Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to come?
The best time to visit the Península Valdés depends of the fauna´s season more than the weather conditions.
Whale watching usually takes place between June and middle December, while penguin season is between September and March, elephant seals and sea lions can be seen all year round, dolphin watching is between December and March, and Orcas can be seen all year round -but more frequently from September to April-. Birds and all the land fauna species can be seen all year round.
Our recommendation is to come from middle of September to March because of the number of species to see (the residents plus the migrants) and the high concentration of animals on the beaches.
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC Whales 
Penguins Sea Lions Elephant Seals Orcas Dolphins Land animals Birds What is the weather like on the Peninsula?
Península Valdés is located on the shores of three gulfs: San Matías, San José, and Nuevo. This area features a peculiar climate because of the effect created by the Atlantic Ocean. The weather is dry and does not rain much (220 milimiters is the anual average). In winter the temperature get down below 0ºC at night rising to a maximun of 15ºC during the day. In summer can be chilly at night but it may get really hot (near 35ºC) during the day. The area does get very windy at times, and proper clothing is recommended.
How do I get to the estancia?
Our best recommendation is to rent a car at the airport and drive to the estancia on your own. This will give you the freedom and flexibility necessary and will be the most convenient way for getting to/from the estancia and visiting other interesting places on the Península as well. We will provide you a list of rental car agencies, the telephone contact numbers and their email addresses.
The road is a paved highway until the turn-off to Punta Delgada area, then a wide gravel road will take you all the way up to the estancia´s driveway. The average driving time from Puerto Madryn is 2 hours, and from Trelew airport is 2.30 hours. We can send you a very detailed instructions to drive directly to the ranch, and a map.
There is no public transportation on the Península Valdés area. If you prefer to not drive your own car you can hire a taxi or a shuttle from Trelew or Puerto Madryn to pick you up and drop you off.
The nearest place to buy gasoline is Puerto Pirámides, for this reason we recommend to do a stop there and fill up the tank on the way to the ranch to have enough fuel to drive around the area.
For those who want to came by airplane, Rincón Chico has the only habilitated airstrip within the Península Valdés.
When is Check-In/Check-Out time?
Check-In is from 12pm noon and Check-Out is at 9:30am.
Are meals included? What if I have a dietary restriction?
All meals are included (not the drinks). Breakfast is served buffet style from 8am to 10am, lunch is a fixed menu available between 12pm and 2pm., and dinner is a fixed menu served from 8pm to 10pm.
If you have any dietary restrictions (gluten free, vegetarian), be sure to include the information in your reservation email so we know in advance.
Which activities are included in the rate and which are not?
Every activity (guided and self-guided) conducted within the Rincón Chico or any of our properties is included in the room rate.
The rest of the activities offered by third parties out of our properties (for example whale watching in Puerto Pirámides) are not included on the room rate.
Is it possible to book the activities in advance?
No. Once at the ranch, travelers meet each afternoon to talk with the guides and decide about activities for the following day.
Are there interconnected rooms for families at the lodge?
No, but we place families in rooms which are adjacent to or opposite one another.
Is there any age restriction?
Due to the nature of the activities organized within the ranch, as well as the location and features of the property, the minimum age for occupancy is 10 years old.
Is it necessary to get an insurance before the trip?
We recommend that every traveler to buy a comprehensive personal travel insurance policy. Although the activities are very safe, if a traveler takes unnecessary risks, whether related to his or her health or imprudence, they must assume the consequences. Rincón Chico is not responsible for accidents or unforeseen events.
Which languages are spoken at the ranch?
Spanish and English.
Where do Rincón Chico’s travelers come from and how old are they on average?
Our guests come from many different countries, mainly the USA, Switzerland, Holland, Germany, Great Britain and France.
Travelers range in age from 15 to 80, with the majority between 40 and 65 years old.What voltage/electricity does the guesthouse run on?
The guest house electricity is powered by a solar system offering 220 volt 24/7.
Electrical outlets have built in adapters* to fit North America and Europe.
Is there WiFi?
There is free satellite WiFi connection.
What forms of payment do you accept?
Bank transfers and cash currency. Argentine Peso, American Dollar or Euro are accepted. Credit cards and checks are not accepted.
Are pets accepted?
Pets are not accepted.