Family Fun in Argentina: Buenos Aires & the Valdés Peninsula - 7 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Buenos Aires, Guided Tour

Day 2: Bike Tour in Buenos Aires' Parks & Gardens

Today you'll tour some of the beautiful parks and gardens in Buenos Aires on two wheels! You'll first meet with your guide in the morning, and after a brief orientation, you'll begin your ride. This fun, family-friendly excursion is appropriate for all ages, but parents should keep in mind there may be limited bike sizes for younger children. 

The tour first takes you to Parque Tres de Febrero, which happens to be Buenos Aires' oldest park. This nearly 1,000-acre (400 ha) green space in the Palermo neighborhood features tree-lined pathways and peaceful lakes, shaded benches, and a giant carousel. Let the kids take a spin on the carousel while you enjoy the beautiful gardens. Continue cycling along the designated bike lane, passing the Parisian-style mansions of Palermo Chico and Barrio Parque, most of which have been converted into embassies, then enter the neighborhood of Recoleta.

 

Next, ride by the University of Buenos Aires, the National Library, Plaza Evita, and Recoleta Cemetery. See the extravagant display of mausoleums where some of Argentina's most famous residents are buried, including the actress and former first lady Eva "Evita" Perón. Enjoy a delicious lunch of traditional empanadas in the Palermo Soho, then bike back through the picturesque areas of Plaza Guemes and Plaza Serrano before returning to your hotel.

Day 3: Transfer to Puerto Madryn, El Doradillo Beach Adventure

This morning, your driver will take you and your family to the airport, where you'll fly into Trelew, located in northeastern Patagonia. From here, take a private transfer to Puerto Madryn, a drive of approximately 50 minutes. The city is considered the gateway to the magnificent Valdés Peninsula, home to an important breeding population of the endangered southern right whale as well as southern elephant seals and sea lions. Your wildlife adventures begin right away with a whale sighting tour along El Doradillo Beach.

The beach, which sits just a few miles from Puerto Madryn, is visited annually by southern right whales and their calves. The unusual coastal depth here attracts the whales close to the beach, making for perfect conditions to see them right offshore. Your guide will take you on an easy hike along the nearby cliffs, treating you and the kids to sweeping views of the sea and surrounding countryside. At the beach, watch the whales swimming and breaching the surface as they forage and play, then enjoy some snacks and hot beverages before heading back into town. 

Day 4: Explore the Valdés Peninsula with Penguins & Whale Watching

There's more wildlife in store for today! Immerse your family in the beauty of the Valdés Peninsula with a full-day land and sea tour. After visiting the Istmo Ameghino Interpretation Center, you'll head to Puerto Pirámides, where you'll board a ship and set sail along the coast. Your guides will share information about the region and take you to the area where southern right whales can be found. See these giant specimens in their natural habitat (at a safe distance, of course!) alongside other wildlife like sea lions and orcas. 

After the boat tour, you'll visit Estancia San Lorenzo, a working sheep ranch, where you'll have a traditional Argentine lunch of lamb on a spit, and the kids can see demonstrations of some of the farm activities, such as herding and sheep shearing. The highlight of the ranch, however, is located a short drive from the farmhouse: the largest Magellan penguin reserve in the world. There are more than 600,000 penguins here, and your kids will love getting up close to these curious creatures, watching them play along the water, and seeing them interact with each other. 

Day 5: Dinosaur & Dolphin Adventure

It's all about the kids today, starting with a visit to the Paleontological Egidio Feruglio (MEF) Museum. This is a scientific research center where students, scholars, and researchers collaborate to learn more about South America's geological eras. Exhibits here include approximately 30 dinosaurs, 2,000 fossils, and activities and educational programs that both adults and children can enjoy. See fossils from the Mesozoic era, a dinosaur skeleton that is nearly 150 million years old, and the bones of an ancient turtle that lived 60 million years ago!

Later today, visit Playa Union, located near Rawson City, for a dolphin and wildlife tour. At the docks, you'll board a Zodiac boat and head across the mouth of the Río Chubut, where you'll see sea lions lounging along the shore. From here, the boat heads out to sea in search of Patagonia's Commerson's dolphins, nicknamed panda dolphins for their black and white markings. These small, energetic creatures are quite curious and will often put on quite a show for visitors, diving and swimming around the boat. Afterward, return to Puerto Madryn for the evening.

Day 6: Return to Buenos Aires, Free Afternoon

Transfer back to Buenos Aires today for your last full day in Argentina. Your driver will take you to the airport, where you'll board your flight back to the city. This afternoon, you're free to see any of the sights you might have previously missed. 

For some educational fun, take the kids to the Museo Participativo de Ciencias (Science Participation Museum), which has interactive displays that encourage kids to participate in scientific activities and learning. There are several themed rooms with different focuses that include electricity, sound, technology, and even food. Older kids and teens might also enjoy a visit to Museo Evita, dedicated to the history of the famed Eva Perón. Fashion buffs will love the displays of Perón's stunning gown collection, and you can learn more about her life and legacy. 

If you want to do some last-minute souvenir shopping, and it's the weekend, there are several markets worth checking out. You can head to San Telmo's Sunday Market, where you'll find antiques and vintage goods, as well as fun trinkets for the kids. Or, make a farther trek to Feria de Mataderos, a weekend market located in the western suburbs, which has traditional handicrafts and tons of food stalls. Palermo's Feria de Plaza Serrano market is another great spot, with funky jewelry and handmade clothing items galore.

Day 7: River Delta Boat Tour, Depart

Take advantage of your last morning in Argentina with a boat tour of the Tigre and San Isidro River Delta. Your guide will collect you and the family from your hotel, and then you'll board a boat that takes you cruising through the labyrinth of streams, canals, and islands of the Tigre. You'll pass by a large fruit market, catch glimpses of cathedrals and bridges, and watch the various boats that make up the daily traffic of the river. Get one last family photo in Argentina before deboarding!