Puerto Madryn
Posted 9 months, 4 weeks ago at 12:10 pm. Add a comment
The gorgeous port city of Puerto Madryn lies in the East part of the province of Chubut, nestled by the Golfo Nuevo and surrounded by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. This coastal gem is one of Argentina’s most popular cities to view wildlife, particularly whale watching, as well as the centre of marine biology in the country.
Puerto Madryn is located about 1400km from Buenos Aires and because of its tourist popularity, is an easily accessible destination with numerous buses traveling between the two cities all year round. Puerto Madryn sits in an area of Argentina travel that receives very little rainfall; summers are sunny and warm (17C-25C) and winters are divided evenly between sunny and cloudy days, with cool temperatures (3C-11C). It is good to keep in mind that even during the summer months the temperature can be quite cool at night from the breeze coming off of the Atlantic ocean, and during the winter months, the temperature may not be that low, however with that breeze the area becomes quite chilly.
Puerto Madryn is one of Argentina’s most popular wildlife travel destinations, the country’s second largest fishing port, and a major player in marine biology research. The town was discovered in 1865 by Welsh settlers still apparent in the few welsh statues that line the beach walkways, and features small square homes, low buildings, narrow streets, beach and beach walkways, numerous hotels, restaurants, and tourism offices. Because of its large tourism numbers, the city is geared towards accommodating its many yearly visitors and during the peak season months’ hotels, cabins, and hostels become full and the nightlife of the city picks up. The road among the water is the city’s main avenue featuring many of the most popular restaurants and all the tourism offices and tourist shops that one could ever possibly need; a great place to go to book tours or pick up souvenirs on your way out of town.
Marine biology is a major focus in this port town and is home to the Universidad de la Patagonia that has an incredible marine biology program, an ecological centre, and focuses on the conservation, protection, and education of marine biology in the area. Many students from around Argentina come here to study during the school year and then work in the peak season, giving the city a very young and youthful feel.
One of the major reasons that visitors come to the area is to enjoy the wildlife. The main wildlife attraction here is in the Valdes Peninsula, declared a World Natural Heritage sight in 1999, and not far from Puerto Madryn, where southern right whales arrive and stay during the months from June until December. Every tourism office in town books whales watching excursions, and in general, they offer the same or very similar tours for the same prices, so just walk around until you find one that sounds good and is available. Whale watching excursions can be take through either a boat tour, which often places you right next to these beautiful giants, or a walking tour, taking you to certain viewpoints such as the El Doradillo beach. Visitors will agree that the most spectacular part of any whale watching excursion during these months is spotting female whales with their caves; bringing your camera is a must.
Puerto Madryn is also Argentina’s diving spot; dives can be arranged through dive companies in the city who offer a myriad of different dives from beginner dives straight through to advanced dives. Because the city and its surrounding area have a fairly mild temperature for most of the year, diving can be enjoyed through the spring, fall and summer months. Other water sports such as windsurfing and sport fishing also attract visitors throughout the year.
If you are looking to spot some of Argentina’s wildlife and enjoy a beautiful natural environment, Puerto Madryn is the place for you.