Main Attractions

* Head to El Doradillo coastline to watch the Southern Right whales (Eubalaena australis) that gather just a few meters off shore every year between June and October to mate and nurse their calves.

* Go scuba diving in the clear waters of Puerto Madryn and observe the abundant sea fauna in the area. Diving is available both from the shore and off boats available for hire with registered divers.

* Hike or bike the open spaces, enjoy the scenery, and maybe even see some of the great variety of fossils found around Puerto Madryn.

* Travel a little outside of town to one of the numerous ranches located in Peninsula Valdez, which allow visitors to experience the running of a Patagonian Ranch in a natural environment. Visitors can perform farm activities or just go horseback riding or hiking and enjoy the rural surroundings.

* Take a city tour, where you can see the remains of the first Welsh settlement in the area and learn about both the Welsh and Aboriginal heritage of the area, see city monuments and famous buildings, and get beautiful panoramic views of the city and beaches.

When to go

Puerto Madryn enjoys warm and pleasant summers (Dec-Feb) and cold winters (Jun-Aug). When you go depends on what you want to do there. June kicks off the start of the whale-watching season, the Fishing Festival takes place in November, and December is popular for scuba, which Puerto Madryn also hosts a festival for. As long as you prepare for the weather, Puerto Madryn has plenty to do and see year-round.

How to get there

You?ll have to head to Puerto Madryn from another major city in Argentina. If you?re backpacking around Patagonia, buses can be taken from other locations in the region fairly cheaply and easily. Popular companies include Andesmar 28 de Julio, Don Otto, and El Pinguino. If you?re coming from Buenos Aires, Cordoba, or another distant city, these same bus companies remain the inexpensive travel choice but if you?re pressed for time you might want to consider taking a plane into the Puerto Madryn Airport using an airshuttle service like LADE or American Falcon.

Visa information

Travelers from most countries including the US, UK, Australia, EU citizens, New Zealand, Canada, and Israel do not require a visa to enter Argentina. A 90 day tourist visa will be issued at the airport with a passport. Tourist visas can be renewed for those wishing to stay in Argentina with a quick trip to Uruguay from Buenos Aires. No tourist visa is required of visitors from Israel for stays up to 90 days.

Tipping

At restaurants it is normal to tip 10%. Taxi drivers do not receive tips but the fare may be rounded up to the nearest peso. Porters can receive a tip of a couple of pesos.