Wild Patagonia
Experience the wonders of the aquatic world on an unforgettable journey through Patagonia with Shedd Aquarium’s Vice President of Conservation Research, Chuck Knapp, Ph.D. Feel the vibrant energy of Buenos Aires, explore historic landmarks and be mesmerized by a captivating Tango Show. Witness the beauty of nature as you encounter dusky dolphins, southern sea lions, and Magellanic penguins in their natural habitats. Immerse yourself in the UNESCO World Natural Heritage site of the Valdes Peninsula and embark on a boat cruise to catch a glimpse of magnificent southern right whales.
Ways to Register
Selling Quickly!
Space on this trip is limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Please contact Daisy Diaz with Classic Escapes at 718-280-5002 or [email protected], and mention Shedd Aquarium, to reserve your spot.
Limited Capacity
Space is limited to our specified group allotment, and this Shedd Adventure will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note that there are only 2 single supplements available on this journey.
Dates
October 15 - 26, 2025
Cost
Starting from $13,995
Learn about conservation efforts at the Cabo Dos Bahias Magellanic Penguin Reserve, where Shedd Aquarium has partnered with local researchers in an innovative collaboration to protect these penguins by studying their diet. Join us for an unforgettable adventure filled with cultural experiences and awe-inspiring wildlife encounters in one of the world's last great wildernesses.
Top left: © simonmayer / Getty Images, Top center: © Foto4440 / GettyImages, Top right: © Encrier / Getty Images, Bottom left: © Sergey Strelkov / GettyImages, Bottom right: © Saiko3p / Getty Images
Top: © Foto4440 / GettyImages, Second row left: © simonmayer / Getty Images, Second row right: © Encrier / Getty Images, Third row: © Sergey Strelkov / GettyImages, Bottom: © Saiko3p / Getty Images
Highlights
- Come face-to-face with dusky dolphins, common dolphins and the magnificent southern right whales by boat.
- Tour the Valdes Peninsula, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site since 1999, surrounded by breathtaking natural wonders.
- Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Punta Loma nature reserve and observe a vibrant colony of southern sea lions and nesting rock cormorants.
- Explore Punta Loma nature reserve, home to a colony of southern sea lions and nesting rock cormorants.
- Discover the wonders of the Cabo Dos Bahias Magellanic Penguin Reserve, a vital sanctuary for Magellanic penguins, and the site of a Shedd research collaboration.
Your Expert Trip Host
Chuck Knapp, Ph.D.
Vice President, Conservation Research
Included
- All ground transfers in air-conditioned motorcoach.
- Air within Patagonia (Buenos Aires/Puerto Madryn, Trelew/Ushuaia, Ushuaia/Buenos Aires.)
- Roundtrip flight between Buenos Aires and Iguazu Falls on the pre-extension.
- Flight between Ushuaia/El Calafate and Punta Arenas/Santiago on the post extension.
- Superior accommodations throughout as indicated or similar.
- A host from the Shedd Aquarium will accompany the group with a minimum of 10 travelers on both the main tour and on the extensions.
- Specialist guide will accompany the group throughout Argentina.
- All meals as specified.
- All entry fees.
- All applicable hotel and lodge taxes and porterage.
- Complimentary baggage tags and water bottle.
Not Included
- Roundtrip air transportation from USA to Buenos Aires. The post-extension returns from Santiago. If you require assistance with air arrangements, contact Classic Escapes.
- Passport and visa fees and service charges for obtaining visas. U.S. citizens do not require a visa for Argentina on visits less than 90 days.
- U.S. citizens do not need a visa to enter Chile on visits less than 90 days.
- The Brazilian Ministry of Tourism has announced that as of June 17, 2019, U.S. Citizens will no longer require a visa to visit Brazil.
- Reciprocity Fee for Argentina has been SUSPENDED for US Citizens ONLY, therefore, no visa or reciprocity fees are currently required from US tourists visiting Argentina for up to 90 days.
- As of February 26, 2014, Chile no longer charges a reciprocity fee for U.S citizens.
- Gratuities to driver, naturalist-guide, and other conveyance attendants.
- Excess baggage charges levied by airlines.
- Meals and beverages, other than specified.
- Laundry and other items of a personal nature.
- Personal and baggage insurance.
- Cost for anything not specifically mentioned in the listing above.
Things You Need to Know About Patagonia
Participants
- Participants must be able to climb in and out of motor coaches and motorboats unassisted.
- You should also be able to tolerate nature walks at an easy pace on uneven terrain, sometimes uphill, for three or four hours at a time.
- You should generally be in good health and prepared to travel in locations without medical facilities.
In general, this trip requires:
- Flexibility – unexpected changes are subject to occur. True adventure in travel can sometimes be accompanied by unexpected shifts in conditions, itineraries and occasionally your accommodations.
- A spirit of adventure and curiosity.
- Interest in and willingness to appreciate a destination with overall good infrastructure, but with, at times, rustic accommodations and adventure activities. That said, some locations are nestled in absolute luxury where pampering is the norm. Participants should generally be in good health and prepared to travel to locations without medical facilities.
Daily Itinerary
Wednesday, October 15
U.S./En Route
Your journey begins as you board your overnight flight from the U.S. to Buenos Aires. (Meals Aloft)
Thursday, October 16
Buenos Aires (D)
Upon arrival in Buenos Aires, you will be met and escorted to your centrally located hotel. Buenos Aires is a vibrant city with broad boulevards, magnificent parks, picturesque places and a green belt of trees.
Tonight, enjoy an unmissable Tango Show (El Aljibe) in the heart of San Telmo. Starting at 6:30 p.m., you will head to the historic barrio of San Telmo. Dinner at 7 p.m. includes a three-course meal with local wine. At 8 p.m., the show begins, featuring tango couples, a live orchestra, folklore artists and performances of traditional gaucho dances like the malambo and boleadoras. The show lasts an hour, concluding around 9 p.m., after which you'll return to your hotel.
Friday, October 17
Buenos Aires/Trelew/Puerto Madryn (B,L,D)
This morning, you'll explore Buenos Aires, visiting Plaza de Mayo with its historic governmental buildings like Casa Rosada, the Metropolitan Cathedral and the "Cabildo." You'll then visit the stately buildings along Avenida and the authentic San Telmo neighborhood, known for its artistic vibe and antique shops. In La Boca, you'll see the brightly painted buildings and the famous Bombonera stadium, home to Boca Juniors.
In the afternoon, you'll fly to Trelew and drive to Puerto Madryn, a city founded by Welsh colonists in 1865. Nestled in a protected bay, Puerto Madryn offers a shopping center, scenic spots and Punta Loma, a sea lion settlement. The city, with its 90,000 inhabitants, captivates visitors from the first sight.
Saturday, October 18
Puerto Madryn/ Dolphin tour (B,L)
This morning’s boat tour offers an encounter with dusky dolphins, also known as FitzRoy dolphins, in the waters off Puerto Madryn. These beautiful black and white dolphins, nicknamed "panda dolphins," are known for their acrobatic displays. You'll search for large schools of these dolphins, which can range from five to a few hundred individuals.
The tour also looks for common dolphins, identified by the flocks of birds such as gulls, greater shearwater, cormorants and sometimes penguins, all feeding on the same fish. Common dolphins are fast swimmers and energetic acrobats, often seen porpoising and doing flips.
Later, sail along the south coast near Puerto Madryn to view the Punta Loma nature reserve, home to a colony of southern sea lions and nesting rock cormorants. You may also spot snowy sheathbills walking among the sea lions.
Sunday, October 19
Valdes Peninsula (B,L)
Spend your day touring the Valdes Peninsula, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site since 1999. This 4,000 km headland juts 100 km into the Atlantic Ocean, featuring rocky cliffs, shallow bays, sandy beaches and islands. Connected to the mainland by the Ameghino Isthmus, the peninsula is home to 180 species of sea and land birds, including lesser and great shrike-tyrants, crested tinamou, giant petrels, South American terns and nesting Magellanic, imperial, and neotropical cormorants.
Valdes Peninsula is renowned for viewing southern right whales, which come here to mate and give birth. These gentle giants, once hunted nearly to extinction, now attract tourists worldwide. From May to December, around 2,000 whales inhabit these waters.
Join a morning boat cruise to view these magnificent whales (weather permitting). During the whale-watching season from mid-June to December, you can see mothers with curious young calves. Your captain will position the boat for optimal viewing and photos, allowing you to marvel at these 40-foot-long whales up close, witnessing their massive flukes and hearing their powerful blows.
Monday, October 20
Puerto Madryn/Camarones (B,L,D)
Today, drive to Camarones, a picturesque Patagonian fishing village with coarse-sand beaches, hidden coves and stunning blue sea views. Declared a "Historic Town of the Nation," it lies 163 miles north of Comodoro Rivadavia and 157 miles south of Trelew, and serves as the gateway to the Patagonia Coastal Marine National Park.
Founded in 1900, Camarones has 1,500 inhabitants and features brightly colored, tin-roofed buildings with unique architectural details. Explore this authentic town, see houses dating back to 1900 and visit the Perón Family Museum where the former president spent his early childhood.
Tuesday, October 21
Cabo Dos Bahias Reserve (B,L,D)
Spend your day at Cabo Dos Bahias Magellanic Penguin Reserve, located approximately 19 miles south of Camarones, which is a crucial habitat for various wildlife species, particularly Magellanic penguins. This reserve, classified as a Habitat/Species Management Area, is dedicated to conserving and protecting biodiversity and the coastal environment. This is a signature project for Shedd Aquarium and you will spend the day learning all about the reserve and Shedd’s involvement.
The reserve is not only a sanctuary for Magellanic penguins, but also hosts significant colonies of sea lions, southern elephant seals and various other species of Patagonian fauna.
Wednesday, October 22
Trelew/Ushuaia (B,D)
Today, transfer to Trelew for your flight to Ushuaia, the world's southernmost city. Upon arrival, you'll sense the frontier atmosphere, marking the end of the modern world. Your guide will meet you at the airport and drive you to Hotel Los Cauquenes, located on the Beagle Channel shores, your home for the next three nights. "Ushuaia" derives from the language of the yámanas or yaghanes aborigines, meaning "the bay that penetrates westward."
Thursday, October 23
Ushuaia - Tierra Del Fuego National Park (B,L)
Today you explore Tierra del Fuego National Park near Ushuaia, wandering its trails to discover the unique Subantarctic Beech Forest and its birdlife. Look out for the Magellanic woodpecker, Andean tapaculo and other special species like the white-throated tree runner and Patagonian Sierra finch. The forest floor is adorned with delicate orchids, fuchsias and ferns, while ashy-headed geese and black-faced ibis nest in the area.
Friday, October 24
Ushuaia - Martillo Island & Estancia Harberton (B,L)
Weather permitting, embark on a boat excursion to Martillo Island, home to a colony of Magellanic penguins, as well as gentoo penguins, with occasional sightings of king penguins. These penguins inhabit the island from September to April, sharing the habitat with other birds. Explore the island, interact with the Magellanic penguins and capture unforgettable photos of one of the planet's most captivating landscapes.
Saturday, October 25
Ushuaia/Buenos Aires (B,D)
After breakfast, transfer to Ushuaia airport for your return flight to Buenos Aires. Upon arrival, transfer to the Melia Recoleta where dayrooms will be available for the group. Enjoy leisure time for sightseeing or shopping. In the evening, transfer to the airport for your overnight flight back home.
Saturday, October 26
U.S.
Arrive back home today after a wonderful tour and eager to share your memories and photographs with family and friends!
Cancellations
All deposits are subject to the Cancellation policy herein. Final payment is required no less than 95 days prior to departure (July 12, 2025) unless otherwise stated. Some airfares or services must be paid in full at the time of booking. Payments may be made by check or with a credit card (American Express, Visa, MasterCard, or Discover.) Conditioned on receipt of final payment in full, all final documents and air tickets will be sent to you approximately two weeks prior to departure.
Insurance
All guests are strongly advised to purchase travel insurance. We recommend Global Rescue.
Nature Requires Flexibility
Your guides may alter the timing of activities to best suit the conditions and assure that you see the most wildlife.
Due to the nature of wildlife programs, itineraries are subject to change. We cannot fully predict where wildlife will be, and our specific itinerary will depend largely on the weather conditions each day. The itinerary provides examples of the sorts of experiences that we’ll seek during the week, but please come with flexibility. Our guides adjust the itinerary accordingly to maximize your opportunities to enjoy Patagonian wildlife. Shedd Aquarium partners with responsible operators that follow rules and regulations in place to protect wildlife.