Awaiting Your Return From Shore |
Situated snugly in a well-protected bay
of the Golfo Nuevo, Puerto Madryn is the Chubut Province’s natural access
point for the plains of Patagonia. This vast area covers one-third of the
country but is occupied by less than four percent of the population.
Patagonia characteristically encompasses three different regions: a vast and
windy, treeless plateau; the Atlantic coast; and the southern part with its
national parks, awesome mountain ranges, glaciers and fjords. In the north
of Patagonia, in Chubut Province, is Argentina’s Welsh community, which
began when a group of adventurous Welsh immigrants settled in the area
around Puerto Madryn in 1886. The town took its name from Love Parry, Baron
of Madryn. Although today the town appears unmistakably Argentine, Welsh
customs, names and even some of the language have survived. On the town’s
outskirts stands the statue of a Welsh woman depicting the simple life of
these early settlers.
Puerto Madryn has experienced rapid development thanks to Argentina’s first
aluminum plant established here. Lately it has also become a popular tourist
center because of its excellent diving and watersports, recognized by
visitors from all over Argentina and other parts of South America.
Still, its major draw is the proximity to such important wildlife reserves
as Punta Tombo and the Peninsula Valdés. Scores of visitors endure long
drives to visit these amazing nature reserves for Magellanic penguins,
elephant seals, sea lions and whales.
In town, a casino and several restaurants known for good seafood provide
visitors with basic diversions.
In addition, there is the Museum of Natural Sciences and Oceanography with
exhibits portraying the remarkable wildlife in the Province of Chubut. Main
street shops offer a limited selection of leather goods, watersports
equipment and items made by the Patagonian Indians. |
Awaiting Your Return
From Shore |