Puerto Madryn, Argentina

Geography

Puerto Madryn is located on the shores of Golfo Nuevo, a large sheltered bay on the Atlantic coast, in the Patagonian province of Chubut, Argentina. The waterfront has some beautiful beaches while to the east is the Valdés Peninsula, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its abundant marine wildlife.

Significance

Founded by Welsh immigrants in 1865, Puerto Madryn has grown into a prominent centre for tourism and marine research in Patagonia. The city is internationally recognized for whale watching and as a conservation centre for the Southern Right Whale and other marine species.

Attractions

The Ecocentro, a museum dedicated to marine education and conservation, offers insights into the marine ecosystem of the Patagonian coast. The Valdés Peninsula is renowned for its wildlife, including sea lions, elephant seals, and orcas. Punta Tombo, south of Puerto Madryn, is home to the largest Magellanic penguin colony in South America.

Activities

Whale-watching tours from June to December provide up-close encounters with Southern Right Whales. Scuba diving in Golfo Nuevo allows for the exploration of underwater kelp forests and marine fauna. Visits to Punta Tombo between September and March offer the chance to walk among hundreds of thousands of penguins.