Puerto Madryn is located on the coast of the Chubut province on the shores of Golfo Nuevo between Punta Tombo and Punta Norte, south of Trelew and north of Puerto Pirámides. It was founded by the Welsh in 1865 and named after Love Jones Parry, baron of Madryn. Nowadays, Puerto Madryn has more than 57,500 inhabitants and is the largest service center on the Patagonian coast and entrance to Peninsula Valdés, declared Natural Patrimony of Humanity by UNESCO in 1999. Touristic activities in Puerto Madryn have been widely developed since the 1960’s through the Golfo Nuevo Promotional Commission of Submarine Tourism, which constructed the highly visited, artificial reefs in Golfo Nuevo and Golfo San Jose. The climate of Puerto Madryn is little affected by rains, with a maximum temperature of 35° C in summer and a minimum of 5° C in winter. Whale season is between the months of June and December. You can bear witness to this wonderful show and hear the whales’ melodious sounds. There are 7 beaches extending for 5 km in the city of Puerto Madryn, which offer the possibility of going diving, jet-skiing, windsurfing and fishing.
How to get to Puerto Madryn
Coming from Buenos Aires over land to Puerto Madryn is a distance of 1400 km on National Route 3, and flights from various air line carriers arrive daily in Puerto Madryn. One may also arrive by airplane in Trelew, 67 km from Puerto Madryn, and transfer or taxi in. Additionally, ten long distance bus companies come to Puerto Madryn from the Argentine provinces. It is also a very important port, where cruises arrive from several parts of the world.
Bird Island
Since 1974, this has been an observation station and marine bird breeding ground. You can watch different bird species from the interpretation center using their powerful telescope.
Puerto Pirámides
The only town on Peninsula Valdés; it is a place to buy supples before continuing the trip. From Puerto Pirámides, one can go whale watching, observe sea lions, or enjoy various activities like diving, fishing, trekking or sandboarding.
Punta Pirámides
Only a few minutes from Puerto Pirámides, this natural space is home to sea lions and cormorants.
Caleta Valdés
Since 1967, this has been an observation station of elephant seals and sea lions that you can view from the cliff. In addition, from September to March a colony of Magellanic penguins can be spotted on the northern coast. Orcas, dolphins and birds may also be seen among with other terrestrial animals of the zone such as reptiles, cavies, wild cats and gray foxes.
Punta Delgada
Since 1983, this has been an observation station of elephant seals and sea lions.
Punta Tombo
Located in Chubut, this 210 hectare reserve was created in 1979 as an important bird refuge in order to protect several species. Magellanic penguins are mainly preserved here, but there are also Cook, Southern, and Small gulls, oystercatchers, and cormorants, along with land animals like guanacos and foxes.
Punta Loma
One of the first fauna reserves in Chubut, it abounds with steppe flora and fauna along its natural cliffs. Looking towards Golfo Nuevo, there’s the sea lion observation station and the Cerro Advanzado beach, which displays old, sedimentary formation layers with remaining oyster and marine vertebrate fossils. Tourists can go mountain-biking on nearby Punta Este, Kaiser beach and Paraná.
El Doradillo
A protected area since 2001 by municipal ordinance Nº 4263/01, El Doradillo is only 19 km from Puerto Madryn and encompasses 30 km of coast between Punta Arco and Cerro Prismático. From June to December, the Southern Right Whale can be sighted here at impressive proximity while it nurses and reproduces.
Rawson
Rawson is the capital of the Chubut province and from its port, toninas can be sighted. Surfing is possible at Union Beach.
Camarones
Located between Comodoro Rivadavia and Trelew, this little paradise is ideal for diving or salmon fishing.
Sarmiento
Sarmiento is located in the Senguer River valley, which is home to the beautiful lakes of Colgué, Huapí and Musters. The main attraction of Sarmiento, however, is its Petrified Forest, with coniferous vestiges that inhabited the zone millions of years ago.
FAUNA
The climatic, marine and terrestrial characteristics of Puerto Madryn are unique in the world and allow the coexistence of a variety of animals adapted to barren zones like cavies, guanacos, Patagonian hares, skunks, gray foxes and various other species. In addition, a great amount of marine mammals inhabit Puerto Madryn, like sea lions, elephant seals, Magellanic penguins, orcas, dolphins, and of course, the Southern Right Whale.
Southern Right Whale
This large mammal feeds on small organisms, although the females who are larger than the males, measure up to 16 meters and weigh up to 50 tons. There are 3000 whales of this species in the world, who arrive in Peninsula Valdés from March until May and stay until December. Each individual can be recognized by its natural markings, but even more remarkable are the whales spectacular jumps with their tails visible out of the water.
Orcas
The orca is a dolphin of greater dimension. Males measure up to 9.5 meters, weigh 8,000 kg, and live up to 30 years. Females do not surpass 7 meters in length, and 4000 kg. These marine mammals feed themselves on fish, penguins, turtles and other mammals.
Magellanic Penguins
Magellanic penguins are 60 cm in length and weigh 4 to 5 kg, with males being slightly larger than females. This penguin species abounds in Patagonia, with more than 200,000 pairs living in Punta Tombo alone.
Southern Sea Lion
The Southern sea lion has a single layer coat, which fortunately generates minor interest for its fur. You can tell that they are sea lions due to the males’ abundant skin at the base of their necks. Males can reach a weight of up to 350 kg and a length of 2.3 meters, while females weigh less than 200 kg. They feed on shrimp, octopus, and fish.
Southern Elephant Seal
The largest of the 19 seal species, male elephant seals can be five times larger than the females. Once the females are 4 years old, they remain permanently pregnant, except 19 days per year while lactating.
Dark Dolphin
This dolphin measures approximately 2 meters and weighs 90 kg. In the spring and early summer they approach the coasts, feeding on shrimp and anchovies.
Common Dolphin
These rapid swimmers grow up to 2.6 meters and weigh up to 75 kg. They travel in groups of over 100, and eat cephalopods, fish and shrimp. They jump high and frequently, swimming near the boats.
Tonina Overa
These small bodied animals with a rounded dorsal fin are a grayish-brown color when born, and white and black as adults. They reach up to 1,5 meters and weigh between 30-45 kg. They feed on squid and fish, and live in reduced groups no greater than 12.
Flamingo
This long-legged and long-necked specie can be observed during the winter months, feeding on mollusks, seaweed and small crustaceans. They are mainly rose colored with small patches of red in their plumage.
Cook Seagull
This scavenger feeds on crabs, mussels, eggs and chicks of other bird species, as well as city leftovers.
Giant Petrel
With a wing span measuring up to 2 meters and a weight of up to 5 kg, this bird eats carrion and feeds on penguins.
Guanacos
Along the routes to Puerto Madryn, is very common to come across these long, thick haired animals with large eyes.
Patagonian Hare (Mara)
With an average weight of 15 kg and a height of 70 cm, Patagonian hares coexist in large groups and form lasting pairs.
Rhea (Ñandú)
Its name in Mapuche is choique, and it is a fast, long-legged animal similar to an ostrich, but with three toes. The males form "harems" of approximately 12 females, although it is the male who is responsible for caring for the 15 cm eggs.
FLORA
The climate of Puerto Madryn is cold and dry, with moderate to strong frosts, and winds originating out of the south/southwest. Plants growing in the region are annual and grow during the light rainy season, then go to seed or remain as bulbs or tubers during the rest of the year. Plants that can resist this climate are able to retain water, and have hairy stems and leaves that protect them from the wind and sun.
Thyme
This strongly aromatic plant is commonly used as an herb, although the Tehuelches used it as an infusion to cure colds. It may be used in mate against intestinal upset.
Paico
An aromatic grass used in infusions to cure stomach acidity, diarrea and the elimination of parasites. Also used to fight insomnia, its juice is used to alleviate blows and twists.
Carqueja
This small, medicinal plant treats stomach problems, rheumatism, diabetes, wounds, ulcers, burns and inflammations.
Jume
This fleshy leafed shrub used to dye and wash fabrics was previously used as soap.
Michay - Calafate
This thorny shrub with a height of one meter produces tasty, edible fruits that can also be used to make wine or candy. In addition to food, it can be used to dye hair or fabrics. Tehuelches also used it for eye problems.
Fruta del Bicho
A small shrub with few leaves, which produces lots of tasty fruit. Additionally, this plant contains ephedrine, and is used in asthma treatments, fractures and urinary problems.
Carob tree
A very useful grazing resource for cattle and other native animals, like guanacos or crested elegant tinamoos.
Sources:
Secretary of Chubut Tourism
Puerto Madryn - Official Site
