Private Punta Tombo penguin tour from Puerto Madryn

Walk among Magellan penguins at the world's largest continental penguin colony

This private tour from Puerto Madryn takes you to Punta Tombo, home to the largest continental penguin colony in the world. You travel by air-conditioned vehicle with a licensed guide, walk marked trails through the reserve to watch Magellan penguins and their young, and learn about Patagonian wildlife. Hotel or port pickup is included, and the tour runs 7 to 8 hours. Cruise passengers can arrange timing around ship schedules.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Punta Tombo and Puerto Madryn

• Travel to Punta Tombo Reserve
• Visit the Penguin Reserve
• Walk different trails to see penguins
• Learn about local flora and fauna
• Return to Puerto Madryn
• Short sightseeing around Puerto Madryn

The experience

The drive from Puerto Madryn to Punta Tombo follows wild roads into the reserve, where you'll walk different trails to see where penguins breed and raise their young. A licensed guide accompanies you throughout, pointing out the birds and the guanacos that share this landscape, and explaining the flora and fauna of Patagonia. The reserve itself is the draw. You get close views of the penguins without the crowds of a group tour, and the guide adjusts the pace to what you want to see.

The tour lasts 7 to 8 hours total, which gives you real time at the reserve rather than a rushed stop. If time allows, the route includes a short sightseeing loop around Puerto Madryn's coastline on the way back. Cruise ship passengers can set departure and return times around their ship's schedule. Hotel guests may find the tour runs an hour longer depending on how much ground you cover. A maximum of 15 people travel together, though the vehicle size adjusts to your group: a car for up to four, a minivan for larger parties.

You'll need comfortable shoes and casual dress. The terrain is walkable but uneven in places. Infants can sit on a lap or ride in a stroller. Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated if you're traveling with someone to assist you. Let the operator know at booking. Admission to the penguin reserve is included in some options. Confirm at checkout whether it's part of your booking.

What’s included

• Hotel or port pickup and drop-off.
• licensed driver and expert guide.
• air-conditioned vehicle transport (car for up to 4 passengers, minivan for larger groups).
• access to Punta Tombo reserve trails (in some options).
• short sightseeing loop around Puerto Madryn if time allows.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48h

Prices and times updated 16 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Private Tours

Is this one for you?At 7 to 8 hours, the tour fills most of a day but leaves room for an early breakfast or a late dinner in Puerto Madryn. The private format means you set the pace at the reserve and skip the logistics of coordinating a group departure.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3): free.

How close can you get to the penguins at Punta Tombo?

Punta Tombo lets you walk marked trails through the reserve and watch Magellan penguins and their young at close range while the guide explains their behavior and breeding cycle. You're on foot among the birds rather than viewing from a distance or a boardwalk.

Is the penguin reserve admission included in the tour price?

Admission to Punta Tombo is included in some tour options but not others. Check your booking confirmation or confirm at checkout which option you've selected.

Can the tour be timed around a cruise ship schedule?

Yes. Cruise passengers can arrange pickup and return times to match their ship's docking and re-boarding schedule. Provide your ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time at booking so the operator can plan the itinerary around your ship.

What's the drive like from Puerto Madryn to Punta Tombo?

The route follows wild roads into the reserve, taking you through Patagonian landscape. The full tour runs 7 to 8 hours including time at the reserve and the drive back.