Whether you are a nature lover, a wildlife specialist, or a culture enthusiast, Patagonia is a destination that promises to amaze your eyes and fill your heart with its beauty.
The region is filled with absolutely breathtaking places that will capture your heart and leave you in awe.
However, if you have a keen interest in wildlife, there are specific areas that are a must-visit for you. These areas are known for their unique fauna and flora, which you won’t find anywhere else in the region. You can expect to see various animals, birds, and plants that are endemic to these areas.
So, if you’re a wildlife enthusiast, make sure to add these places to your travel itinerary!
When planning your perfect trip to see penguins in Patagonia, I will provide local insights and share my experiences. You will get all the information you need to explore one of the world’s best destinations to see these adorable penguins.
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1. How many types of penguins are in Patagonia?
2. When is the best time to see penguins in Patagonia?
3. Five best places to see Penguins in Patagonia
3.1 Best Places to See Penguins in Patagonia: Punta Tombo
3.2 Best Places to See Penguins in Patagonia: El Pedral
3.3 Best Places to See Penguins in Patagonia: Bahia Bustamante
3.4 Best Places to See Penguins in Patagonia: Estancia Harberton
3.5 Best Places to See Penguins in Patagonia: Isla Magdalena
4. Best Eco lodges in Patagonia to see Penguins
4.1 Bahia Bustamante eco-lodge
4.2 Rincon Chico Estancia
5. Get a Real Custom Trip to Patagonia with us. Learn More about us.
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How many types of penguins are in Patagonia?
There are currently 18 recognized species of penguins worldwide, as determined by experts in the field.
Patagonia is home to several different species of penguins, each with their own unique characteristics and habits. The most commonly spotted species include the Magellanic penguin, the Humboldt penguin, and the Gentoo penguin. Each species has its distinct appearance and behavior, making the penguin-watching experience in Patagonia truly special and diverse.
The Magellanic penguin
The Magellanic Penguin was named after the legendary explorer Ferdinand Magellan, who had the privilege of spotting them in 1520. These adorable creatures are dedicated parents, creating burrows up to 1 meter deep in the earth to provide a safe haven for their offspring.
Weight and height: 3.2 kg – 4.6 kg, 65 cm
Live up to 15-20 years
Where can you see them in Patagonia: Punta Tombo, Bahia Bustamante, Isla Martillo in Argentina, and Isla Magdalena and Chiloe Island in Chile.
Gentoo penguin
Did you know that the Gentoo Penguin is the third largest penguin species with the largest breeding range among all penguins?
It’s so fascinating that they belong to the brush-tailed group of penguins.
Gentoo penguins are known for their unique behavior of staying close to their colonies throughout the year. They live in the southern hemisphere, particularly in Antarctica, and are considered non-migratory bird.
Weight: 5 kg – 8 kg, 51 cm – 90 cm
live up to 20 years. 12-15 years
Where can you see them in Patagonia: Martillo island in Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego Argentina.
Humboldt Penguins
South America is home to around 49 breeding locations for Humboldt penguins along the stunning coasts of Chile and Peru.
These delightful penguins feature a charming white band around their neck, setting them apart from Magellanic penguins.
Height and weight: 65 cm, 4 kg
Live up to 20 years.
Where can you see them in Patagonia: Puñihuil Islets off the coast of Chiloé Island in the Los Lagos Region, which is also home to a colony of Magellanic penguins.
King Penguins
The King Penguin is the second largest penguin species in the world, only behind the Emperor Penguin. King Penguins have distinctive black and white plumage, orange patches on their neck, and a bright orange-yellow patch on their beak. They are social birds and often gather in large groups , where they mate, incubate their eggs, and raise their chicks.
Height and weight: 90 cm, 15-16 kg
Live up to 13-15 years
Where can you see them in Patagonia: King Penguin Park, Useless Bay, Chile. This is the only spot in South America where you can see these beautiful creatures. Although the colony may be small, with just 100 penguins, every moment spent in their company is truly priceless!
When is the best time to see penguins in Patagonia?
If you’re planning a trip to Patagonia and want to see penguins, you might wonder when the best time to go is.
Generally, the best time to see penguins in Patagonia is between September and March. During this period, you can observe the amazing spectacle of thousands of Magellanic penguins coming ashore to breed and raise their chicks.
However, the exact timing of the breeding season can vary from year to year, and depending on where you are going in Patagonia.
Good to know: The whale-watching season in Patagonia extends from May to December, and the best chances for a successful whale-watching session are in September and October. At the same time, between September and March, you can meet the cute penguins. So, a great choice would be to plan your wildlife exploration during September and October to have a good chance to see both penguins and whales.
Read More: Best Time to Visit Patagonia.
Where to see Penguins in Patagonia
When planning your trip to Patagonia is important to know that Patagonia is a vast region that covers parts of Argentina and Chile.
The Argentine Patagonia covers about a third of the country and includes popular destinations such as Bariloche, El Calafate, and Ushuaia.
The Chilean Patagonia, on the other hand, covers the southern part of Chile and includes the famous Torres del Paine National Park, as well as other attractions like the Marble Caves and the Carretera Austral.
Both sides of Patagonia offer numerous penguin-watching spots, each with its own unique features and attractions.
Where to See Penguins in Patagonia, Argentina
In Patagonia, Argentina, Some of the most popular spots to see penguins include Punta Tombo, which is home to the largest Magellanic penguin colony in South America, and the Beagle Channel, where you can spot Gentoo penguins in their natural habitat.
Other popular spots include Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, and the Falkland Islands, which are home to several species of penguins and other wildlife. Regardless of where you choose to go, Patagonia is an ideal destination for anyone looking to experience the beauty and wonder of penguins in their natural habitat
READ MORE: How to See Penguins in Argentina (Where and When)
Where to see Penguins in Patagonia, Chile
Chilean Patagonia is home to many different species of penguins, and there are several spots where visitors can see these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat. Some of the most popular penguin-watching spots in Chile include the following:
✨ Torres del Paine National Park: Although Torres del Paine is primarily known for its stunning natural beauty and hiking trails, it is also home to a small colony of Magellanic penguins that can be seen from a distance.
✨Isla Magdalena: This small island off the coast of Punta Arenas is home to over 120,000 Magellanic penguins, making it one of the largest penguin colonies in South America.
✨ Puñihuil Natural Monument: Located on the coast of Chiloé Island, this natural monument is home to both Magellanic and Humboldt penguins, as well as other marine wildlife like sea lions and dolphins.
✨Seno Otway Penguin Colony: This penguin colony is located about two hours north of Punta Arenas and is home to around 10,000 Magellanic penguins. Visitors can take a guided tour to see the penguins up close. These are just a few of the many places in Chile where visitors can see penguins in the wild
Let’s check some of the best places in more detail:
1 – Best Places to see Penguins in Patagonia: Punta Tombo
The most well-known colony of Magellan Penguins in continental Patagonia can be found at Punta Tombo. More than a million and a half charming penguins come here to breed every year.
Punta Tombo is a nature reserve located in the Chubut province of Argentina, known for its large colony of Magellanic penguins. The colony is one of the largest in the world, with an estimated population of over one million birds. These penguins come to Punta Tombo to breed, nest, and raise their chicks. Visitors to the reserve can observe these fascinating creatures up close as they go about their daily activities, from waddling along the beach to diving into the ocean to catch fish. It’s a truly unique and unforgettable experience for anyone interested in wildlife and conservation.
Best time to visit: To ensure you meet these beauties, you should visit this area between September and March, but the best season to see them is after November when their babies are born.
2- Best Places to see Penguins in Patagonia: El Pedral
We can’t continue the article about when and where to see penguins and whales in Patagonia without mentioning El Pedral.
Magellanic penguins are exclusive to South America, and during the breeding season, they form colonies predominantly on the coasts of Argentine and Chilean Patagonia. The largest colonies of these penguins can be found at Peninsula Valdés and Punta Tombo. The newest colony in the region is located at the El Pedral ranch, specifically at Punta Ninfas.
Best time to visit: While the cute seals will wait for you all year long, if you want to admire the whales, you should travel from June to December and get closer to the Magellanic penguins from September to April.
3- Best Places to see Penguins in Patagonia: Bahia Bustamante
If you want to be surrounded by pure nature during your stay in Patagonia, choose the charming Bahia Bustamante Lodge.
Compared to the Galapagos Islands to The New York Times, this is a privileged area to enjoy bird watching. This lovely Eco Retreat at the end of the world is located in a room with incredible biological biodiversity, allowing you to admire all kinds of fascinating birds and other sea creatures.
The friendly Magellan Penguins are waiting for you in their natural habitat, only 15 minutes from the lodge. Bahia Bustamante offers memorable experiences for all kinds of travelers.
Sea Lions colony reaches up to 4.000 individuals. Sixteen marine birds nest on Argentina’s coast, and 13 do it in Bahia Bustamante.
4 – Best Places to see Penguins in Patagonia: Ushuaia
If you wonder when and where to see penguins and whales in Patagonia’s incredible land called Ushuaia, check out the welcoming Harberton Estancia.
If you’re planning a trip to Patagonia and are interested in seeing penguins, I highly recommend visiting the Harberton Estancia. The Estancia is located in a beautiful area of Patagonia and offers a variety of guided tours to see penguins in their natural habitat.
If you want to see the lovely penguins during their reproductive cycle, plan your trip to the area in early October. This will ensure that you get to witness their arrival. Additionally, in the vicinity of Ushuaia on the Beagle Channel, which is located on the Argentine side of Tierra del Fuego, you can observe the imposing orcas, also known as killer whales.
5- Best Places to see Penguins in Patagonia: Isla Magdalena Chile
There is no way Isla Magdalena can be left out of an article about when and where to see penguins and whales in Patagonia. Chile’s Most Important Magellanic Penguin Colony.
Penguins on Isla Magdalena are surprisingly fearless off humans, so expect a close-up shot with a friendly penguin!
Among the Magellanic penguin colonies throughout Chilean and Argentine Patagonia, Isla Magdalena is the biggest. With an estimated 120,000 nesting Magellanic penguins residing on the island, is one of the best rookeries in Patagonia for getting a close view of this species.
The Island is easily accessible from nearby Punta Arenas, the largest city in the Magellanes Region of Chile, making a visit here an excellent addition to a trip to Patagonia. The penguins arrive in September until March and are at their largest in January.
Right near the island, you will find Isla Marta, a great place to observe the seals and sea lions.
Best Eco lodges in Patagonia to see Penguins
Bahia Bustamante eco lodge
Bahia Bustamante is a private sheep farm in Argentine Patagonia, sprawling over about 210,000 acres that combine Atlantic coastline, pastures, fields, deserts and canyons, and a stunning variety of wildlife.
Simplicity is the kind of Luxury you find in Bahia Bustamante: breathtaking landscapes, unique wildlife surrounding you and the peace and connection to nature …
Bahia Bustamante is perfect for biking, trekking, horseback riding, archeological exploration, relaxing on its sandy beaches, a petrified forest of 60 million years, learning about the lifestyle of the first pioneers who arrived in the 50s, and learning about the seaweed industry,and participate in farming activities with sheep.
Visiting the lodge is a perfect match with Peninsula Valdes, where you can do Whale Watching and combine it with a genuine wildlife approach in Bahía Bustamante Lodge.
Fun to know: Bahía Bustamante Lodge is, according to The New York Times, “Argentina’s Private (and Secret) answer to The Galapagos”.
Rincon Chico Estancia
The Estancia Rincón Chico is located 170 km from Puerto Madryn, and the center of the rural establishment that now serves as a hotel is just 10 minutes by car from Punta Delgada, but in addition to the amenities for lodging, it has a coastal house with direct view of the Atlantic Ocean and the area’s elephant seal roosts.
It is a privileged place for observing Right Whales in transit from the Golfo Nuevo to the open sea, penguins, and orcas, in addition to all types of seabirds.
The establishment began livestock production more than 120 years ago, and that activity continues today after five generations of the family. However, this activity, which remained inside the ranch for decades, was opened to visitors for rural tourism, and 16 years ago it was expanded to the rural hotel service.
Fun to Know: The Dutch royal family chose Rincon Chico some years ago, for a short spring vacation in Peninsula Valdés this spring.Guillermo Alejandro and Queen Máxima Zorreguieta, along with their three daughters and Argentine relatives of the monarch. are enjoying the Patagonian landscapes.
When you visit Rincon Chico, you have the opportunity to take guided wildlife observation explorations led by bilingual biologists and naturalists. These explorations will take you to various beaches on the property, hiking trails of varying length and difficulty through the steppe and cliffs, and mountain biking paths. You can also learn about the native flora and observe birds during your visit.
An extensive tour of the livestock facilities of the place where you can learn how sheep breeding is carried out in Patagonia is also part of the experience.
The beaches of the estancia have become a popular breeding and birthing location for sea lions and thousands of elephant seals. In addition, the ranch’s 15 km of coastline offers great opportunities to spot whales, orcas, penguins, and dolphins. You can also observe a diverse range of inland and coastal birds and catch a glimpse of some of Patagonia’s native land mammals.
Additional activities on the peninsula include whale and dolphin watching, visiting penguin colonies, snorkeling and diving with sea lions, kayaking, and exploring the panoramic views offered by the peninsula’s cliffed coastline.
READ MORE: Top Luxury Patagonia Hotels in One-of-a-Kind Location
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