacos and rheas.

Peninsula Valdes coastline, Argentina

Coastal Horse Riding

Ride on wild-looking horses across the arid coastline, watching for guanacos, rheas, armadillos and Patagonian hares.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Group tour

Ultimate Antarctica, South Georgia & Falkland Islands

This in-depth exploration of the Falkland Islands, South Georgia Island and Antarctica is an extraordinary option for expedition cruising.

Departing 10th January 2026

21 days from $33,410pp

King Penguins, Beach, South Georgia Islands, Antarctica

Idea

Gaucho Festival

Experience the raw traditions of Argentina during the annual Guacho Festival in San Antonio de Areco, watching cowboy rodeos and tucking in to asados by day and returning to a cosy Relais & Chateaux estancia by night.

7 days from $2,690pp

Gaucho Festival, Argentina

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Group tour

Cross the Antarctic Circle

Travelling further south down the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula, this journey is ideally suited to those who are keen to really maximise their time on the White Continent and travel where few others go.

Departing 4th February 2026

14 days from $16,210pp

Kayaking in Antarctica

Idea

Honeymoon in Argentina & Brazil

Meander from the lush vineyards of Argentina to the dazzling coastline of Brazil, staying in two romantic and secluded properties that boast private plunge pools and exclusive island dining.

11 days from $5,910pp

Villa, Cavas Wine Lodge, Mendoza, Argentina

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Idea

Highlights of Argentina

From the crashing Iguazu Falls of its northernmost tip to the Perito Moreno Glacier of its Patagonian south, this Argentinian discovery takes in some of the country’s most iconic highlights with remote estancia stays to boot.

12 days from $4,480pp

Iguazu Falls, Argentina

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Idea

Self-Drive Mendoza & the Lake District

With time allotted to exploring the sophisticated capital of Buenos Aires and staying in a wineland lodge, embark on a self-drive adventure through the Argentinian Lake District to see its dazzling blue pools and snow-capped peaks.

15 days from $6,875pp

Lake Victoria, Bariloche, Argentina

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Idea

Chile & Argentina – Cruise the Patagonian Fjords

Journey through the fjords and channels of southern Patagonia, via Cape Horn and Tierra del Fuego, to the tip of South America, before exploring the glaciers and soaring peaks of Argentina.

10 days from $6,955pp

View across water to Darwin Range of mountains, Australis Cruise, Fjords of Tierra del Fuego, Patagonia

Idea

Wildlife & Wilderness in the Ibera Wetlands

Witness the wildlife and wilderness of Argentina, travelling to a remote and rarely visited Ibera Wetlands eco-estancia in search of the region’s most elusive creatures.

8 days from $3,885pp

Boardwalk over wetlands in Nature Reserve Esteros del Ibera, Argentina

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Idea

Lake District & the Old Patagonian Express

From the picturesque Lake District of the north to the wild glaciers of the south and the soaring Andes of the west to the wildlife-rich Atlantic of the east, this journey traverses the extremes of Argentinian Patagonia.

16 days from $8,900pp

Old Patagonian Express Railway, Argentina

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Idea

Deserts & Gauchos of Northwest Argentina

Embark on an extraordinary desert adventure by 4×4. In the company of a private guide, travel deep into the heart of northwest Argentina on an off-piste and mostly unpaved road journey through epic and remote landscapes.

12 days from $5,845pp

Salar de Antofalla, NW Argentina

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Need Inspiration?
Browse our Argentina holiday ideas.

Our experts have created and curated these holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something to spark ideas for a unique adventure.

Group tour

Ultimate Antarctica, South Georgia & Falkland Islands

This in-depth exploration of the Falkland Islands, South Georgia Island and Antarctica is an extraordinary option for expedition cruising.

Departing 10th January 2026

21 days from $33,410pp

King Penguins, Beach, South Georgia Islands, Antarctica

Idea

Gaucho Festival

Experience the raw traditions of Argentina during the annual Guacho Festival in San Antonio de Areco, watching cowboy rodeos and tucking in to asados by day and returning to a cosy Relais & Chateaux estancia by night.

7 days from $2,690pp

Gaucho Festival, Argentina

View Holiday Idea

Group tour

Cross the Antarctic Circle

Travelling further south down the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula, this journey is ideally suited to those who are keen to really maximise their time on the White Continent and travel where few others go.

Departing 4th February 2026

14 days from $16,210pp

Kayaking in Antarctica

Idea

Honeymoon in Argentina & Brazil

Meander from the lush vineyards of Argentina to the dazzling coastline of Brazil, staying in two romantic and secluded properties that boast private plunge pools and exclusive island dining.

11 days from $5,910pp

Villa, Cavas Wine Lodge, Mendoza, Argentina

View Holiday Idea

Idea

Highlights of Argentina

From the crashing Iguazu Falls of its northernmost tip to the Perito Moreno Glacier of its Patagonian south, this Argentinian discovery takes in some of the country’s most iconic highlights with remote estancia stays to boot.

12 days from $4,480pp

Iguazu Falls, Argentina

View Holiday Idea

Idea

Self-Drive Mendoza & the Lake District

With time allotted to exploring the sophisticated capital of Buenos Aires and staying in a wineland lodge, embark on a self-drive adventure through the Argentinian Lake District to see its dazzling blue pools and snow-capped peaks.

15 days from $6,875pp

Lake Victoria, Bariloche, Argentina

View Holiday Idea

Idea

Chile & Argentina – Cruise the Patagonian Fjords

Journey through the fjords and channels of southern Patagonia, via Cape Horn and Tierra del Fuego, to the tip of South America, before exploring the glaciers and soaring peaks of Argentina.

10 days from $6,955pp

View across water to Darwin Range of mountains, Australis Cruise, Fjords of Tierra del Fuego, Patagonia

Idea

Wildlife & Wilderness in the Ibera Wetlands

Witness the wildlife and wilderness of Argentina, travelling to a remote and rarely visited Ibera Wetlands eco-estancia in search of the region’s most elusive creatures.

8 days from $3,885pp

Boardwalk over wetlands in Nature Reserve Esteros del Ibera, Argentina

View Holiday Idea

Idea

Lake District & the Old Patagonian Express

From the picturesque Lake District of the north to the wild glaciers of the south and the soaring Andes of the west to the wildlife-rich Atlantic of the east, this journey traverses the extremes of Argentinian Patagonia.

16 days from $8,900pp

Old Patagonian Express Railway, Argentina

View Holiday Idea

Idea

Deserts & Gauchos of Northwest Argentina

Embark on an extraordinary desert adventure by 4×4. In the company of a private guide, travel deep into the heart of northwest Argentina on an off-piste and mostly unpaved road journey through epic and remote landscapes.

12 days from $5,845pp

Salar de Antofalla, NW Argentina

View Holiday Idea

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Estancia Rincon Chico, Peninsula Valdes, Patagonia, Argentina

Where to stay

Estancia Rincon Chico

The most significant marine mammal sanctuary in the world, Estancia Rincon Chico is an exclusive and utterly isolated wildlife-centric hideaway that sits within a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve.

One of the most biodiverse marine environments on the planet, the property is flanked on one side by the Patagonia Sea, with its resident populations of orca whales, elephant seals and penguins, and on the other by the steppe and its native terrestrial mammals. Whether by boat, 4×4, horseback or foot, guests of the estancia can discover this last frontier of wilderness in an authentic and memorable way.

Meet our experts

A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

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Paul Bird

Paul has visited Argentina several times, taking in everything from the mighty Iguazu Falls to the dazzling Perito Merino Glacier. According to him, any country that boasts one of Earth’s most dramatic waterfalls, magnificent salt flats, exquisite wines and a vibrant capital is more than worth a visit.

Talk with our experts

1(800)272-4163

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Sue Grimwood

In the late ’90s, I booked myself on an expeditionary voyage into the Antarctic Circle and was instantly hooked. Since then, I’ve returned to Antarctica a number of times and ventured deep into the Arctic – from Svalbard to the Russian and Canadian Arctic – always chasing that same sense of wonder. It’s this rare personal experience of the world’s polar extremes that I bring to every journey I plan.

Talk with our experts

1(800)272-4163

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