Punta Tombo is Argentina's largest penguin rookery. It's not that easy to get to but it's 100% worth it if you want to walk freely with hundreds of penguins.

When you arrive you'll first visit the interpretation center and purchase your entrance fees. There’s also bathrooms, a small cafe and a gift shop with cheeky statues of the wildlife here, definitely take a goofy photo with the mate drinking penguins

Then you'll hop back in your car or bus and drive down to the coast and actual penguin colony. Here there is another cafe/gift shop and bathrooms by the parking lot. From the parking lot you'll enter the roped off walkway to walk 3.5 kilometers (2 miles) among the penguins. You can easily spend a few hours here if the weather cooperates and you want to take your time. You can also spend a lot less time, like we had to thanks to freezing rain.

Where is Punta Tombo: Punta Tombo is a 3 hour drive south of Puerto Madryn. Trelew’s a bit closer at just under 2 hours.

How to get to Punta Tombo: There is no public transportation to Punta Tombo so you need to rent a car or go on a tour. Check rental car rates or take an organized excursion like this. A third option does exist - hire a driver/taxi for the day. If traveling solo see if anyone in your hotel/hostel wants to split the cost.

🐧Alternatives: If you’re worried about the drive, there are alternatives like the San Lorenzo colony on Peninsula Valdes (which is more convenient if you don’t have time for the peninsula and Punta Tombo) or Estancia La Pedral if you want a more complete itinerary of activities for the day.