Observe the abundant wildlife in the naturally beautiful Patagonian steppe, highlighted by a leisurely walk among a large colony of Magellanic penguins.

After departing from the pier, you will settle in for an immensely scenic drive along the New Gulf and on to rugged Punta Ninfas on the Patagonian steppe. The vegetation here is shrubby, wind-blown and an ideal wildlife habitat. Gray fox, llama-like guanacas and various species of seabirds, including oystercatchers and albatrosses, are found in this dry landscape.

Even so, penguins are the star attractions in this part of Patagonian, as you will discover from your base at El Pedral Lodge. Perched on a cliff, the lodge was built in 1904 and some of the period furnishing still remain, including the mahogany dining table.

From here, you will head to a nearby Magellanic penguin rookery for an extended walk among these highly social birds. If you hear the penguins braying like donkeys, it is simply the way they seek mates.

You can expect to see the penguins tottering about, tending to their young, interacting with each other, and perhaps hunting small fish just offshore. A group of penguins floating in the ocean is called a raft; a group on land is sometimes called a waddle because of their awkward walk.

Later, you will walk through a ravine where you can observe fossils from the Cenozoic Era, estimated to be at least 30 million years old. Lunch at the lodge follows, after which you will return to the pier.

Travel to the scenic Estancia San Guillermo, a typical Patagonian ranch and get a glimpse of life in the vast countryside and stop for photos in Punta Loma, a breeding ground for sea lions. Your hosts at Estancia San Guillermo welcome you to their 7,400-acre ranch for a unique experience. This sheep ranch is surrounded by endless open countryside. You’ll see a wide variety of ranch animals and pets. In the sheep shed, sit down for presentation by the owners and their favorite household pets followed by a sheep shearing demonstration. Enjoy a tasty snack and free time to browse the souvenir shop. Stop at Punta Loma Reserve and from the lookout point, you’ll be able to see the permanent colony of sea lions lying on the rocks. The sea lions, when not sunning themselves on the beach, can be observed full of life in the water showing off their swimming skills.

Peninsula Valdez is one of the finest wildlife reserves in South America and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It provides an outstanding natural habitat for sea lions, elephant seals, fur seals and a variety of birds. Enjoy a brief stop at the small Visitors Center to view exhibits on the flora and fauna of the Peninsula. Visit Caleta Valdes on the eastern shore, a sheltered bay with a long gravel spit onto which elephant seals and others haul up in the spring. You’ll spend some time here to watch the wildlife from a distance. Nearby, there may be a possibility to view a very small and new penguin colony. A boxed lunch is provided. The access to the Sea Lion’s colony for large buses is closed due to the terrain’s conditions .

Discover Punta Tombo, home to the world’s largest nesting colony of Magellanic penguins in the company of a small group and comfort of an air conditioned mini-bus.

This is the largest penguin nesting ground in continental South America and from September through April this vast rookery and breeding area hosts hundreds of thousands of Magellanic penguins. With two nurturing parents foraging at sea and taking turns with their care, chicks thrive and start fledging in January.

Magellanic penguins mate with the same partner year after year and live approximately 25 years. Males reclaim the burrow from the previous year and wait to reconnect with their mates. You’ll have time to walk among the thousands of nests and marvel at this wonder of nature and these unforgettable birds. A boxed lunch is provided.

Drive to the old Welsh town of Gaiman, where traditional Welsh tea houses dot the farming landscape. The first settlers arrived here in 1865 and founded "New Wales". The small town now entices visitors by serving a classic Welsh tea in a charming Welsh home. You’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a cup of tea, or two, accompanied by pastries.

Peninsula Valdez is one of the finest wildlife reserves in South America and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It provides an outstanding natural habitat for sea lions, elephant seals, fur seals and a variety of birds. Enjoy a brief stop at the small Visitors Center to view exhibits on the flora and fauna of the Peninsula.

Visit Caleta Valdes on the eastern shore, a sheltered bay with a long gravel spit onto which elephant seals and others haul up in the spring. You’ll spend some time here to watch the wildlife from a distance. Nearby, there may be a possibility to view a very small and new penguin colony. Stop to watch one of the peninsula’s major sea lion colonies near Puerto Piramides. A boxed lunch is provided.

Explore Peninsula Valdes, one of the world’s finest nature reserves and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, traveling in a small group and the comfort of an air conditioned mini-bus.

Peninsula Valdez is one of the finest wildlife reserves in South America and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It provides an outstanding natural habitat for sea lions, elephant seals, fur seals and a variety of birds. Enjoy a brief stop at the small Visitors Center to view exhibits on the flora and fauna of the Peninsula.

Visit Caleta Valdes on the eastern shore, a sheltered bay with a long gravel spit onto which elephant seals and others haul up in the spring. You’ll spend some time here to watch the wildlife from a distance. Nearby, there may be a possibility to view a very small and new penguin colony. Stop to watch one of the peninsula’s major sea lion colonies near Puerto Piramides, where you'll also enjoy lunch.