Patagonia Valdés Peninsula
Useful info
Southern Right whales and Commerson's dolphins can be seen from the coast between June and December. They migrate to the peninsula every year to mate. Penguins, between September and December, are another of Valdes’ big attractions. Punta Tombo, 180 km south of Puerto Madryn, is the largest penguin colony on the continent.
The Valdés Peninsula is an area of outstanding natural beauty. The main spots to visit are Isla de los Pájaros (Bird Island), Caleta Valdés, Punta Pirámides, Punta Delgada and Punta Loma, home to thousands of sea lions and elephant seals. Whale watching boat trips depart from the small port at Puerto Pirámides, 97 km from Puerto Madryn.
A visit to the Welsh towns of Trelew and Gaiman, 50 km south of Puerto Madryn, is a fascinating, if slightly surreal experience. These towns were founded by Welsh settlers in the mid 1800s. Today the Welsh culture is still alive in the local architecture and cuisine. In Gaiman, some of the street signs are written in Welsh and local children learn Welsh at school. Gaiman’s tea houses are famous for their hearty Welsh teas, complete with scones and fruit cake. The Egidio Feruglio Paleontology Museum in Trelew is also well worth a visit.
What´s on_
Tips_
- You need at least two days to see the Peninsula Valdes and the surrounding sites.
- Puerto Madryn is the the diving capital of Argentina. The beaches at Punta Pardelas are popular spots for diving, snorkelling and fishing.
- Southern right whales, that migrate to the Valdés Peninsula every year, can measure up to 17 metres and weigh as much as 70 tonnes. In their lifetime, they swim the equivalent of seven times around the world.
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In the press_
