Making the most of Puerto Madryn Patagonia
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Ships use the Luis Piedrabuena Pier, which is now less than 1,5 km from the city centre. A bridge connects the pier to the gate, and free shuttles are also available.
Many guardians around the gate area make it safe. This is the start of the shopping area, with plenty of shops and restaurants and the tourist information centre.
A printable map is available to take with you.
Puerto Madryn is a gateway to whales, penguins, the Valdes Peninsula and Welsh traditions, impressing visitors at first sight. One of Patagonia's fastest-growing cities, Madryn has the beautiful coast avenue of Almirante Brown Boulevard and a residential area whose houses have unbeatable Atlantic Ocean views within the huge natural amphitheatre constituted by the Nuevo Gulf.
Getting around
Puerto Madryn is the starting point for many interesting sites unique in the world, including some declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. First is the Valdes Peninsula, where boat excursions offer whale watching. This privileged bird and sea-fauna reservation's main attraction is the Southern Whale, which comes to these coasts every year between May and December to breed. From July to September, whales are close enough to view without a tour, either from the coast 20km north of town or the town's 500m pier.
Nearby places
With so many ways to explore the area's vast, varied wildlife, it is virtually impossible to see or do everything in one port day. But this port gives the easiest and best opportunity to view Magellanic penguins. About 2 ½ hours away, the secluded desert of Punta Tombo Penguin Reserve is the breeding ground for over ½ million Magellanic penguins. They are so comfortable around humans that you can easily walk among their burrows and walkways throughout the colony. Guanacos, llama-like animals indigenous to the area, roam freely on the preserve.
Food and shopping
Right downtown, the three story shopping centre has some nice upscale shops, while many specialty stores are found in the city centre.
Money
The Argentina Peso is subject to volatility.
Agentina exchange tips.
Staying connected
Call centers and cafes offering customers free WiFi abound in the centre.
Language: Spanish.