
Puerto Madryn, Argentina
Fleeing the economic devastation of England's Industrial Revolution, Welsh settlers immigrated to Argentina in search of cheap land. Led by Viscount Madryn, one group of settlers sailed for Patagonia, founding the small city of Puerto Madryn in 1865. Life in Patagonia, however, was not easy. There were lonely prairies, brutally cold winters, and unrelenting winds. Still the Welsh survived, and today visitors can still see their legacy in Puerto Madryn and its surrounding communities.
Puerto Madryn is your gateway to one of South America's largest breeding grounds for birds and mammals - Tombo National Reserve.
Note: Temperatures fluctuate widely in Patagonia. Dress in warm layers, wear sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots and bring a waterproof jacket, hat and bottled water.
Roads outside Puerto Madryn are bumpy and dusty. Transportation are equipped for these conditions but do not offer customary tour amenities.
Points of Interest
- Punta Tombo National Reserve
- Gaiman
- Punta Loma Reserve
- Estancia San Guillermo
- Peninsula Valdes
- Ecocentro
- Paleontology Museum
- El Pedral Ranch
Paleontology Museum & Punta Loma
- Punta Loma Reserve
- Paleontology Museum
The Chubut Valley in Patagonia is a mecca for dinosaur fans with 300 million years of history recorded in the fossil collections at the renowned Paleontology Museum. A scenic drive to Punta Loma for unparalleled wildlife viewing makes this easy half-day tour the ideal choice for nature lovers too.
Easy Activity
$129.95
Estancia San Guillermo & Punta Loma
- Punta Loma Reserve
- Estancia San Guillermo
Sightsee to Estancia San Guillermo, a working sheep ranch where your charming hosts will welcome you to their home. Experience a sheep-shearing demonstration, visit the friendly guanacos, and explore the nature trails. With a visit to scenic Punta Loma and its sea lion colony your moderate, half-day tour is complete.
Easy Activity, Includes snack
$149.95
Dolphins & Sea Lions Safari
- Punta Loma Reserve
Zip across the aquamarine waters of Golfo Nuevo aboard a high-speed RIB for a close up look at the area's marine neighbors. Keep your eyes open for dolphins as you zoom down the scenic coast to Punta Loma Nature Reserve, a protected natural area that's home to Southern sea lions.
Easy Activity
$189.95
Valdes Peninsula: Caleta Valdes Lagoon & Puerto Piramide
- Peninsula Valdes
An UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Valdes Peninsula is one of the world's great wildlife preserves. Travel to a shallow lagoon where elephant seals bask on the shore while guanacos - South American camels - roam the beach. Visit the sea lion colony at Puerto Piramide, where right whales often frolic offshore between June and December.
Moderate Activity, Includes meal
$199.95
Welsh Heritage in Patagonia
- Gaiman
Immerse yourself in the history of the Welsh culture when you discover the original settlements that dot the Chubut River Valley region. Visit the Poet's House, tour Narlu Farm and charming Gaiman, and conclude with refreshments at the famed Ty Gwyn Tea House
Easy Activity, Includes snack
$199.95
Best of Puerto Madryn: Punta Tombo Reserve
- Punta Tombo National Reserve
Visit one of the largest penguin rookeries in the world at Punta Tombo Natural Reserve. You'll see hundreds of Magellanic penguins who return to court, mate and hatch a brood of chicks.
Moderate Activity, Includes meal
$199.95
Zodiac Cruise
- Punta Loma Reserve
Calling nature lovers, photographers and outdoor enthusiasts -- take a Zodiac cruise along the shoreline in search of sea lions and dolphins, flocks of seabirds, shipwrecks and Punta Loma Nature Reserve. And learn the area's rich history (even a tale or two about local residents Butch Cassidy and Sundance Kid!).
Strenuous Activity
$229.95
Punta Ninfas Penguins & Patagonian Lunch
- El Pedral Ranch
Grab your camera and put on your walking shoes for an amazing adventure to the high cliffs of Punta Ninfas. Among this rugged beauty you'll have a front-row seat to the penguin colony and their nesting and feeding habits, as well as spectacular views and amazing wildlife.
Strenuous Activity, Includes meal
$239.95
Exclusive Penguin Rookery at Punta Tombo Reserve
- Punta Tombo National Reserve
- Gaiman
Visit one of the largest penguin rookeries in the world at Punta Tombo Natural Reserve with just a small group of passengers in a private van. You'll see hundreds of Magellanic penguins who return to court, mate and hatch a brood of chicks. For a change of pace, complete your moderate full-day tour with a traditional Welsh tea in charming Gaiman.
Moderate Activity, Includes meal
$269.95
Kayak with Sea Lions in Peninsula Valdes
- Peninsula Valdes
Hop into a kayak and glide among the playful South American sea lions that make their home in the sparkling waters off Golfo Nuevo. As you paddle in the waters of Valdes Peninsula, you'll be amazed at the colonies of these adorable creatures, as well as the menagerie of birdlife.
Strenuous Activity
$299.95
Valdes Peninsula, Estancia San Lorenzo & Punta Norte
- Peninsula Valdes
Experience the rugged beauty of Patagonia. An UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Valdes Peninsula is one of the world's great wildlife preserves. See the sea lion and elephant seal colonies at Punta Norte. Take a tour at Estancia San Lorenzo Natural Reserve and travel to the world's largest nesting colony for Magellanic penguins with more than 600,000 penguins, and travel to a vast rookery of Magellanic penguins.
Strenuous Activity, Includes meal
$299.95
Snorkeling with Sea Lions
- Punta Loma Reserve
Snorkel with sea lions in the turquoise waters of Punta Loma Nature Reserve, natural habitat to hundreds of these playful creatures. After an expert guide provides proper instruction and equipment, you'll dip below the waves and watch sea lions dive and dart effortlessly through the water.
Strenuous Activity, Includes snack
$339.95