Valdés Peninsula Road Trip: Whale Watching in Argentina

News in Morse Code: The Whales Have Arrived at Valdés!

There I was, peacefully cruising through vineyards in Mendoza, checking out museums, when suddenly it hit me - a short, telegram-like update: whales have arrived at Valdés. Stop everything.

Why Do Whales Come to Valdés?

🐳 Turns out, baby whales are scared of the big ocean.

So whale mothers bring them to calm bays to raise them. On the Atlantic, the coziest one is at Valdés - a peninsula shaped exactly like a whale’s tail. There’s probably an ancient whale legend about it, but GPT couldn’t translate it yet, so you’ll just have to trust me.

Getting to Valdés Is Easier Than It Sounds

It’s a 600 km drive straight across Argentina - one day on the road and you’re there, beating the tourist crowds. Here’s what to do once you arrive.

Puerto Madryn — Coffee and Whales Right From the Beach

Puerto Madryn is the gateway city. Grab a specialty coffee at Casa Hulpe and head to Playa el Doradillo, a wild beach where you can spot whales from the shore. Best part? More whales than tourists. That’s rare.

Puerto Pirámides — Boats, Pizza, and Peak Whale Energy

Puerto Pirámides is a tiny port village where boats head out to sea. Downsides of low season: by 1 p.m., all tours are done and the captains are already drinking. Upsides: you get the boat all to yourself. Book early via WhatsApp. In the evening, there’s one pizza place and one local bar. Absolute charming shithole.

Next Day: Drive Across the Peninsula for Sheep and Ostriches

The whale boats feel prehistoric - and exhausting. Spend the night in the village, then drive across the peninsula the next morning. Expect pastoral landscapes, fluffy sheep, and the biggest ostrich herds in all of Argentina.

Standing Next to a Whale Changes Something in You

Everyone knows whales are huge. But until you’re right next to one, you don’t really get it. These ancient giants breathe in and out like the ocean and the whole planet are breathing with them. Must see!