Blue Patagonia Program

Discover the spirit of Patagonia Azul

BLUE PATAGONIA PROGRAM

Day 1 – Arrival & First Encounters with Patagonia Azul

Morning arrival at Trelew Airport (or the day before, with accommodation in Trelew/Madryn not included).
At 09:00, your guide and driver will be waiting to take you along the scenic Blue Route (PR1), a gravel road that leads us deep into the heart of Patagonia Azul.

Our first stop is Estancia La Antonieta, within the Dos Pozos Reserve (95 km – approx. 1h30). Here, on a wild and windswept beach, we’ll encounter the mighty Southern elephant seals. Back in 2009, only two were spotted here – today, over 200 gather in summer, with September to November being the dramatic breeding season. The alpha males, or “sultans,” can reach 5 meters in length and weigh up to 4,000 kilos!

We’ll return to the estancia’s main house for a delicious country-style lunch: Patagonian lamb from the grill, dessert, and drinks.

In the afternoon, the journey continues to Cabo Raso (60 km – 1h15). This ghostly fishing village, abandoned in the 1960s, has been lovingly restored by artisans and dreamers like Eliane & Edu, who welcome us with stories about life in this isolated corner of the coast. Without Wi-Fi or phone signal, Cabo Raso is a magical place to disconnect and step into a world of history, legends, and even a few ghosts.

After a drink, we drive onward to Camarones (80 km – 1h30), the authentic fishing village and true heart of Patagonia Azul.

Accommodation: Casona Islas Blancas (3 double & 2 twin rooms).
Recommendation: fresh fish or seafood dinner at Alma Patagonia (not included, but transfers to/from the restaurant are included).

Day 2 – Authentic Camarones

After breakfast, we’ll meet Silvia Giménez, our local guide, for a gentle 1h30 walking tour around Camarones. The village’s corrugated iron and wood architecture tells of its sheep-farming past and maritime heritage. We’ll visit the Perón Family Museum and hear about Juan Perón’s childhood here, while also meeting local entrepreneurs keeping traditions alive.
At noon, we’re welcomed into the seaside home of Carola Puraccio, a local cook and entrepreneur, who will take us to harvest seaweed and explain its importance for health and culture. She’ll then prepare a warm, homemade lunch for us by the sea.

The afternoon is free to enjoy the coast, before heading to Viento Azul for a 2-hour boat trip: Commerson’s dolphin watching & visit to Islas Blancas. From the small Camarones harbor, we’ll sail past sea lion colonies, Magellanic penguins, and seabirds, while keeping an eye out for playful Commerson’s dolphins – the “ocean pandas” – who often swim right beside the boat. With luck, Peale’s dolphins or even whales may appear. Along the way, we’ll also learn the story of El Villarino, the steamship that once brought General San Martín’s remains back from France, which lies wrecked along this coast.

Evening at leisure back in Camarones.

Day 3 – Penguins & the Road to Isla Leones

Today we head to Cabo Dos Bahías Wildlife Reserve (30 km), home to over 30,000 Magellanic penguins. Elevated walkways let us observe the colony up close without disturbing their natural rhythm. From the viewpoint, we’ll take in sweeping views of Camarones & Bustamante bays and spot sea lions on nearby Moreno Island.

On the way back, we’ll stop at a wild beach – Caleta Patos or Puerto Piojo – for a picnic lunch by the sea.

In the afternoon, we reach Gate Isla Leones (El Sauce) and its Visitor Center, where our host introduces us to the Patagonia Azul Project. From here, we drive to Arredondo Bay and board a boat to the legendary Isla Leones, home to dramatic cliffs, sea lions, seabirds, and the historic lighthouse.

By sunset, we settle into Isla Leones Glamping, a pristine eco-camp with rustic-chic cabins overlooking the ocean. Dinner is served at camp, surrounded by nature and starlight.

Overnight: Isla Leones Camp (double cabins with private bathrooms, meals & activities included).

Days 4 & 5 – Immersed in the Magic of Isla Leones

Two full days to enjoy the wonders of Isla Leones at your own pace. Activities included (and scheduled according to weather) are:

Guided hikes along the wild Patagonian coast.

E-bike rides to explore farther.

Snorkeling in crystal-clear waters.

A boat excursion to the island’s lighthouse and around Caleta Hornos, the site of Argentina’s first attempted Spanish settlement in 1535.

Wildlife encounters with curious sea lions, seabirds, and maybe even dolphins.

Meals at camp highlight local ingredients and traditions, and there’s also time to simply relax on your cabin’s deck, wander along the untouched beach, or gather by the fire at night under Patagonia’s dazzling sky.

Overnights at Isla Leones Camp.

Day 6 – Farewell Patagonia Azul

After breakfast, we say goodbye to Isla Leones and return by boat and road to Gate Bahía Bustamante (75 km – approx. 1h15).

Here, in the restored main house of an old sheep farm, we’ll find a cozy Visitor Center & Gift Shop, with a café, exhibition rooms, and a fireplace lounge. We’ll learn about the Patagonia Azul Project and the challenges of marine conservation. After a walk around Arroyo Marea, a unique habitat for shorebirds and salicornia, we’ll enjoy lunch at the center.