Exclusive Wonders of Peninsula Valdes

Begin your day with a 35-mile drive from Puerto Madryn to the Valdes Peninsula, an important nature reserve that was first listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. Your first stop will be at the visitors center, which houses an excellent collection and information about historical events that took place here, the ecosystems of the area, and the regional flora and fauna. Learn about this amazing ecosystem, featuring a variety of marine life, including orcas, elephant seals, fur seals, and Magellan penguins.

After exlporing the visitors center, continue on gravel roads to Caleta Valdes, a 21-mile stretch of protected land. Once there, you will have a chance to see the southern elephant seals, considered to be the world's largest seals, and other various marine animals. There are different hiking paths and overlooks that will allow you to further explore. There may also be an opportunity to see a new penguin colony nearby.

Continue on to Puerto Piramides, where you will view a sea lion colony. You may even be fortunate enough to watch orcas hunting for sea lions on the shore, with a unique technique they developed by stranding themselves on the beach.

On the way back to the cruise ship pier, you will be provided a box lunch consisting of a chicken sandwich or a jam and cheese sandwich, a cereal bar and fresh fruit. Typical terrestrial fauna species that inhabit the region (guanacos, maras, choiques, foxes, armadillos, etc.) may be observed, as well as the salt flats - the most important depressions of South America.

DISTINCTIVE VOYAGES DISCLAIMER:
Distinctive Voyages sailing dates and amenities, including exclusive shore events, are current at time of printing and are subject to change without notice. Amenities apply to 1st and 2nd passenger only. Cancellations, refunds, and penalties are imposed by the individual cruise lines. Distinctive Voyages amenities may be substituted if a minimum number of guests are not confirmed on any given departure. Combinability varies. Guests must be booked in a featured group or promo-code applied to receive amenities. If group space has been recalled or canceled by the cruise line, amenities cannot be applied nor are they eligible to be carried over to another departure.