What to Do in Province of Chubut
Discover Chubut, a Patagonian sanctuary where nature comes alive. Visit Península Valdés for epic sightings of southern right whales and Magellanic penguins. Explore Los Alerces National Park, an Andean world heritage site. Its unique combination of spectacular marine wildlife and majestic mountain landscapes guarantees an unforgettable adventure.
The Best Destinations to Visit in the Province of Chubut
Best season
The best time to travel to the Province of Chubut is during late spring and summer, specifically from **September to March**. This period is ideal because it offers warmer temperatures and longer days, perfect for the main wildlife watching activities: from September to December is the best time to see southern right whales in Península Valdés, while from September to March you can visit the large colonies of Magellanic penguins in Punta Tombo. Additionally, the summer months (December to February) are excellent for hiking in the mountains, such as in Los Alerces National Park. The high season, with more tourists and higher prices, coincides with summer and key wildlife periods (September to December on the coast), so it is recommended to book accommodation and tours well in advance.
Weather
The Province of Chubut, in Argentine Patagonia, has a predominantly arid to semi-arid climate, temperate on the coast and colder in the Andean zone. Average temperatures vary significantly: during the austral summer (December to February), highs can reach around 28°C in the east (coast and plateau) and between 15°C and 20°C in the western mountain area. In winter (June to August), minimum temperatures are low, usually dropping below 0°C, especially in the mountains, with averages ranging between 0°C and 5°C.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do or see on my first visit to Chubut Province?
According to tourists who visited Chubut Province, the must-do activities on a first visit are: 1. Visit the Valdés Peninsula, a marine life sanctuary designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, ideal for whale watching, orcas, sea lions, and penguins. It can be accessed by private vehicle or organized tour from Puerto Madryn or Trelew. It is home to the southern right whale from June to December. 2. Experience the La Hoya Ski Center, which offers excellent quality snow and slopes for all levels, with panoramic views of the mountain range. It allows you to enjoy winter sports in one of the southernmost centers in Argentina. It can be accessed by vehicle from Esquel and has an extended ski season until spring. 3. Explore Punta Tombo, one of the largest Magellanic penguin colonies in the world. It is home to over 200,000 penguins and can be accessed by private vehicle or tour from Trelew or Comodoro Rivadavia. 4. Enjoy Welsh Tea in Gaiman or Dolavon, a cultural experience that allows you to savor Welsh cuisine and learn about the history of the settlers. It offers an immersion into the rich cultural heritage of the province and can be accessed by vehicle from Trelew. It is a tea ritual with traditional cakes and breads.
What are the best activities to do in Chubut Province?
The top-rated activities by tourists in Chubut Province are: 1. Snorkeling with sea lions in Puerto Madryn: a water experience to interact with playful sea lions in their natural habitat, allowing for a close and respectful connection with marine wildlife. 2. Skiing at La Hoya: enjoy the snow at a ski center with slopes for all levels and mountainous landscapes, featuring high-quality snow and an extended season. 3. Dolphin watching (Toninas): a nautical excursion to observe Patagonian dolphins in their environment, available from the Port of Rawson year-round. 4. Vineyard and winery tours in the southern region: explore the southernmost vineyards in Argentina and taste their wines, a unique oenological experience in the south of the country. 5. Exploration of Protected Natural Areas: visit parks and reserves such as Parque Patagonia Azul, Laguna Aleusco, or Sarmiento Petrified Forest, featuring pristine landscapes and biodiversity.
What day trips can be taken from Chubut Province?
From Chubut Province, the following day trips can be made: 1. Punta Tombo: 180 km away, with a travel time of 2.5 hours by car. You can see one of the largest Magellanic penguin colonies in the world, home to over 200,000 penguins. It can be accessed by private vehicle or organized tour. It is best for families and nature lovers. 2. Gaiman and Dolavon: 15 km away, with a travel time of 20 minutes by car (Gaiman from Trelew). You can see towns with Welsh heritage, traditional tea houses, and museums that preserve Welsh culture in Argentina. It can be accessed by private vehicle or tour. It is best for cultural experiences and families. 3. Los Alerces National Park: 150 km away, with a travel time of 2 hours by car (from Esquel). You can see crystal-clear lakes, ancient forests, and waterfalls. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It can be accessed by private vehicle or tour. It is best for nature, adventure, and families. 4. Camarones (Cabo Dos Bahías Penguin Colony): 270 km away, with a travel time of 3.5 hours by car (from Trelew). You can see the Cabo Dos Bahías penguin colony and coastal landscapes. It is an Authentic Town due to its historical and cultural value. It can be accessed by private vehicle or tour. It is best for nature and cultural experiences.
How many days are recommended to visit Chubut Province?
To visit the main attractions of Chubut Province, it is recommended to spend between 3 and 7 days. A minimum of 3 days allows you to see the essentials (Valdés Peninsula, Punta Tombo), 5 days provide a more complete experience including the Andean region or the Blue Route, and 7 days allow for an in-depth exploration of both regions. The reasoning is that Chubut is a vast province with attractions distributed geographically. A suggested itinerary for 5 days could be: Days 1-2: Valdés Peninsula and Puerto Madryn. Day 3: Punta Tombo and Trelew. Days 4-5: Andean Region (Esquel, Lago Puelo) or Patagonia Azul. Factors to consider include the large territorial extent of the province, the dispersion of main attractions (coast and mountains), the desired travel pace of the visitor, and interest in specific activities (wildlife watching, winter sports, culture).
What is the best time to visit Chubut Province in terms of prices and weather?
The high season is from December to February and from July to August, with warm and dry summer weather on the coast, cool weather in the mountains, and cold winter weather with snow in the mountains. Temperatures range from 5°C to 25°C. Prices are very high, potentially doubling. The advantages are ideal weather for outdoor activities (summer) and guaranteed snow for skiing (winter), but the disadvantages are higher prices and increased tourist influx, requiring advance reservations. The low season is from May to June and from September to November, with cold and windy weather, potential snow in the mountains, and spring with melting snow and active wildlife. Temperatures range from -5°C to 15°C. Prices are low, with discounts of 30-40%. The advantages are lower prices and fewer tourists, along with the opportunity to see wildlife during migration or breeding seasons. The disadvantages are harsher weather and fewer available activities, with some services reduced. The ideal season is March-April and October-November, with temperatures between 8°C and 20°C, offering pleasant weather with moderate temperatures, fewer crowds, and more accessible prices than in high season, with a discount of 15-25%.
Is it expensive to travel to Chubut Province?
Traveling to Chubut Province has a moderate cost level. The local currency is ARS and the approximate exchange rate is 900.0 ARS per USD. A daily budget for backpackers ranges from 40 to 70 USD, including accommodation in hostels, inexpensive meals, public transportation, and some free attractions. For a mid-range budget, it is estimated between 80 and 150 USD, including accommodation in hotels/inns, meals in average restaurants, tours, and entrance fees to attractions. For a comfort trip, the daily budget ranges from 160 to 300 USD, including accommodation in category hotels, meals in top-level restaurants, private tours, and exclusive activities. Reference costs are: average restaurant meal between 17 and 28 USD (15000-25000 ARS), inexpensive meal between 9 and 13 USD (8000-12000 ARS), public transportation between 1 and 2 USD (1000-2000 ARS), average attraction entrance fee between 10 and 30 USD, budget accommodation per night between 17 and 28 USD (15000-25000 ARS), and mid-range accommodation per night between 67 and 133 USD (60000-120000 ARS). An example budget for 5 days with mid-range accommodation, varied meals, local transportation, and 2-3 main tours is around 400-750 USD per person. Generally, it is more economical than destinations like Bariloche or El Calafate, but comparable to other Patagonian provinces. To save money, it is recommended to travel in the low or mid-season, consider accommodations like hostels or cabins, prepare your own lunches or snacks, and use local public transportation whenever possible.
What budget-friendly tours can be done in Chubut Province?
The beaches of Puerto Madryn (El Doradillo, Gaviota) and the walk through the center of Rawson are free attractions. The Sarmiento Petrified Forest has free access, although there may be a minimal maintenance fee. You can take a self-guided tour of Gaiman (2-3 hours) for free, exploring the streets, Welsh architecture, and museums. Many protected natural areas offer free access trails for hiking. For guided tours, Tur.com highlights: Visita a la Pingüinera de Cabo Dos Bahías from USD 11.11, Paseo en La Trochita (Tren a Vapor) from USD 22.22, Entrada al Parque Nacional Los Alerces from USD 5.56, Tour de Día Completo a Punta Tombo from USD 90.
