In 2025 I was lucky enough to visit Parque Pingüino Rey in Chile, and see the colony of king penguins that live there.
Seeing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat was one of the highlights of my trip my Tirrea del Fuego, and sparked my curiosity for more. Enough, that when heading north through Patagonia, Argentina, I decided to visit the Magellanic penguins of Punta Tombo, and here’s how you can too.
As the name suggests, king penguins have a regal quality about them. Magellanic penginus on the otherhand, are active and playful, and at Punta Tombo, you can right up close to curious creatures. Or more correctly, they get right up close to you.
About Punta Tombo
Punta Tombo is located in the Chubut province of Argentina. The climate is hot and dry in summer and cold and dry in the winter. That doesn’t deter the massive colony of 600,000 penguins.
In fact, Punta tombo boasts the world’s largest colony of Magellanic penguins and they really are a sight to behold.
Tickets cost $18.000 pesos per person for foreigners, and although it’s expensive, the experience is well worth the price.
Unlike the king penguins in Tierra del Fuego, where the observation distance is some 15-20 metres, here at Punta Tombo, you can get within 2 meters of the penguins, and if you aren’t careful, they might actually come much closer. I even had one come and peck around my bag when I crouched down to take photo.
Punta Tombo national park and penguin reserve
Opening hours: 9 a.am. to 5pm.
Entrance fee: $18 for foreigners (but it’s worth it)
As you turn off the paved road to enter the national park you’ll find a large stone sign welcoming you to Punta Tombo. From there it’s another few kilometres before you get to the ticket station.
Actually, you need to park up your vehicle, and walk the final 100m to the ticket station. Tickets are ARS $18.000 which depending not he exchange rate at is roughly $18 USD.
Around that area you’ll find good quality public toilets, and a small museum with information about the area and the local wildlife. There’s no need to actually walk through the museum if you aren’t interested.
You won’t see any penguins yet. For that, you need to jump back into your vehicle and drive a further 1 km down the road to the rangers entrance. Again, you’ll find toilets here (not the best), and some food outlets.
The park rangers will tell you about the do’s and don’ts of the park, take your ticket stub and send you on your way to enjoy 3 km of walkways.
It’s important that you stay on the walkways, so not to disturb the penguins which often nest right next to the platforms.
You might be surprised to see ‘Give way’ signs on the walkways.
While you ideally shouldn’t get within 2m of the penguins, the penguins themselves don’t always respect that rule and will happily walk across your path, or even come right up to you.
Almost from the onset, you’ll see penguins nesting, talking to the beach, or calling out for their companions. It’s this up close and personal experience that sets Punta Tombo apart.
Once you reach the end of the walkway, you’ll have the chance to see penguins stumbling into the water, swimming, and generally going about their daily lives on the beach. Then it’s a walk back the same way you came.
My experience at Punta Tombo
I spent a full two hours at the park, which was plenty of time to walk around the trail, stop to take photos and video, and just observe the daily routines of the penguins.
Like most things in nature, it’s best to get there early. There are less people around, and more penguins. I entered the park around 10 a.m. and was ready to leave before 1pm, feeling I’d taken most of what the park had to offer.
The experience of being surrounded by thousands of penguins is truly immersive, and these little creatures will come right up to you if you are still and paitent.
On my way out, I noticed that the once empty car park, was now full of minivans, buses, and coaches full of people about to embark on their guided tours.
How to get to Punta Tombo
Punta Tombo is pretty remote, and possibly even more difficult to get to than Parque Pingüino Rey in Tierra del Fuego.
I was travelling through the area as part of a motorcycle tour throughout South America, but typically, if you’re travelling independently you will need to hire a car. Ideally a 4×4 as the road into the Punta Tombo is all dirt, but you could get by with a regular car and just drive more slowly.
Outside of that, you’re best booking a tour from a local travel guide. The nearest towns are Trelew and Puerto Madryn and excursions will likely be a long day.
There’s no accommodation in or around the park, and camping is strictly prohibited. The nearest towns are Trelew and Puerto Madryn.
- Trelew (1.5 hrs away): Quirky Welsh vibes. Try Hotel Touring Club (historic but dated) or Rayentray Hotel.
- Puerto Madryn (2.5 hrs away): Beachy base for whale watching (June–Dec). Hotel Tolosa is budget-friendly.
What should I pack?
There’s no special equipment required. I did see a few guys with 400mm zoom lenses on their cameras, but the penguins are so close, that you can get great shots with a mobile phone or action camera.
It does get hot though, so be sure to bring sunscreen, and a hat. Food isn’t allowed on the walking trails, but you can take water (and matte of course).
You’ll mostly be walking wooden platforms, with the odd section of loose gravel. I wore my Salomon Outpulse trekking shoes, which have been great on the trip so far, but really anything other than sandals or flip flops will be fine.
Why Punta Tombo Matters – Conservation and Threats
Punta Tombo isn’t just a tourist hotspot—it’s a critical habitat for Magellanic penguins, a near-threatened species. Climate change, overfishing, and oil spills have slashed their numbers by 20% in recent decades. By visiting responsibly (staying on paths, not littering, and supporting eco-friendly tours), you’re helping fund conservation efforts.
Researchers here track penguin behaviour to protect their migration routes. I may have grumbled about the $18 ticket price for foreigns, but that ticket fee supports this work—so it’s feel good spend as a well as a great experience.
Punta Tombo Penguin Rookery Visitor Rules
When exploring the iconic Punta Tombo penguin rookery, it’s essential to follow the visitor rules to help protect this unique habitat and ensure a safe, enjoyable experience for everyone. Below are the key guidelines to keep in mind. These are all explained when you visit the park, but also worth knowing beforehand.
- Stay on Marked Paths: To minimize disturbances to the nesting and roosting areas, always remain on the designated walkways. This helps protect both the penguins and their natural surroundings.
- Maintain a Safe Distance: Although the penguins are naturally curious and may approach you, please keep a minimum distance of 2 meters. This “no-touch” policy is crucial to prevent stress and potential injury to the animals.
- Do Not Feed or Touch the Penguins: Feeding or handling the penguins can alter their natural behaviors and negatively impact their health. Enjoy observing them from a respectful distance.
- Adhere to Ranger Instructions: Park rangers are on site to ensure both your safety and that of the wildlife. Always follow their directions and any temporary restrictions they may impose.
- Avoid Noise and Sudden Movements: Keep conversations and other noises to a minimum. Avoid sudden movements that might startle the penguins and disrupt their natural activities.
- No Food on the Trails: While you’re welcome to bring water and mate, food is not permitted on the walking trails to avoid attracting wildlife and causing litter issues.
- Dispose of Waste Properly: Keep the rookery pristine by carrying out all trash. Utilize the provided bins and ensure that no litter is left behind.
FAQ: Visiting Punta Tombo
When is the best time to visit Punta Tombo?
September to April, with November-December being the best months to see baby penguins hatching.
How much does it cost to enter Punta Tombo?
ARS 18,000 (about $18 USD, subject to exchange rate changes).
How close can you get to the penguins?
Visitors must stay at least 2 meters away, but penguins may approach you.
Is there food available inside the park?
Yes, but options are limited. It’s best to bring your own snacks for before/after your visit.
Can I stay overnight at Punta Tombo?
No, accommodation is only available in Trelew or Puerto Madryn.
Is Punta Tombo suitable for those with accessibility needs?
Yes for the most part. Although this will very much depend on your needs. There is a 100 meter gravel road between the car park and ticket office, but those with special needs can drive right up to it.
The main walkways around the park are wooden platforms but occasionally there are gravel sections between them.
The biggest challenge will be the sheer number of people unless you go early. Even if you can’t complete the whole tour, you’ll still get a close personal experience with the penguins.
If you’re looking for a wildlife experience unlike any other, Punta Tombo is a must-visit destination!
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