Punta Tombo Penguin Reserve & Isla Escondida from Madryn

Pick-up in Puerto Madryn

Start your adventure early with a morning pick-up from your hotel. We’ll head south to explore two of Patagonia’s most captivating destinations: Isla Escondida and Punta Tombo, both home to an incredible diversity of wildlife.

📍 Isla Escondida

Our first stop is Isla Escondida, a pristine, untouched beach that serves as a natural refuge for elephant seals, the largest seal species in the world. From a prime vantage point, you’ll have the opportunity to observe these massive marine mammals as they lounge on the shore, interact, and move across the sand.

📍 Punta Tombo Interpretation Center & Nature Reserve

Before exploring the reserve, we’ll visit the Punta Tombo Interpretation Center, where you’ll learn about the region’s native flora and fauna. This interactive space features exhibits on the marine ecosystem and the diverse wildlife that inhabits Patagonia.

Next, we’ll head to the Punta Tombo Nature Reserve, home to the largest continental colony of Magellanic penguins. Every year, thousands of penguins arrive here to nest, mate, and raise their young before migrating north along the South American coast.

Walking among penguins

We’ll walk a 0.9 miles (1.5 km) interpretive trail leading to two scenic viewpoints overlooking the sea. Along the way, you’ll get up-close views of Magellanic penguins in their natural habitat, observing different stages of their life cycle depending on the season—digging nests, defending their territory, feeding their chicks, or molting their feathers.

Beyond penguins, the reserve is also home to a rich variety of native wildlife, including guanacos, maras, armadillos, rheas, and foxes, making this an even more immersive and unforgettable experience.

Return to Puerto Madryn

After a day filled with unforgettable experiences and stunning landscapes, we’ll head back to Puerto Madryn in the evening, arriving between 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM.