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Coastal Patagonia

Patagonia’s cavorting right whales, penguin colonies and traditional Welsh settlements are all accessed by Argentina’s coastal RN 3. While this paved road takes in some fascinating maritime history, it also travels long yawning stretches of landscape that blur the horizon like a never-ending blank slate. It’s also a favored travel route for oversized trucks on long-haul trips.

Wildlife enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the world-renowned Península Valdés, the continent’s largest Magellanic penguin colonies at Área Natural Protegida Punta Tombo, and Reserva Natural Ría Deseado’s diverse seabird population. The quiet villages of Puerto San Julián and Camarones make for quiet seaside retreats, while Gaiman tells the story of Welsh settlement through a lazy afternoon of tea and cakes.

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Coastal Patagonia.

  • See

    EcoCentro

    Celebrating the area’s unique marine ecosystem, this masterpiece brings an artistic sensitivity to extensive scientific research. There are exhibits on the breeding habits of right whales, dolphin sounds and southern-elephant-seal harems, a touch-friendly tide pool and more. The building includes a three-story tower and library, with the top featuring glass walls and comfy couches for reading. Bring your binoculars: whales may be spotted from here. It’s an enjoyable 40-minute walk or 15-minute bike ride along the costanera to the EcoCentro. Shuttles run three times daily from the tourist office on Av Roca, or you can catch a Línea 2 bus to the last stop and walk 1km.

  • See

    Observatorio Punta Flecha

    Run by Fundación Patagonia Natural, this whale-watching observatory sits 17km north of Puerto Madryn on Playa el Doradillo. It offers tourist information and opens at high tide, when there are more whales and visitors at the beach.

  • See

    Museo Oceanográfico y de Ciencias Naturales

    Feeling strands of seaweed and ogling a preserved octopus gives a hands-on museum experience here. The 1917 Chalet Pujol features marine-and-land mammal exhibits, preserved specimens, and collections of Welsh wares. Explanations in Spanish are geared to youth science classes, but it’s visually informative and creatively presented. Twist up to the cupola for views of the port.

  • See

    Reserva Faunística Punta Loma

    Home to a permanent sea-lion colony and cormorant rookery, the Reserva Faunística Punta Loma is 17km southeast of Puerto Madryn via a good but winding gravel road. The overlook is about 15m from the animals, best seen during low tides.