Monte León National Park Day Trip

Embark on an unforgettable adventure through the stunning landscapes of Patagonia with an exciting day trip to Monte León National Park, home to one of Argentina's largest Magellanic penguin colonies.

Day Trip Details

At the scheduled time, our team will collect you from your accommodation in El Calafate, taking you on an eastbound journey across the enchanting Argentine Patagonia in an off-road vehicle.

We’ll follow Provincial Route 9, which runs alongside the majestic Santa Cruz River. From the vehicle's lookout point, you’ll have the opportunity to observe wildlife in Patagonia, including guanacos, foxes, and rheas. Occasionally, even pumas can be spotted. During this scenic ride, a light breakfast will be served, enhancing your experience.

After approximately five hours of travel through the vast steppe, we will arrive at Monte León National Park. Here, we will embark on a 1.5-hour hike along the designated penguin colony trail, where you can witness the impressive population of Magellanic penguins in their natural habitat.

A 30-minute break will allow us to savor a delightful picnic-style lunch. Once refreshed, we’ll return to our off-roading vehicle and proceed to the Cabeza de León cliff, where a significant colony of South American sea lions awaits. If fortune favors us, we may while also catch glimpses of cetaceans like southern right whales, dusky dolphins, and Commerson’s dolphins.

Next, we’ll visit the Monte León Island viewpoint, offering a spectacular view of substantial cormorant colonies and various other native seabirds. There, you can enjoy a light snack while taking in the breathtaking scenery.

Finally, we will retrace our steps back to your hotel in El Calafate, bringing this incredible 15-hour journey to a close.