Things To Do in Puerto Madryn

Things To Do in Puerto Madryn: Wildlife, Penguins & More

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Puerto Madryn is one of the best destinations in Argentina for wildlife lovers. This small coastal town is famous for its whales, penguins, and marine life, making it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.

I spent 2 days in Puerto Madryn during my two-week Argentina trip—arriving after Buenos Aires before continuing further south into Patagonia. As a passionate birdwatcher and wildlife enthusiast, I had high expectations, but nothing could have prepared me for the incredible encounters I had here. Seeing penguins in Punta Tombo was a dream come true, and spotting wildlife in Peninsula Valdés felt like stepping into a nature documentary. Make sure you don’t forget your camera as you explore this area.

If you’re wondering what to do in Puerto Madryn, here’s how to make the most of your trip.

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Recommended Tours

Don’t have time to read the whole article? Here are my top recommendations for tours, if you only have 2 days in Puerto Madryn:
Peninsula Valdes – explore the area and see elephant seals, sea lions, and more.
Punta Tombo – want to see penguins? This is the best tour to do so!

How to Get to Puerto Madryn

  • By Plane – Fly into El Tehuelche Airport (PMY), 10 km from the town. A more common route is flying to Trelew (REL), 45 minutes away, with more frequent flights.
  • By Bus – Argentina’s long-distance buses connect Puerto Madryn with Buenos Aires (20+ hours), Bariloche, and other Patagonian destinations.
  • By Car – Renting a car allows you to explore Peninsula Valdés at your own pace.

What to Do in Puerto Madryn: Best Activities

The town itself is small but has a charming waterfront, great food, and a laid-back atmosphere. But the real draw? The Wildlife. If you love marine animals and have been thinking about starting birdwatching, Puerto Madryn belongs on your itinerary when visiting Argentina.

Magellanic Penguin Smiling

Visit Peninsula Valdés (Top Wildlife Destination)

If you love wildlife, Peninsula Valdés is the best place to see sea lions, elephant seals, guanacos, rheas, and even orcas. The moment I arrived, it was clear this was no ordinary nature reserve—it was one of the most biodiverse places I had ever visited.

Peninsula Valdes

I went on a guided tour and spent a day exploring the vast, open landscapes of the peninsula. I spotted guanacos grazing by the road and rheas darting through the brush. But the real highlight? The sea lion and elephant seal colonies lounging on the beaches.

Guanacos

What’s the best time to go and see certain wildlife in Puerto Madryn? Here’s the best of the seasons:

  • Whale Watching (June–December): From June to December, Southern Right Whales migrate to the region to breed. While I wasn’t there during whale season, I met travelers who had seen them from the shore. There are fantastic tours to get up close to the whales if you are lucky.
  • Orca Sightings (March–April): The peninsula is famous for its orcas hunting sea lions on the beaches—something you won’t see anywhere else. If you time your visit right, it’s an unforgettable sight.
  • Punta Norte & Caleta Valdés: These are the best spots for sea lions and elephant seals. Seeing massive elephant seals battling for dominance was surreal—they’re huge, and their deep, growling calls echo across the beach.
Elephant Seals Family

Day Trip to Punta Tombo – Walking Among Penguins

Visiting Punta Tombo was one of the first incredible wildlife experiences I had ever had. I had never seen penguins in the wild, and suddenly, I was surrounded by hundreds of them.

Punta Tombo View

Punta Tombo is home to Argentina’s largest Magellanic penguin colony, with over half a million penguins during peak season. The best part? You walk right among them—they waddle across the paths, rest in the bushes, and go about their day as if humans aren’t even there.

Magellanic Penguins
  • Penguin Season: The penguins arrive in September and stay until April. The best months are October–March when you can see adults and chicks.
  • How to Get There: It’s a 2.5-hour drive south of Puerto Madryn. Guided tours are available and are my preference, as you can sit and relax and get valuable information!
  • What to Expect: A designated trail winds through the colony, keeping a safe distance while allowing for incredible close-up views.

Seeing penguins in Puerto Madryn was the highlight of my trip. If you love wildlife, don’t skip this day trip.

Magellanic Penguin Napping

Relax in Puerto Madryn’s Town Center

The town itself is small but has a relaxed atmosphere, scenic waterfront, and a few great cafés and sandy beaches. For a great atmosphere, visit the Lizard Café. This was one of my favorite spots for a meal and drink. If you want a great treat, then try Bomke Ice Cream, a must-visit for dessert and ice cream!

Puerto Madryn Sunset View

Go Snorkeling or Diving with Sea Lions

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can swim with sea lions at Punta Loma. The playful pups get close but you will be totally safe.

Elephant Seals

Visit the EcoCentro

The EcoCentro is a small but interesting museum about marine life, conservation, and Patagonia’s ecosystems. If you have time, it is worth factoring it into your visit.

FAQs About Things To Do in Puerto Madryn

Yes—if you love wildlife and nature, Puerto Madryn is one of the best places in Argentina for marine life, penguins, and whale watching.

2 days in Puerto Madryn is enough to see the highlights—Peninsula Valdés and Punta Tombo. If you want to explore more or go diving, 3–4 days is ideal.

The best time for whale watching is June–December when Southern Right Whales migrate to the area.

It helps, especially if you plan to visit Peninsula Valdés and Punta Tombo. However, I did not have a car when I visited and it was worth it to do the guided tours.

The Magellanic penguins arrive in September and stay until April. The best months to see them with chicks are October–March.

  • Summer (Dec–Feb): Warm, 75–85°F (24–29°C)
  • Winter (June–Aug): Cool, 45–55°F (7–13°C)
  • Spring/Fall: Mild, 55–70°F (13–21°C)

Peninsula Valdes View

Final Thoughts: Why Visit Puerto Madryn?

Puerto Madryn is one of the best wildlife destinations in Argentina. Whether you’re spotting whales in Peninsula Valdés or walking among penguins in Punta Tombo, there are many things to do in Puerto Madryn to experience the area.

If you’re planning a Patagonia itinerary, make room for 2 days in Puerto Madryn—you won’t regret it. Of course, there are many other places to visit in Argentina like Ushuaia, El Calafate, Mendoza, and Iguazu Falls. It’s a big country, so make sure you plan your trip well!

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Melanie is the founder of The World Travel Girl. She has been traveling for over 12 years and decided to share her passion with others. She is a travel writer and travel planner who also loves hiking, birdwatching and watching wildlife. Her mission is to help every day people explore the outdoor world and connect with nature.

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