About
Puerto Madryn is a coastal city in Chubut Province, in Argentina's Patagonia region of South America. It is best known as a place to watch whales, particularly the Southern Right Whale, and it serves as the main gateway to the Peninsula Valdés, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Why visit
Most travellers come for the marine wildlife. The waters off the city and the peninsula are a known habitat for Southern Right Whales, and whale watching is the activity that draws visitors here. Because the city sits on the coast, many of its attractions are tied to the sea, and a stay usually has a relaxed, outdoor rhythm.
What to plan around
- Whale watching: the main reason most people make the trip, with Southern Right Whales as the focus.
- Peninsula Valdés: the UNESCO World Heritage site that Puerto Madryn is the gateway to, reached as a day outing from the city.
- The coast: the city's seafront is part of its character, and a walk along it is a simple way to get a feel for the place.
Puerto Madryn also goes by the name Madryn Port, so you may see either name in travel listings. Whether it suits you depends on your interest in wildlife and the open landscapes of Patagonia. If whales and coastal scenery are what you are looking for, the city offers a good base from which to explore them.
