Rockhopper penguins standing on the rocks of the Patagonian coast, Argentina

Puerto Deseado Patagonia Bird Watching Tour

*Example by 4 travelers in 4★ accommodation, low season. Flights priced separately. Get a quote for 1 to 99+ below

Birdwatching on the Ría Deseado and Cabo Blanco - Puerto Deseado Patagonia Bird Watching Tour

Penguins, cormorants and petrified forest on Patagonia's coast — a tour extension

Five species of cormorant nest together on the Ría Deseado, the only place in Argentina where that happens. The ría is a drowned river mouth, and a full day out on it is the heart of this trip. From October to April the Magellanic penguins take over, with rookeries on Quiroga Island, Punta del Paso, Bird Island and Chaffers Island. Rockhopper penguins live in the area as well.

The trip starts with a stop at the Jaramillo petrified forest on the way from Comodoro Rivadavia airport: trees turned to stone by volcanic ash, on a plateau that was once palm country. Day three goes to Cabo Blanco, a rock headland with a sea lion rookery, penguins and other marine wildlife.

Wildlife does not read itineraries, and what shows up on a given morning is up to the birds. This is a tour extension, four days and three nights, meant to combine with a full package tour.

Highlights

  • Jaramillo petrified forest, once a palm-covered landscape
  • Ría Deseado: five cormorant species nesting side by side
  • Magellanic penguins from October to April, rockhoppers too
  • Cabo Blanco's rock headland and sea lion rookery

Included

  • All Hotels
  • All transfers & entrance fees
  • All breakfasts in hotels
  • All English-speaking tour guides

Not Included

  • Airfare within Argentina
  • Personal expenses and tips
  • Meals not mentioned in itinerary

Sample Itinerary

Large petrified logs rest on arid, rocky ground in the foreground, with Patagonia’s vast desert landscape and distant mountains under a blue sky—an inspiring scene near Puerto Deseado, perfect for nature lovers and bird watching enthusiasts.
Day 1

A guide welcomes you at Comodoro Rivadavia airport and escorts you on to Puerto Deseado, with a stop on the way at the Jaramillo petrified forest.

The ground looks bleak: a barren plateau. Millions of years ago it was palm country, until volcanic ash turned the trees to stone. What is left stands like rock statues, and the effects of the volcanic dust are still visible in them. Then continue to Puerto Deseado, check in at your hotel and relax for the rest of the evening.

Two old brick lighthouses stand on rocky terrain in Puerto Deseado, Patagonia, under a partly cloudy sky—a perfect spot for bird watching by the rugged coast.
Day 2

The whole day belongs to the Ría Deseado, a drowned river mouth shaped over hundreds of years by the sea and the river's changing course. Five species of cormorant nest together here, the only place in Argentina where that happens, so watch them feed, nest and fly high over the water.

From October to April the Magellanic penguin is the star. Rookeries sit on Quiroga Island, Punta del Paso, Bird Island and Chaffers Island, and rockhopper penguins live in the area as well. Penguins keep their own schedule, so take what the day gives you. Return to the hotel in the evening.

Three rockhopper penguins with distinctive yellow crests stand on a rocky surface near the bright blue ocean water of Patagonia, with blurred rocks and waves in the background—an ideal scene for bird watching.
Day 3

Cabo Blanco Natural Reserve is a rock headland and the main sea lion rookery. The sea lions come in droves, and penguins and other marine wildlife share the same stretch of coast.

After a full day on the ría, this one is gentler, and a good one to take slowly. Return to Puerto Deseado and your hotel in the evening, and unwind.

Two Magellanic penguins with black and white markings stand close together on grassy ground in Patagonia, facing each other, with some soil and plants in the background—a delightful sight for bird watching enthusiasts.
Day 4

The trip ends where it began. Say farewell to Puerto Deseado, the ría and the coast, then transfer to Comodoro Rivadavia airport for the flight to your next destination.

Airfare within Argentina is not included, so it is worth working out the timing of that flight with your Destination Consultant before anything is booked.

Puerto Deseado Patagonia Bird Watching Tour
Start Planning This Tour
Name(Required)
A smiling couple poses together in front of a railing with large waterfalls and lush greenery in the background, clearly having a great time all around.

Scott Marcoulier

"The culinary tour was great, and the falls were amazing on both sides...."
A colorful sunset over the ocean, with pink, orange, and yellow clouds in the sky. Silhouetted trees and efficient calm water are in the foreground.

Premala

"Very knowledgeable and efficient. Christina is by far one of the best travel consultants I have dealt with...."
People wearing orange life jackets are seated closely together, facing forward on an outdoor boat trip. The setting appears to be crowded, safety precautions are being observed, and everyone looks ready for a terrific time.

Anil Kempanna

"Taking a speed boat under Iguazu Falls was a moment to cherish for a long time..."
A busy city street scene with many people walking on the sidewalk. Shops known for their superb service line the street, and a green pedestrian traffic light is visible. The sky is clear and blue.

Derek Prevett

"Having just returned home from Peru, I would like to present my compliments and sincere thanks for your organisations superb service in arranging and implementing our Customised Tour...."
A historic stone building with two tall white towers stands behind palm trees and a neatly landscaped garden, exceeding expectations beneath a clear blue sky.

Sharon Lacroix & James Ditzel

"SouthAmerica.travel provided us with the most organized vacation yet!..."
Three people wearing backpacks and outdoor clothing pose and smile on a hiking trail with ancient stone ruins and green mountains in the background, likely at Machu Picchu in Peru.

Deb, Brian & Natalie Leach

"From the first minute to last, we absolutely loved Peru and every day was an absolute joy, even the rainy ones!..."
Two women wearing sunglasses smile for a selfie in front of the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on a sunny day with a blue sky. Their joyous expressions seem to say THANK YOU for this unforgettable moment.

Diana Salgado

"Our trip happened without any incident and everything went super smoothly and perfect...."
Sunset over a wetland with silhouettes of trees and grasses reflected in still water, creating a peaceful and warm atmosphere that suggests unusually great personal care for nature’s quiet beauty.

Beverly Adams

""great trip, great personal care"..."
Four llamas graze near the red waters of a salt lake, with mountains and a blue sky with thin clouds in the background—perfect for travelers seeking upgraded accommodation at competitive pricing.

Siegfried Von Brandt

"This is our second trip to South America and I wanted to see some places we had not seen yet. So we decided on Peru and Bolivia...."
Five people riding horses move with clockwork precision along a grassy coastal path beside a sandy beach and the ocean under a clear blue sky.

Lesley L.

"I have no hesitation to use your company again..."

Estimated Tour Price Without Flights

Prices vary according to several factors including: season, number of people traveling, shared vs private excursions, when you book and rooming arrangements. These are from prices based on low season.

We can customize anything for any time of year! Contact us for an exact quote for your trip.

⭐⭐ - ⭐⭐⭐
Budget
From US
Call for Custom Pricing
Per Person
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Basic
From US
Call for Custom Pricing
Per Person
⭐⭐⭐⭐➕
Superior 👍
From US
Call for Custom Pricing
Per Person
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Deluxe
From US
Call for Custom Pricing
Per Person

*Budget generally includes excursions in group, Superior & Deluxe private excursions, & Basic is a best mix (varies by itinerary & excurion)

Note: ALL itineraries are 100% customizable to create your perfect trip!

⭐⭐ - ⭐⭐⭐
Budget
From US
Call for Custom Pricing
Per Person
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Basic
From US
Call for Custom Pricing
Per Person
⭐⭐⭐⭐➕
Superior 👍
From US
Call for Custom Pricing
Per Person
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Deluxe
From US
Call for Custom Pricing
Per Person

*Budget generally includes excursions in group, Superior & Deluxe private excursions, & Basic is a best mix (varies by itinerary & excurion)

Note: ALL itineraries are 100% customizable to create your perfect trip!

⭐⭐ - ⭐⭐⭐
Budget
From US
Call for Custom Pricing
Per Person
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Basic
From US
Call for Custom Pricing
Per Person
⭐⭐⭐⭐➕
Superior 👍
From US
Call for Custom Pricing
Per Person
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Deluxe
From US
Call for Custom Pricing
Per Person

*Budget generally includes excursions in group, Superior & Deluxe private excursions, & Basic is a best mix (varies by itinerary & excurion)

Note: ALL itineraries are 100% customizable to create your perfect trip!

Download your free

Argentina Travel Guide

Download our FREE Argentina Travel Guide and get inspired to travel to Argentina. Browse through 30 pages of travel planning tips and ideas, pictures of Argentina, and adventurous tours. This e-book is a great resource for planning your Argentina dream vacation.
  • Colorful maps and images
  • Places to visit in Argentina
  • Argentina tour ideas
  • Recommended Argentina hotels
  • Argentina FAQs and travel tips
Argentina Travel Guide PDF Cover Page.

Argentina Travel Guide

Our favorite Argentina tour ideas featuring the best destinations & activities designed to inspire…

Get your FREE Argentina Guide Now!

Name(Required)