Wildlife, fossils and Welsh heritage
Puerto Madryn is the gateway to Peninsula Valdez and other nature reserves along its neighbouring coastline. Estancia Punta Norte and Punta Delgada, in the Peninsula, are great to see sea lions, elephant seals, and Magellanic penguins, while Puerto Pirámides is perfect for whale watching tours. Punta Tombo nature reserve, located 3 hours driving south, hosts the largest Magellanic penguin colony outside Antarctica.
All-year-round is good to see elephant seals, sea lion Commerson's dolphins and seabirds; whilst orcas are present from October to April, and penguins from September to March. Peak numbers of whales occur from September to November.
The villages of Trelew and Gaiman still maintain the legacy of Wales settlers that arrived in 1865. Welsh tea rooms and Argentinians speaking in Welsh are not uncommon here. Trelew is also home to the best Museum of Paleontology in South America.