Península Valdés
Argentina Post-Tour Extension
November 25 - 29, 2005

WORLD CLASS BREEDING GROUNDS

Península Valdés natural reserve was created on March 11, 1983. It covers 400,000 hectares, including Punta Norte, Punta Delgada, Punta Pirámides, Caleta Valdés, Isla de los Pájaros and Isthmus Ameghino. The peninsula gives shelter to Southern Right Whales, elephant seals, sea lions and Magellanic penguins plus a large quantity of sea birds and both marine and land mammals. Península Valdés is a must-see for everyone who loves viewing wildlife in its natural habitat.
     In 1999 UNESCO granted the designation “World Heritage Site” to the Península Valdés in Patagonia. Their website describes it as “a site of global significance for the conservation of marine mammals. It is home to an important breeding population of the endangered southern right whale as well as important breeding populations of southern elephant seals and southern sea lions. The orcas in this area have developed a unique hunting strategy to adapt to local coastal conditions.”

ITINERARY

Friday, November 25, 2005
On to Península Valdés

After breakfast we bid farewell to the other group members and transfer to the airport for our flight to Trelew, departing Ushuaia at 11:26am and arriving in Trelew at 6:10pm after a change of planes in Buenos Aires (believe it or not, this is the most direct routing available). Upon arrival, transfer to our hotel and the remainder of the day is free to explore the town.     (Breakfast)

Saturday, November 26, 2005
Full Day Wildlife Tour

After breakfast this morning enjoy a full day visit to observe the wide-ranging wildlife on the Peninsula. Transfer to Puerto Piramides, where we take a boat trip for some whale-watching in the Nuevo Gulf. The Southern Right Whales congregate here during their breeding season between May and December. Visit the large colonies of elephant seals at the foot of the cliffs, as well as sea lions, cormorants, and other species (possibly guanacos, lesser rheas and Patagonian armadillos). Lunch will be at Punta Delgada Lighthouse Restaurant (beverages not included). You will have time to trek up to the beach to watch the sea lion colony. Return to our hotel for the evening.     (Breakfast / Lunch)

Sunday, November 27, 2005
Punta Tombo

Today visit Punta Tombo, home to the largest continental colony of Magellanic penguins in the Americas. More than 250,000 couples gather here from mid September through late January for breeding. In November expect to see a lot of activity within the rookery as most of the penguin chicks will have been born by this time. Other protected species we see include kelp gulls, oystercatchers, blue eyed cormorants and rock cormorants. Return to our hotel for a free evening.     (Breakfast / Lunch)

Monday, November 28, 2005
Return to Buenos Aires / Departure

This morning we transfer to the airport for our flight to Buenos Aires, departing at 9:40am and arriving at 11:28am. We are met at the airport upon arrival and spend a wonderful afternoon in Buenos Aires.
     Start with lunch at Puerto Cristal restaurant. After lunch we will have four hours to continue our guided visit to Buenos Aires, with a guide and driver at our disposal. We'll enjoy an early dinner at Spettus restaurant, including drinks, then transfer to Ezeize International Airport to board our homeward flight to Miami, departing at 11:15pm, arriving in Miami early tomorrow morning.     (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Buenos Aires / Departure

Our group flight arrives in Miami this morning at 6:23am. Clear customs and continue on to your home destination.     (No Meals)