Location: Puerto Madryn
Top Things to do in Puerto Madryn
Top 10 Things to do in Puerto Madryn, Argentina
Puerto Madryn is protected by the Golfo Nuevo, which is formed by Península Valdés and Punta Ninfas, and is one of the most sheltered places on the Patagonian coast. With five kilometers of beaches bordering the city, Puerto Madryn is the gateway to many other attractions in Argentina. Top among them is Valdes Peninsula Nature Reserve, a UNESCO heritage site since 1999.
Restaurants in Puerto Madryn
1. Peninsula Valdes
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 813 reviews
Reviewed By Daniel B - Washington Dc, District Of Columbia
I have been here various times. It is superb! Unfortunately every different site is distant from the other. And when you get there, you are no longer allowed to get close to penguins, sea lions, elephant seals and so much more. You see it all from a distance which detracts considerably from what you expect to see and do. Nonetheless: a destination to go. Ideally car or 4X4. No bikes nor motorcycles, nor camping.
2. Playa El Doradillo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Martin N - El Calafate
For those traveling on a budget or those who simply don't fancy the idea of the boat ride to go whale watching, the Doradillo beach is an excellent choice. Only a ten minute drive from town, you can watch the whales from the beach really close. What's more, it's supposed to be an area where they mate. I was lucky to see it and it's sublime! Five thumbs up top this option.
3. Playa La Cantera
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 223 reviews
Reviewed By Petra K - Prague, Czech Republic
You can walk around have some mate or go for a run and do some whale watching :-). In september when they are mating are they very close to the beach and are very active .. :) You can also sit in a restaurant nearby and what them while having a good meal :)
4. Estancia San Lorenzo, Pinguins Land
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 199 reviews
Reviewed By JG_LGC - Jaipur, India
Visited when (Megallinic) legions were nesting (incubating egg(s)) so most were pretty still in their burrows/holes in the dunes with very few moving around. Having said that, this was still fascinating especially if you haven't seen pensions in natural setting before.
There is a marked pathway around the colony (to minimise disturbance) but since the penguins are unaware of this, it is not unusual to find some nesting on the path (watch out for the rocks that show this is the case) or even find a Penguin wandering directly in front of you; these truly are wonderful creatures!
Our visit ok included a "lamb bar-b-q) at the nearby farm/home and this was a great end before the journey back to Puertro Madryn.
It's a long journey and a large chunk of that is over a gravel road but that allows plenty of opportunities to see the steppe with additional animal spotting.
5. Costas de Patagonia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 198 reviews
Reviewed By Globebugs - Australia
Drive or get walking anywhere along the coastline of this amazing part of Argentina and you will feel a sense of tranquillity unlike any other shoreline. This area is quite remote and has a rugged landscape with dunes, shoals, cliffs and temperate waters with quite a strong current.
It’s dry, almost desert like and combined with the colour of the ocean the scenery is magical. Take a guide or walk as we did, along one of the many Beaches that are not off limits to humans - bring binoculars, you will still see all kinds of wildlife that call this stunning area their home.
Enjoy your experience!
6. Loberia de Punta Loma
Overall Ratings
4 based on 917 reviews
Reviewed By hotwxsearch - Christchurch
Fantastic views here via a short walk from the carpark. We weren’t asked for any entrance money. Great facilities, some information and viewing platform overlooking the Colony. We saw males, females and young pups, with some swimming. The males were challenging each other. The drive was easy, and you can drive via Ecocentre easily, it’s not far, maybe 10 minutes on a sealed then gravel road.
7. Museo Provincial de Ciencias Naturales y Oceanografico
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 409 reviews
Reviewed By Robert A - Anthem, Arizona
Sufficient reason to visit this museo is the wonderful preserved three story plus lookout house and super curved staircase. The museo contents are precious too, even if aging...the free admission, though very kind, probably makes improvements difficult. You can visit here for a well spent half-hour when in the center of Puerto Madryn, a safe easy walk from the central waterfront.
8. Centro De Visitantes Istmo Ameghino
Overall Ratings
4 based on 662 reviews
Reviewed By Tigerman777
This was our first stop to appreciate Peninsula Valdez more. Very worthwhile to learn the history of the area. There are displays explaining the geology of the surroundings. They have a skeleton of a majestic Southern Right whale, not as large as the REALLY big whales, but still large. There are posters of animals, birds and plants you could see in the area. Quite a large variety. There is a gift shop to buy something to remember your visit. They also have a viewing tower you can climb to see the peninsula. Nice view. This place is definitely good for children to learn.
9. Muelle Luis Piedra Buena
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 95 reviews
Reviewed By starshine99 - starshine99
If it is really sunny taking an umbrella is good. There are local Ferries coming and going and it is interesting to see how they tie up their ropes and put the gangplank out.
10. Punta Tombo
Overall Ratings
5 based on 43 reviews
Reviewed By ACL3112 - UK
The Penguin colony is wonderful beyond words - it's a long drive from Puerto Madryn (app 2 hours) but it is worth it. Punta Tombo is a brilliant Penguin colony, there are wooden walk ways which allow you to walk close to the penguins. Don't spend too much time near the entrance if your time is limited - you see the first ever so cute Penguin and you linger - but: the best place is the area around the rocks on the beach.
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