Patagonia

.Peninsula Valdes, Lago Argentino & Glacier Country.

In the middle of Patagonia and along the coast there is a spectacular area noted for its abundance of sea mammals. This sheep producing land is home to Welsh settlers that have lived isolated from the rest of the world for over 100 years. Peninsula Valdes is the only known Continental breeding place for elephant seals, while Punta Tombo (from April to September), is home for up to five million Magellan Penguins. During these months, whales arrive at Puerto Piramide for cavorting, mating and birthing. This area is a nautre lover's dream come true, and is often referred to as the world's largest open-air zoo.

Lago Argentino is known as the "end of the world", where it is daylight for 19 to 20 hours each spring and the days dawn brightly at 3:30am. Nearby is the majestic Perito Moreno Glacier, remnant of the last Great Ice Age. At Punta Bandera, there is a thrilling motor launch cruise to the Upsala and Onelli glaciers.

4 Days - Peninsula Valdes (Open Air Zoo)

Day 1: Arrive Trelew/Puerto Madryn

Fly to Trelew, where Welsh settlers have lived for many years isolated from the rest of the world. Then drive to Puerto Madryn, situated over the Golfo Nuevo, close to the Valdes Peninsula. Stay at the Peninsula Valdes Hotel.

Day 2: Excursion to Peninsula Valdes

Drive from Puerto Madryn to Peninsula Valdes. First visit the Isthmas Carlos Ameghino to view the gulfs Nuevo, San Jose and the Isla de los Pajaros. In the breeding season, there is an abundance of seagulls, flamingos, herons, cormorants, oystercatchers, ducks, shorebirds and penguins. Continue to Puerto Piramide, seasonal home to Right Whales and other mammals of Patagonia. In the winter and spring, the whales are in their breeding season and you may watch mothers with their calves.

3 Days: Excursion to Punta Tombo

Spend a fascinating day visiting the penguin nesting center at Punta Tombo. You start by crossing the Patagonian landscape, watching ostriches, maras, guanacos and other small animals. At Punta Tombo, see the world's largest Mangellnic Penguin colony. From September to mid-April, between three and five million penguins gather here to hatch their young on this barren part of the coast. These colonies are under protection, which is why the animals seem tame.

Day 4: Puerto Madryn/Trelew/Depart

Following an early breakfast, there will be a short hike to the San Franciso River for canoeing through the quiet waters. This canoeing expedition is very secure as the river meanders gently down current. Observe wildlife from a very close distance, since the fauna is more active in the early morning. Return to the lodge for lunch. There are afternoon wildlife excursions to the various observation trails and in the early evening, there is a walk to one of the observation towers for night game viewing.

Peninsula Valdes & El Calafate - 5 Days

After breakfast, there is time for more game viewing or relaxing at the pool area. Following a farewell lunch, drive back to "Puesto Tigre".