Magellanic Penguins in Argentina

Location: Punta Tombo Nature Reserve, Chubut Province, Argentina 

Recommended by Sarah, Life Part 2 and Beyond 

How do I know it’s ethical?

The Punto Tombo Nature Reserve has been a protected site since 1979. The Magellanic Penguins come every year from southern Brazil to nest at Punto Tombo. The reserve is purely for the penguins’ benefit, and rangers ensure there is as little interaction between humans and penguins as possible. 

Do not be surprised, however, if the young adolescent penguins decide to come and sit with you for a while, but tempting as it is, do not reach out and touch. 

The rules are strict and followed – no touching or getting too close, especially to the nests, and avoid making loud noises. The penguins ignore all these rules and have the right of way if they choose to walk along the boardwalk. 

Description of the Experience

For most people visiting the nature park, the journey will start from Puerto Madryn, a seaside town and popular cruise stop in Chubut Province, but the city of Trelew is about an hour nearer to the penguins. 

Day tours are available from Puerto Madryn, Trelew, and Rawson, but it’s more fun and less restrictive to rent a car and do it yourself.

Once inside the park, you follow a three-kilometer walking path. Do not stray from this boardwalk. 

The modern Visitor Centre is well worth a visit and is full of fascinating information about the life of penguins. 

Although, in theory, it makes more sense to visit the visitor centre before heading out to see the penguins, there is very little shade in the park. So I suggest arriving early, walking the path, and hiding in the centre’s cool enclosure when it gets hot.

Also, before setting out to the nature reserve, check if there is a cruise ship in Puerto Madryn. Many cruise ship visitors will be taking a tour of the Punta Tombo Nature Reserve, but the experience is much better if you can avoid the crowds. 

The park is open daily from 08:00 to 18:00. Note that the penguins are out at sea from May to August, so best to visit the nature reserve is from September to April. 

Company/ Cost: 

The cost to visit the reserve is 1300 Argentine Pesos ($11) for adults, 600 ($5) Argentine Pesos for children aged 6 -11 years old, and free for children aged five and under.  

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This is one post on a series of ethical animal tourism posts by travel content creators. The experiences cover all seven continents and a variety of animals. Ensure that your animal experience is an ethical one.

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