Punta Tombo

Roughly half a million Magellanic penguins flock to Punta Tombo every year to mate. Located about two hours south of Puerto Madryn by car in Atlantic Patagonia, Punta Tombo contains a variety of trails that visitors can follow into penguin habitats and observe their interactions. Recent visitors agree that this remote reserve is worth the trek and not just for flourishing fluffy-feathered penguins. Other native bird species, including cormorants and oystercatchers, nest across the region. If you visit between September and March, you may even catch sight of lounging seals and guanacos.

However, recent travelers warn that the distance from Puerto Madryn is farther than you might expect. "Very interesting for nature lovers but [it's] quite a trip to get there from Puerto Madryn […] you have to drive for hours," explains one TripAdvisor user.

Organized daytrips to Punta Tombo are available from Trelew and Puerto Madryn. You can reach Punto Tombo from Trelew via unpaved Route 1. Daily visiting hours are between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. with the last entrance at 6 p.m. Tour prices vary depending on the company and the type of excursion. For further information, consult Punta Tombo's official website.