Puerto Madryn, Argentina
by Paul H. Green
Puerto Madryn, Argentina was settled by the Welsh in 1886, and remains much the same to this day. Many of the city street names reflect the Welsh heritage. The city is located on the northeastern side of the Argentine province, Chubut, in the well protected desert bay of Golfo Nuevo, about 860 miles south of Buenos Aires. This coastal region is a mainland Galapagos, with a population of approximately 45,000. Puerto Madryn has become a popular destination as it is considered the gateway to the Peninsula of Valdes, one of the biggest sanctuaries in the world, ripe with abundant wildlife.
Port Madryn is also the Argentine capital of diving as calm, clear waters provide excellent conditions for viewing the varied fauna and sub-tropical species that inhabitant the numerous dive sites. Puerto Madryn prides itself on environmental consciousness.
One of the great day trips from Port Madryn is to travel about 30 minutes south of the city to Punta Nintas to see the Seal Lions. This small cliff point is home to hundreds of Sea Lions each year, from December to March. Visiting the Sea lions will cost about $3.00 US at Punta Nintas. Then returning back south on the road to Port Madryn, you can catch the road to Punta Loma and continue about 1 hour to Trelew to see the Paleontology Museum. This little Museum has an amazing collection, and many finds from Argentina, an extremely rich area for fossils, that can be seen nowhere else in the world. While you are in Trelew check out the train station across the street from the Museum, also a Museum these days, as the narrow gauge railroad is no longer in use.
Finally, for a visit you will not soon forget, take a left out of town traveling just twenty minutes west to Gaiman. This little town, which sets on the bank of the Rio Chubut river, is the first settlement in this part of Argentina. Gaiman was settled by Welsh emigrants, and is a wonderful town right out of South Wales. You can enjoy great Welsh food, and singing and a really interesting place in the middle of Argentine Patagonia.
Places of Interest:
- Reserva Faunistica Penninsula Valdes
Approximately a 2 hours drive from Puerto Madryn, this reserve offers a close look at sea lions and elephant seals. You will not be disappointed to see the large number of sea lions, elephant seals, guanacos, rheas, Magellanic penguins, and many other sea birds. Bring extra camera batteries for this one. Peninsula Valdes is one of the finest wildlife preserves in South America. Sheep estancias occupy the peninsula inland.
- Punta Delgada
Just north of Delgada, a large seal lion colony is visible from the cliffs. Further north, Caleta Valdes is a sheltered bay with a long gravel spit where elephant seals and guanacos can be seen.
- Punta Loma Reserve
As noted before, Puerto Madryn is a gateway to remote wildlife preserves and Argentine Patagonia. Go to "Punta Loma Reserve" located off the Patagonian plains. From the lookout point you'll see the permanent colony of sea lions relaxing on the rocks. You might even see nesting cormorants and sea lions sparing for their girlfriends. Then off to Trelew to the Paleontology Museum.
- Punta Tombo Penguin Rookery
What is black and white and red all over? The Punta Tombo Penguin Rookery. Here is your opportunity to see thousands of penguins close up - the largest nesting ground in continental South America. Because these birds are not afraid of humans you are able to walk amongst them.
- Eateries
Puerto Madryn has a varied selection of quality food at reasonable prices, and is known for great seafood. If you can work it to have lunch at Estela (Roque Saenz Pena 27) you will be a happy traveler. For a great reasonable dinner check out either Paris (Roca 672 Avenue) or Don Jorge (Roque Saenz Pena 214). If you are ok with a more expensive meal, then Mar Y Meseta, is the most elegant seafood restaurant in town. Service is top notch, and the chefs use Patagonian ingredients whenever possible to create their master pieces. (Avenue Roca 485)