Valdes Peninsula

Argentina may not be the first place that springs to mind for whale watching, but the Valdes Peninsula offers one of the world’s most remarkable marine spectacles. Between June and December, Southern Right Whales migrate to the sheltered waters of the peninsula to breed. This is one of the rare places on earth where these giants can be seen breaching from the beach. For a closer encounter, take a boat trip – some even feature glass bottoms for unique underwater views.

From March to April, the peninsula hosts another dramatic event: orcas beach themselves in a daring attempt to catch young sea lions as they enter the sea for the first time. This rare hunting technique is not observed anywhere else and draws photographers and researchers from around the globe. The peninsula also teems with elephant seals, dolphins, penguins, guanacos, rheas, and more, making it a bucket list destination for wildlife lovers. Adventurers can enjoy mountain biking, kayaking, diving, and snorkelling with sea lions, followed by fresh seafood in Puerto Madryn.

Nearby, the Welsh settlements of Chubut offer a curious cultural twist. Towns like Gaiman and Trelew still celebrate Welsh traditions and language – you can even enjoy a proper afternoon tea. The region is also a paleontologist’s dream: the world’s largest dinosaur remains were discovered here, and Trelew’s museum houses an impressive collection. South of these towns lies Punta Tombo, home to South America’s largest Magellanic penguin colony. It’s an unforgettable stop on a tailor-made Argentine adventure.