Argentina for Families: Buenos Aires, Mar del Plata and Whales in Península Valdés
Eight days of family adventure in Argentina: Buenos Aires with its zoo and theme parks, the beaches of Mar del Plata, and whale and penguin watching in Península Valdés.
Description
Argentina is an exceptional family destination that combines vibrant Buenos Aires with the Atlantic coast and the wildlife of Patagonia. This 8-day itinerary begins in Buenos Aires, where the Luján Zoo offers unique animal encounters, Tierra Santa recreates biblical Jerusalem, and Parque de la Costa is the country's largest amusement park, all within easy reach of the capital. From there you travel to Mar del Plata, Argentina's quintessential beach resort city: wide beaches, the Mar del Plata aquarium with sea lion and dolphin shows, and the port where you can sample freshly fried calamari by the sea. The highlight comes in Península Valdés, in Patagonia: a marine wildlife sanctuary declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site where, in season (June–December), southern right whales can be seen just meters from shore, along with Magellanic penguin colonies at Punta Tombo and elephant seals. The trip combines domestic flights and comfortable transfers, with family-friendly hotels.
Health & safety
- Wind on Península Valdés: sunscreen and lip balm are essential
- Drinking water at the hotel, but bring a canteen for excursions
- Seasickness while whale watching: take motion sickness pills if needed
Day-by-day itinerary
Buenos Aires: Luján Zoo
Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires: Luján Zoo
Day at Luján Zoo, where big cats, elephants, and primates interact with visitors.
Luján Zoo
Nature5hBuenos Aires: Tierra Santa and Parque de la Costa
Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires: Tierra Santa and Parque de la Costa
Morning at Tierra Santa, the religious theme park. Afternoon at Parque de la Costa.
Tierra Santa
Culture3hParque de la Costa
Entertainment4hMar del Plata: arrival at the beaches
Mar del Plata
Mar del Plata: arrival at the beaches
Transfer to Mar del Plata. Afternoon at Bristol Beach and the port's sea lions.
Bristol Beach and the Rambla
Rest3hFried calamari dinner at the port
gastronomy1hMar del Plata Aquarium and beaches
Mar del Plata
Mar del Plata Aquarium and beaches
Visit to Mar del Plata Aquarium with a dolphin and sea lion show.
Port of Mar del Plata Aquarium
Nature3hPlaya Grande and the cliffs
Rest3hFlight to Puerto Madryn and Península Valdés
Península Valdés
Flight to Puerto Madryn and Península Valdés
Flight to Trelew or Puerto Madryn. Arrival at Península Valdés, a UNESCO marine wildlife sanctuary.
Whale watching in Puerto Pirámides
Nature3hPunta Tombo: penguin colony
Punta Tombo
Punta Tombo: penguin colony
Excursion to the world's largest Magellanic penguin colony.
Punta Tombo Penguins
Nature4hCaleta Valdés and elephant seals
Península Valdés
Caleta Valdés and elephant seals
Second day on the peninsula: Caleta Valdés, elephant seals, and guanacos in the steppe.
Caleta Valdés: elephant seals
Nature3hGuanaco and Patagonian mara safari
Nature2hFarewell to Patagonia
Puerto Madryn
Farewell to Patagonia
One last walk along the beach in Puerto Madryn. Return flight.
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