Described by The New York Times as "Argentina's Private (and secret) answer to The Galapagos", Bahia Bustamante is a seaside Lodge surrounded by 360° of pure nature, located in Patagonia, in an area recognized by its relevant biological biodiversity.
The main lodge is located where the town had its old General Store, today it holds the common areas of the Lodge, preserving a typical Patagonia atmosphere.
The Restaurant: We serve local food in a menu based on seaweed, lamb meat, fish & other sea products, and fruits & vegetables from our organic garden. Bar & Living Room: Perfect to relax with a view to the sea through the immense windows.
In the library you will find books, bird guides and magazines. We have a well provided bar. The Memorial Room: An introduction to the beginning of the town in the 60s & the life of more than 400 workers. The Club: A game room with pool, ping-pong, table-football & board games.
Bahia Bustamante is the perfect match with Peninsula Valdes. Why? Because in Peninsula Valdes you can do Whale Watching from August until mid-December.
Starting October, you can combine whale watching with a genuine wildlife approach in Bahía Bustamante Lodge, just a few hours south from Peninsula Valdes. In Bahia Bustamante you avoid long distance travels to approach wildlife. The wildlife is all around us and easy to spot in great numbers.
Out of the 16 marine birds that nest in Argentina´s coast, 13 do it in Bahia Bustamante. In 21 breading colonies populated with 1 to 7 sea bird species each. Within these 12 marine species we find the Magellanic Penguin colony (spheniscus magellanicus), which reaches up to 100.000 individuals.
In the area you may also find significant colonies of Blue-eyed Cormorant (Phalacrocorax atriceps) and Rock Cormorant (P. magallenicus). The Blue-eyed Cormorant is the main guano producer of the country and their colonies have suffered sporadic extractions during the nineteenth century.
Only in a few places in the world it is possible to find such a number and diversity of seabirds and marine mammals, which is why it has been included in ´Patagonia Austral´ National Park & ´Blue Patagonia´ UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. It is also an IBAs (Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas).
Bahia Bustamante Lodge is a paradise awaiting to be discovered. From its magnificent white sandy beaches and crystal clear water, framed by red rocks reaching inland, to its moonscapes of great deserts, it is a marine and earthly paradise inhabited by a great number of birds and mammals.
Bahia Bustamante Lodge is a destination on its own: a marine and land wildlife paradise, where our guests can also enjoy unique sandy beaches, a petrified forest of 60 million years, learn about the lifestyle of the first pioneers who arrived here in the 50s, and learn about the seaweed industry, our sustainable wool production and participate in farming activities with sheep.
Bahia Bustamante is perfect for biking, trekking, horseback riding, archaeological exploration and much more.
The Lodge has 4 Superior Sea Cabins, 2 Standard Sea Cabins and 5 Steppe Cabins (Steppe Cabins do not include activities or meals).
Exploration activities in the area are proposed on a day-to-day basis, considering tides and weather conditions.
Navigation
Sailing along Malaspina Cove visiting Sea Lion and Seabird colonies.Navigation along this quiet cove towards the Vernacci Islands, which are home to Sea Lions (4000 animals during breeding season), Magellan Penguins (100.000 – Season: October to March) and colorful Marine Bird colonies. Navigation is done during high tide hours. We organize our navigations according to the right weather conditions.
The Peninsula
A Peninsula with sandy beaches, crystal clear water and reddish rocks. Perfect for biking, trekking or touring in our 4×4 trucks, not only to wonderful beaches, but also to sites of great archeological and geological importance. A number of natural swimming pools are formed in between the rocks, and these are great fun for swimming with a view to the open ocean. The peninsula is a world of wonders to enjoy.
The Petrified Forest
A 4×4 ride combined with a moderate trekking to the Petrified Forest, located 18 miles away from the Lodge within the limits of our land. The Petrified Forest is a journey to the past. Exactly 60 million years ago expressed in petrified trees and pieces of wood. Fascinating!! During the visit, we will be able to observe all kinds of Steppe wildlife too (lesser rheas, guanacos, maras, and more).
Penguin Island
Only 15 minutes away from the Lodge this island is home to a colony of Magellan Penguins. During low tide hours we reach the island on foot, having the amazing experience of watching penguins, chicks and nests all around us. Along the road to the island we will also be able to observe all kinds of steppe wildlife.
Aristizabal Cape
A 4×4 drive to reach this amazing Cape, an important rocky point of imposing landscape, open ocean views & isolated beaches.On our journey we will come across diverse wildlife such as: lesser rheas, maras, grey foxes, armadillos and more.Once we reach the Aristizabal Lighthouse, we do a short trek to watch Sea Lions, which usually rest in different spots around the Cape.
Rock Canyon
A beautiful trekking through the canyon, following the path of a dry river until we reach the ocean. We walk alongside immense walls 15 mts tall, formed by Jurassic rocks from the Mesozoic era. Some amazing tide pools are great fun for swimming and photo opportunities. We also visit a native archeological site. The canyon is protected from windy conditions, which makes it ideal for bird watching.
Historic Tour & Introduction to the Seaweed Industry
Walk around the Lodge to learn about its history, its founder, inhabitants, the buildings, everything! We will also visit the barnes were the seaweed is processed & learn about the different species found in Bahia Bustamante, its uses & more.
Ranch Day & Introduction to Sustainable Wool Production
We produce sustainable wool. At the ranch you will understand the production process of wool and meat, and according to the season, you may participate of a day’s work, visiting the corrals and learning about the different activities carried out: shearing, weaning, classification or marking of the sheep.
