Top 10 Things to Do in Puerto Piramides

Explore the best of the village and its surrounding wilderness. These activities offer the best wildlife encounters and scenery. Use this list to prioritize your limited time in the reserve. Make sure to book boat tours in advance during the peak spring season.

• Quick Pick: Best for Families - Whale Watching Tours
• Quick Pick: Best Free Activity - Playa Piramides Beach
• Quick Pick: Best Viewpoint - Mirador del Golfo
• Quick Pick: Best for Adventure - Sandboarding the Dunes

1. Name: Southern Right Whale Watching
   Type: activity
   Why go: This is the premier place in the world to see whales closely.
   Best for: Everyone and wildlife photographers.
   Where: Village Port.
   Time: 1.5 to 2 hours.
   Cost: Moderate to high ($50-$90 USD).
   Getting there: Walk down to the main beach ramp.
   Tip: Book a sunset tour for the most dramatic lighting and calm waters. It is one of the top whale watching boat trips available.
2. Name: Punta Piramide Sea Lion Reserve
   Type: sight
   Why go: See a massive colony of sea lions basking on the rocks.
   Best for: Nature lovers and hikers.
   Where: 2km west of the village.
   Time: 1-2 hours.
   Cost: Free (included in reserve entry).
   Getting there: A short drive or a 30-minute walk from town.
   Tip: Bring binoculars to see the pups playing in the surf during the summer months.
3. Name: Playa Piramides
   Type: experience
   Why go: The main beach is perfect for swimming in summer or whale spotting in winter.
   Best for: Relaxing and sunset walks.
   Where: Front of the village.
   Time: As long as you like.
   Cost: Free.
   Getting there: Accessible from any point in the village.
   Tip: Stay until dusk to see the colors of the cliffs change as the sun sets.
4. Name: Mirador del Golfo Viewpoint
   Type: sight
   Why go: Offers a panoramic view of the entire bay and the village below.
   Best for: Views and photography.
   Where: South end of the village.
   Time: 30 minutes.
   Cost: Free.
   Getting there: Steep walk up the marked trail behind the residences.
   Tip: Look for the blowholes of whales in the water from this high vantage point.
5. Name: Yellow Submarine Tour
   Type: experience
   Why go: See whales from an underwater cabin for a unique perspective.
   Best for: Families with kids.
   Where: Whale pier.
   Time: 1.5 hours.
   Cost: High.
   Getting there: Check in at the main nautical offices in town.
   Tip: This boat is very stable, making it great for those prone to seasickness.
6. Name: Snorkeling with Sea Lions
   Type: activity
   Why go: Interact with curious sea lions in their natural habitat.
   Best for: Adventurous travelers and animal lovers.
   Where: Nearby rocky reefs.
   Time: 3 hours total.
   Cost: Moderate ($80-$120 USD).
   Getting there: Boat departures leave from the main ramp.
   Tip: Learn more about snorkeling with sea lions before you arrive.
7. Name: The Dunes of Piramides
   Type: sight
   Why go: Massive sand dunes offer fun slopes and great views of the Atlantic.
   Best for: Families and teens.
   Where: Northern edge of the village.
   Time: 1 hour.
   Cost: Free.
   Getting there: Walk north along the shoreline or the main road.
   Tip: Rent a sandboard from local shops to slide down the higher peaks.
8. Name: Centro de Interpretacion
   Type: museum
   Why go: Learn about the geology and biology of the Península Valdés.
   Best for: Rainy days or curious minds.
   Where: Near the village entrance.
   Time: 45 minutes.
   Cost: Free.
   Getting there: Located right at the bus drop-off point.
   Tip: Check the large whale skeleton on display to understand their massive size.
9. Name: Caleta Valdes Day Trip
   Type: day trip
   Why go: See elephant seals and occasionally orcas hunting on the shores.
   Best for: Full-day wildlife safaris.
   Where: 75km from the village.
   Time: 6-8 hours.
   Cost: Cost of fuel or a guided tour.
   Getting there: Best reached via a 4x4 or a tour bus from the village.
   Tip: This is one of the best Peninsula Valdes day tours for spotting varied fauna.
10. Name: Local Craft Market
    Type: experience
    Why go: Buy handmade Patagonian goods and support the local economy.
    Best for: Souvenir hunting.
    Where: Main village square.
    Time: 30 minutes.
    Cost: Free to browse.
    Getting there: Central location.
    Tip: Look for items made from local sheep wool or unique seafaring art.

Essential Tips for the Village

When using this Puerto Piramides village guide, remember that the environment is fragile. You are inside a protected provincial reserve. There is an entrance fee for the Península Valdés that you must pay at the gate. Keep your receipt as it allows you to stay in the village for multiple days. Resources like water and electricity are limited, so use them sparingly.

The village has one ATM, but it often runs out of cash. Most restaurants and hotels now accept credit cards. However, it is wise to bring some Argentine Pesos for small purchases. WiFi can be spotty in certain parts of the town. This encourages visitors to disconnect and enjoy the natural surroundings instead.

Fuel is available at a small station at the entrance. If you are driving, always keep your tank full before exploring distant parts of the peninsula. Roads outside the village are mostly gravel and can be slippery. Drive slowly and keep an eye out for guanacos crossing the road. These wild llamas are very common throughout the region.

Seasonal planning is crucial for a great trip. Whale season typically runs from June to early December. If you visit in summer (January to February), you will find warmer beach weather. However, the whales will have migrated south by then. For more information, visit the official provincial tourism office website.