3 Top Places to See Penguins in South America

South America is home to a vast array of wildlife mostly living in or around the biggest ecological hotspot in the world a.k.a. the Amazon. Nonetheless, this part of the continent also features an incredible variety of sea-life enjoying its rich coastlines. Over the years, efforts made by governments to transform habitats into protected national reserves has definitely paid off. In fact, as for today, one can have the chance to not only see but even to walk among penguins in several locations. Here’s our top 3 favourite spots for penguin watching in South America.

1. Isla Magdalena (CHILE)

Sitting in front of the Chilean city of Punta Arenas, right in the heart of the Magellan strait, one can find Isla Magdalena. The island is a huge magellanic penguin colony and is today home to more than 100’000 individuals that come here to nest every year. Unfortunately, the island is not easily reachable on your own but you’ll always have to rely on either tours or big ship companies that can arrange you transport to and back from the place.

Entrance Price: None | Transport Cost: Boat at 60’000CLP/pp with Comapa | Tour: Not obligatory

2. Punta Tombo (ARGENTINA)

Among the vast dry scrublands of the east coast of Argentina you can find the National Reserve of Punta Tombo. The peninsula, which this year hits the 40 years mark of being a protected habitat, is currently home to more than a million magellanic penguins. This makes Punta Tombo the world’s biggest colony of Magellanic penguins! Sadly, the location is not accessible by public bus and only tours or rent-a-car are feasible options from the nearby city of Trelew.

Entrance Price: 400ARG/pp | Transport Cost: 2000ARG rent-a-car DIY | Tour: Not obligatory

3. Isla Martillo (ARGENTINA)

And how could a visit to the World’s End be perfect without some penguin watching? In Ushuaia there are plenty of tours exploring the wildlife of the Beagle Channel such as sea lions, seabirds and in some cases penguins too. The only place where penguins are nesting in the surrounding area is on a small island – Isla Martillo – just off the coast of the Estancia Haberton. Seeing the penguins from the boat (the boat docks but it’s forbidden to go down) its a beautiful experience but if you really want a top-notch tour there’s also the possibility to walk among them. The Piratour (owned by the same owners of Estancia Haberton and Isla Martillo) is the only company allowed to organise walking trips among the penguins and charges a salty 6000ARG.

Entrance Price: None | Transport Cost: None | Tour: Obligatory, see penguins (2400ARG) and walk among them at (6000ARG)

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