Argentina - The Penguin Lessons

Argentina

This poignant dramedy from director Peter Cattaneo ("Military Wives") and writer Jeff Pope ("Philomena") stars Oscar-nominees Steve Coogan and Sir Jonathan Pryce. Based on a book, it is the story of an Englishman and his adopted penguin told against the backdrop of Argentina's 1976 military coup d'état. "The Penguin Lessons" premieres in cinemas on 18 April. Travelzoo Members have the opportunity to see it early at one of 20 nationwide screenings. Read on to learn more about the filming locations, then secure your free tickets.

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Historic Argentina

The Penguin Lessons

An unforgettable journey

Home of gauchos, the tango, and some of the most diverse landscapes on earth, Argentina is an intense and seductive travel destination. You'll find sites of exceptional natural beauty like Los Glaciares National Park and Iguazú Falls, cities that combine colonial grandeur with a wholly contemporary vitality, and some of the most diverse wildlife found anywhere on earth.

welcome to argentina

The unlikely relationship between Tom and Juan Salvador comes during a time of massive political upheaval. In 1976, President Isabel Peron was ousted by the military. The ruling junta used violence and forced disappearances to control the population. It was a dangerous time to take risks or stand up for yourself. Yet the relationship Tom develops with the penguin, whom he names Juan Salvador, teaches him and his students what a difference one person—or one penguin—can make .

a backdrop of political instability

Plaza de Mayo, the foundational site of Buenos Aires, has provided the stage for some of the most important events in Argentinian history. The area around the square includes the cathedral, the Casa Rosada (the workplace of the president), and city hall, and draws visitors with its grand architecture. But for many, the soul of Buenos Aires is in the barrios, particularly San Telmo. Here, Belle Époque architecture and crumbling villas recall the district's 19th-century heyday. It's also the perfect place to visit a tango club (known as a milonga) where you can see the most authentic and sensual form of Argentina's signature dance, and even try it yourself.

the vibrant capital city

Buenos Aires

SEE the film

Win a copy of the book

The film is based on the "heartwarmingly eccentric" (The Guardian) book by English author Tom Michell.

Argentina travel offers

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Five lucky Club Members can win a copy of The Penguin Lessons and a £50 Travelzoo voucher. Enter here for a chance to win.

As explored in 'The Penguin Lessons'

"The Penguin Lessons" opens in cinemas on 18 April, but together with Lionsgate, Travelzoo invites you to see the film early at your choice of 20 locations nationwide on 26 March. Follow this link to see more details and grab your ticket.

Tom brings Juan Salvador to the school where he teaches English in Buenos Aires. His pupils are quickly won over and the penguin becomes an indispensable member of the school community.

After washing up in an oil slick in Uruguay, Juan Salvador the penguin is rescued and smuggled into Argentina by Tom (Steve Coogan) during a time of political unrest.

Punta Tombo is a nature reserve in Argentina's Chubut Province. A trail runs through the reserve, passing close to the shore, where you can watch penguins dive into the ocean. Visitors can see penguins up close and even walk among them. Penguin-watching excursions are included in many cruise itineraries. Tours are also available from the towns of Puerto Madryn, Trelew, and Rawson.

how to see the penguins

Juan Salvador is a small Magellanic penguin, the most common type in Argentina. They can be found on the Atlantic coast between Puerto Deseado and Peninsula Valdes, as well as other areas in South America, such as Uruguay and Chile. Home to the largest colony in Argentina, Punta Tombo is a three-kilometre-long peninsula. Thousands of birds can be seen here every year between September and March. In some years, numbers even exceed one million.

Magellanic penguins

Juan Salvador's impact on Tom and the school community is enormous. Tom is gradually put back in touch with the person he is underneath his disillusioned exterior, and the penguin inspires everyone he comes into contact with.

Argentine penguins

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Buenos Aires

Punta Tombo