Discover Atlantic Patagonia's wildlife by sea kayak with MTS favorite Joe Toback

New for 2011!

Known as “Atlantic Patagonia”, the Peninsula Valdés showcases miles of flourishing coastline—where southern right whales give birth and colonies of Magellanic penguins and southern elephant seals thrive—a vibrant counterpoint to the Patagonia familiar to hikers. We’ll explore this rich ecosystem in kayaks as we hug the coast of one of the world’s most treasured wildlife habitats, named by UNESCO as a world heritage site. Motorized tour boats are forbidden in the aea where we'll be kayaking. We’ll explore this region's many natural treasures by paddling the waters of Provincial Marine Park Golfo San José, taking a road tour around the Valdés Nature Reserve, and experiencing a classic on-board whale watching excursion.

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Activities

Sea kayaking, touring

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Kayak in the home of the world's largest population of Southern right whales. Up close wildlife encounters.
• Watch for resident and migrating sea and shore birds, including cormorants, oystercatchers, petrels and snowy sheathbills, as well as steppe wildlife: guanacos, rheas, armadillos, and foxes
• Wilderness camps are nestled along isolated beaches, so we'll feel like we have the whole peninsula to ourselves!

Duration: 10 days Start Location: Buenos Aires End Location: Buenos Aires

BRIEF Itinerary

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  Day 1 : Arrive in Buenos Aires

  Arrive at Ezeiza International Airport in Buenos Aires, the largest city in Argentina and one of South America’s foremost cultural capitals. Our bilingual guide will assist you in transferring to the Boutique Recoleta Hotel, where you will check in and have the remainder of the day free to explore this cosmopolitan city.

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  Day 2 : Puerto Piramides

  Fly to Trelew, Argentina. Transfer to Puerto Pirámides in the Peninsula Valdés Nature Reserve. Afternoon whale watching by boat.

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  Day 3 : San José Gulf

  Drive to Punta Tehuelche, on the San José Gulf, and begin our kayaking adventure!

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  Day 4 : Cerro Monticulo & Playa Fracaso

  Kayaking along the coastline of San José Gulf. Visit and birdwatching in the Playa Fracaso wetland.

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  Day 5 : Beach El 39

  Paddle to Beach El 39, a southern right whale research area. Visit a field lab devoted to the study of southern right whales, followed by a sunset kayaking excursion. End the day with a traditional Patagonian lamb dinner.

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  Day 6 : Punta Conos & El Puente

  Our biggest kayaking day. Paddle past low beachside restinga forests, and through a bridge-like marine rock formation. Visit southern sea lion colony aboard the kayaks, and return to camp at El 39.

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  Day 7 : Layover at El 39

  Free day to relax in camp or explore the area around Beach 39.

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  Day 8 : Tour of Peninsula Valdés

  Break camp and begin lan tour of the Penisula Valdés. Overnight at the Estancia Rincon Chico.

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  Day 9 : Elephant seals and whales, return to Buenos Aires

  Morning visit to an elephant seal colony. Afternoon transfer to Puerto Pirámides for one last whale-watching excursion before returning to Buenos Aires via Trelew.

• Day 10 : Departure

  Depart on international flight back home from Buenos Aires.

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  Loi Suites Recoleta

  This five star hotel is located in the most elegant area of the city, at walking distance from museums, art galleries, shopping areas, historical architecture and beautiful parks.

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  Estancia Rincon Chico

  
  

Properties shown are representative of the accommodations we use on this trip, may not be inclusive of all accommodations we use, and are subject to change.

Expert leadership is the key to an exciting, unforgettable experience. Our trips feature gifted leaders for whom leading trips is a true vocation. Besides showing you wonders you'd never find on your own, they make sure everything runs smoothly and safely without a hitch. They are knowledgeable about all aspects of your trip, and take great pleasure in sharing their insights with you. More than just guides, they positively elevate your experience by being teachers, companions, and the best of friends. You'll be in good hands with them every step of the way.

• Joe Toback

  Joe fell in love with the outdoors as a kid growing up in California where he backpacked, cycled, and paddled at every possible opportunity. In 1983 he discovered sea kayaking as a means of traveling to exotic destinations. After taking part in MTS exploratories to Irian Jaya and Vietnam’s Halong Bay, he began guiding trips for MTS in 1995. Since then he has led trips back to Vietnam, to the wine-growing regions of Portugal, to the Ionian Islands of Greece, the San Blas Islands in Panama, as well as the Mergui Archipelago of Myanmar. “My passion for traveling to new places, for new cultural encounters, grows with each experience. I cherish the opportunity to feel like a child again, to explore my dreams, to learn about the world from people along the way.”

photo credits: ©MTS Photo File