This Atlantic coast city is Argentina’s gateway to the country’s Welsh settlements and superb penguin, seal and whale-watching opportunities.
Observe magnificent marine wildlife in Puerto Madryn. This seaside city on the bay of the Golfo Nuevo is a natural breeding ground for southern right whales, among other fascinating aquatic animals. Puerto Madryn dates back to 1865, when a boat of Welsh immigrants landed upon its shores. Discover strong Celtic and Welsh traditions at the teahouses and museums of surrounding villages.
Find a handful of attractions around the city center, including Plaza Puerto Madryn. Browse gemstone displays at the Gemas Museum. See a slice of local history, Welsh immigration and wildlife at the Provincial Museum of Natural Science and Oceanography.
Enjoy bay views while strolling on the esplanade and sands of Puerto Madryn BeachOpens in a new window. From June to mid December see whales from the pier and El Doradillo Beach. Walk south to a headland sheltering the Punta Cuevas Historical Park. The Welsh arrived here and set up their first primitive community. The Ecocentro, a museum about Patagonia’s diverse marine ecosystems, and the Monument of the Tehuelche Indian are other headland attractions.
Travel 55 miles (90 kilometers) east to the UNESCO-protected Península Valdés, Argentina’s most famous location for watching elephant seals, sea lions and whales. Join boat and kayak tours from Puerto Pirámides and get within touching distance of these elegant mammals. Enjoy great viewpoints at Punta Delgada and Punta Norte. South of the city, Punta Tombo welcomes thousands of Magallenic penguins and abundant seabirds.
Venture inland to GaimanOpens in a new window, a laid-back village with Welsh-inspired landmarks, Welsh-language street signs and quaint teahouses. Don’t miss the Welsh Regional Historical Museum. Welsh pioneers also established the towns of Dolavon, Rawson and Trelew.
Reach Puerto Madryn by flying to Trelew and taking a shuttle bus onward. The peak time for southern right whales is June to mid December, while penguins arrive from October to March. Elephant seals and sea lions inhabit the water year-round. Come in November to sample Patagonian lamb dishes and watch folkloric dance shows during the National Lamb Festival.
