Punta Tombo is a protected area on the coast of Chubut, about 180 km (112 miles) south of Puerto Madryn and 110 km from Trelew. Every spring hundreds of thousands of Magellanic penguins arrive to nest among the bushes and in burrows dug into the ground. A walkway lets you walk right through the colony without touching or disturbing the birds.
Punta Tombo penguin season, month by month
| Month | What happens |
|---|---|
| September | Males arrive and repair the nests |
| October | Females arrive, mating and egg laying (two eggs per nest) |
| November | Incubation, about 40 days |
| December–January | Chicks hatch: peak activity in the colony |
| February–March | Juveniles moult and start going to sea |
| April | Migration north, towards southern Brazil |
What the day looks like
- Pick-up at your hotel or the cruise pier between 7:30 and 8 am.
- Route 3 south, about 2 h 15 min drive.
- Walk along the boardwalks: 1 h 30 min to 2 h.
- Optional stop in Trelew (MEF dinosaur museum) or Gaiman (Welsh tea) on the way back.
- Back in Puerto Madryn between 4 and 6 pm.
Local tip: December and January are the best months for photos: every nest has chicks and adults walk to and from the sea all day.
Frequently asked questions
Punta Tombo or Valdes Peninsula for penguins?
Punta Tombo. Caleta Valdés on the peninsula has a smaller colony; Punta Tombo lets you walk among thousands of nests.
Can I touch the penguins?
No. Keep at least 1 meter (3 ft) away. Penguins have right of way on the paths.
Is Punta Tombo open all year?
No. The reserve opens in the penguin season, roughly September to April.
Visit the penguins
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