Why Punta Tombo is the Best Place to See Penguins in Argentina

If you're planning to travel to Argentina and want to see penguins in their natural habitat, you're in the right place! Patagonia, famous worldwide for its glaciers, vast horizons, and majestic wildlife, is now considered the ideal destination for spotting whales, penguins, sea lions, dolphins, guanacos, and much more.

Now, among the many places and things to do in Argentina, you've probably come across Ushuaia as the ideal destination to see penguins. However, it's important to know that it's not the only region in the country where you can spot these adorable creatures. Ushuaia has several factors to consider, which I will explain further below.

That's why I have a much more favorable and perhaps slightly more affordable option for you if you're looking to spot penguins and wildlife in the Argentine Patagonia. Stick around to learn why Punta Tombo might be the best place to see penguins in Argentina:

Visit Punta Tombo with a pre-booked tour from Puerto Madryn and enjoy an unforgettable experience / Daytours4u

What is Punta Tombo? 

Punta Tombo is a Protected Natural Area in Argentine Patagonia that spans approximately 210 hectares. Its main goal is to ensure the protection and conservation of the Magellanic Penguin breeding zone. Getting there is relatively easy, though it’s a bit far—about a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Puerto Madryn, in the province of Chubut, Argentina.

It features a trail known as the "penguin trail", a 3 km round trip where you can enjoy the natural landscape, which contrasts with the blue sea and the Patagonian steppe. Along the walk, you’ll find nests (holes in the ground), penguins resting after a long migration, walking around the trail, heading to the coast, and incubating their eggs. A truly Patagonian experience!

Travel Tip: Book your Tour to Punta Tombo's penguin reserve from Puerto Madryn.

Get up close to Magellanic Penguins in Argentina / Photo: Daytours4u

Reasons to See Penguins in Punta Tombo

Just so you know, Punta Tombo is home to the largest colony of Magellanic penguins in South America. Every year, from September to March, over half a million penguins arrive at the coast to nest and breed, allowing you to observe them caring for their chicks and engaging in natural behavior up close.

The marked trails let you walk with penguins safely. However, as a visitor, you must follow certain protocols to avoid disturbing their natural behavior. You’ll be very close to them, so be cautious—do not touch or feed them! If you’re lucky, you might also see guanacos (as I did), along with other species like seagulls and cormorants.

Discover penguins in their natural habitat, learn about their nature and species—prepare to be amazed! / source

You can visit the reserve on your own, or as I highly recommend, with a professional guide who will provide details about the penguins' behavior, important tips, and more.

And finally, while visiting Punta Tombo for the penguins, don’t miss the chance to explore what to do in the Valdés Peninsula, just an hour from Puerto Madryn. This peninsula is world-famous for southern right whale watching, dolphins, sea elephants, and even orcas in some cases. Here are a few more reasons to plan ahead for your visit during penguin season in Argentina.

Travel Tip: Book a whale-watching tour in Puerto Pirámides and see southern right whales in their natural habitat aboard semi-rigid boats!

Walk the penguin trails in Punta Tombo surrounded by penguins / Daytours4u

What’s the Difference Between Seeing Penguins in Punta Tombo and Ushuaia?

The itinerary you choose will depend on the activities you want to do in Ushuaia or Puerto Madryn. But when it comes to penguins specifically, here are some recommendations:

Access is much easier: In Punta Tombo, you can easily get there by booking a tour or renting a vehicle from Puerto Madryn. In Ushuaia, to reach Martillo Island, where you can see penguins, you’ll need to take a boat.

There’s a higher concentration of penguins: Punta Tombo receives a large number of penguins each year. In Ushuaia, the colonies are smaller and have a shorter season since the penguins arrive later and leave earlier.

Enjoy the landscapes at Punta Tombo Nature Reserve, surrounded by an intense blue sea and other species like guanacos / Daytours4u

You’ll have a closer experience: In Punta Tombo, you can walk along open trails where penguins freely cross in front of you in their natural habitat. In Ushuaia, your penguin-viewing experience may involve a boat trip to the penguin reserve, and it’s not always possible to do the famous penguin walk due to availability.

The weather is less cold: Punta Tombo's weather is much milder and drier, with many clear and sunny days. That said, don’t forget a windbreaker, and secure your hats and scarves because the winds can be strong. In Ushuaia, the weather is much colder and more extreme, especially in winter, so it’s always a good idea to bring a warm coat to be ready and enjoy the end of the world.

Travel Tip: Want to know how to book penguin tours at Martillo Island? Click here.

Learn why Punta Tombo is the best place to see penguins in Argentina / Daytours4u

Get Ready to Walk with Penguins in Patagonia!

Punta Tombo is the ideal destination if your goal is to walk with penguins in Argentina. It has **the largest penguin colony in the country**, is easily accessible, and with its mild climate and diverse wildlife, it makes for the perfect option to meet these adorable animals without hassle, with guaranteed excursions throughout the season. What are you waiting for? Plan your visit to Puerto Madryn now with Daytours4u.

By: Hasbleidy Chacón, travel enthusiast and content coordinator for Daytours4u.com.