The lower Chubut river valley is where the Welsh settlers who landed in 1865 built their colony. Today it is three towns less than an hour from Puerto Madryn, each with something of its own: paleontology in Trelew, Welsh tea houses in Gaiman and the irrigation canals and mill of Dolavon.
Stops on the Welsh valley tour
| Town | Distance from Puerto Madryn | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Trelew | 65 km / 40 mi | Egidio Feruglio Paleontology Museum (MEF), with dinosaur fossils found in Chubut; historic railway-era buildings |
| Gaiman | 82 km / 51 mi | Welsh tea houses, Welsh chapels, old railway tunnel |
| Dolavon | 100 km / 62 mi | Irrigation canals from the colony, flour mill, valley farms and wineries |
What is a Welsh tea in Patagonia?
A Welsh tea is served with homemade bread, butter, jams and a table of cakes, including torta negra, the Welsh black cake the settlers baked to last for months. It is a big afternoon meal: have a light lunch.
Local tip: Gaiman tea houses open in the afternoon. If you combine with Punta Tombo, the drive back through Gaiman fits tea time perfectly.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Welsh valley tour good for cruise passengers?
Yes. With 5 to 6 hours ashore you can visit the MEF museum and have Welsh tea in Gaiman.
Do people still speak Welsh in Patagonia?
Yes, Welsh is still taught and spoken in Gaiman and Trelew, and there are Welsh cultural festivals every year.
Discover Welsh Patagonia
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