Valdés Peninsula

The Valdés peninsula, on the Atlantic coast north of Trelew, is known for whale-watching (in the bay near Puerto Madryn), and also penguins, sea lions and elephant seals. The best time of year for southern right whales is July to October (March and April for killer whales). Valdés is also one of the few places where you have a good chance of seeing the Patagonian hare (mara), especially if you stay at one of the estancias on the peninsula itself.

Our preferred accommodation

Bahía Bustamante Lodge

Lodge/Hosteria - Bahía Bustamante
A remote lodge on the Atlantic coast of Patagonia's Chubut province, in an area famous for its wildlife and unspoilt beauty. Settlers first arrived in this distant corner of Argentina to harvest seaweed, but Bahia Bustamante is now a private wildlife sanctuary, primarily focused on tourism and conservation and the production of sustainable wool. Electricity is provided by solar panels and wind power, which runs from 10am until 11pm. Wi-Fi is available in the common areas including the restaurant, which is where all meals are served.
Estancia Rincón Chico

Estancia/Ranch - Punta Delgada
A family run estancia 7km from Punta Delgada, and one of the first sheep ranches established in 1880 by Spanish settlers. It has a lovely sitting room with an open fire place, typical furnishings, lots of books and excellent views out across the farm. There is a small dining room with an amazing selection of wine and the food is very good.
Las Restingas Hotel de Mar

Beach hotel - Puerto Pirámides
A smart, beach-front hotel in the centre of the village with a good restaurant. There is a Spa room upstairs with a pool and treatment rooms, and several very comfortable sitting areas around the hotel for reading and relaxing. The outside bar is great for a drink to watch the sun go down.
Posada Los Mimbres

Inn/Posada - Gaiman
On a 53 hectare farm just 6km from the town of Gaiman in the green Chubut valley. The original house dates from 1879 and has been lovingly converted into guest accommodation. Meals are home-cooked using local produce and a peaceful river runs along the back of the garden. The sitting room is full of interesting books about the local area and Patagonia in general.