When can you see penguins in Patagonia?

When it comes to Argentina penguins you have to head south to Patagonia. The Atlantic Coastline is a major breeding ground for penguins in Patagonia. They can be spotted from October through April when they return to the same location year after year to breed.

Where can you see penguins in Argentina?

The Punta Tombo nature reserve, in Puerto Madryn, is the best place to see penguins in Argentina, and one of the largest and most numerous continental colonies of Magellanic penguins. It is home to more than half a million penguins that you will fall in love with just by looking at them.

What animals can be seen in Punta Tombo National Preserve?

In the icy waters offshore are sealions, whales, dolphins and orcas. The reserve is dedicated to the protection of the timeless, vast and arid landscapes of the Patagonian Plateau; and is also home to Patagonian hares, foxes and martinetas and to a huge variety of sea birds along the coast.

How do you get to Punta Tombo?

How to get to Punta Tombo. The excursion to Punta Tombo is a one-day trip from either Puerto Madryn or Trelew, the two biggest towns in the area. You can join a tour from either, but we would recommend to rent a car and go for a road trip in the area for a couple of days instead.

Do penguins live in Patagonia?

The near threatened Magellanic penguin is iconic to coastal Patagonia and the most abundant seabird breeding on the coast of Argentina. About 1 million pairs of Magellanic penguins breed on the coast of Patagonia in over 60 colonies, with Punta Tombo the largest at around 200,000 breeding pairs.

When should I go to Punta Tombo?

The best time to see the penguins if you are visiting Punta Tombo is from October to February. In September is when the male magellanic penguins begin to arrive, to occupy the small caves or make a new one, to serve as a nest. Later, the females arrive and male penguins fight among themselves.

How long can a penguin stay at sea?

Gentoo penguins can reach a maximum dive depth of 200 m (656 ft.) although dives are usually from 20 to 100 m (66 to 328 ft.). Adélie penguins have been recorded staying under water for nearly six minutes, although most dives are much shorter.

How many penguins are there in Punta Tombo?

Punta Tombo National Reserve has traditionally been home to more than 500,000 penguin pairs. Between parents and babies, this means that there are typically far more than one million penguins in Punta Tombo during the nesting season. Over the past 25 seasons, the penguin numbers in Punta Tombo have declined by about 20%.

How to get to Punta Tombo?

– At 7 Km. you get to the crossing with prov. Route 1, that leads to Punta Tombo. – The last part is 20 Km. gravel road so, although it is well maintained during the penguins season, special care must be taken when driving along these type of routes, respecting the speed limit of 60 Km./h.

Punta Tombo, Argentina is home to the Magellanic Penguin Rookery where visitors can stroll among the largest penguin colony outside of Antarctica. Each year, the rocky shores of Punta Tombo, Argentina in the wilds of Patagonia welcome a magnificent site.

When do the penguins come to Patagonia?

Learn how can you make the most of your visit to the land of the Elegant Gentlemen. Every year, along with the warm and longer days of Spring, the penguins arrive at the Patagonia coasts.