Vacation from Vacation
We decided we needed to take a break from our vacation and studies to explore a different part of Argentina. After studying Spanish in Buenos Aires for 4 weeks, our heads felt like they were about to explode. We decided it was the perfect opportunity to hit the shore and enjoy some wildlife.
So we headed south (way south) to visit Península Valdés, a hotspot for seeing whales, elephant seals and penguins. After an 18 hour bus ride, (our first and surprisingly comfortable bus ride), we arrived in Puerto Madryn, which is the closest town to the Peninsula. The main attractions are the Southern Right Whales, which arrive in September to raise their babies in the waters in and around Península Valdés. The whales are so close to the shore, that you can see them swimming, jumping and teaching their young how to swim from the shoreline. It was one of the most amazing experiences.
On the day we arrived, we took a stroll along the boardwalk and Carra said, “Do you think you can see whales from here? I think I just saw one spray water.” To which, Jared replied, “I doubt it, it’s so choppy and the whales are pretty far out.” “Oh.”
So, we kept walking, it was a perfectly clear, but slightly cool day with a strong wind blowing off the water. As we were walking, we found this amazing little hotdog stand with an indoor seating area that served super ponchos (which is actually two hot dogs) and fries (which were the best fries we’ve had so far – kind of like McDonald’s – perfectly salted) and soft serve twist ice-cream of vanilla and dulce de leche, of course. We’ll save a dulce de leche post for another day, but to say the least, it is a national passion. Regardless, it was a great little restaurant.
 Jared saw a whale. |
 Mmm...Super Pancho, Fries & 2 Cokes for $3.50. |
 It's a family trait. |
As we were sitting eating our lunch, Jared said, “I think I just saw a whale. I didn’t think you would be able to see them from the shore.” Just another time that Jared dismisses what Carra says only to find out she was right…
Our reason for heading to Puerto Madryn and Península Valdés was that at this time of year the mothers bring in their young to teach them how to swim before migrating to the Antarctica. We enjoyed watching the show from the shore. It was so neat to see the mama’s tale flip up out of the water, and then you would see this smaller tale come out. Or you would see a big fin come out, then a tiny little fin. It was really unlike anything we’ve ever seen before.
But it didn’t compare to what we saw the next day from Península Valdés– stay tuned for our next post…
mona says:
October 7th, 2009 at 5:08 pm
Hi Jared & Carra,
looks like you’re having an amazing experience. I never realised that the whales come so close to shore to teach their young how to swim. You’d think that’s part of their nature since they’re born in water!
It’s so much fun to follow your adventures. This makes me wonder, will you ever come back?
Wishing I were there with you! haha
First Impressions of Mendoza | Backpacking South America says:
October 17th, 2009 at 10:17 pm
[...] a 24 hour bus ride from Puerto Madryn, we arrived to a pretty bustling city. Mendoza is the fourth largest city in Argentina, with [...]