Puerto Madryn, Argentina, emerges as a beacon of eco-consciousness, serving as a gateway to the breathtaking Patagonian landscape and awarded the UNESCO World Heritage status, Peninsula Valdes, renowned for its abundant marine life, including Sea Lions, Penguins, and Whales.
The Welsh settlement in the 1800s gave the name Madryn and a small Welsh-speaking community still exists in the area and continues on with their cultural heritage close to the city.
Upon disembarking from the boat we decided to visit Punta Loma, a $50 excursion cost at the Taxi stand, encompassing the return fare and an hour at Punta Loma. In this relatively new city, burgeoning as the fastest-growing in Patagonia, the charm lies in its seaside allure, flanked by picturesque sand dunes. The juxtaposition of desert meeting ocean paints a vivid, albeit hot, landscape, with ongoing apartment constructions hinting at a city on the rise, currently boasting a population of just under 100,000.
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| Plenty of sand dunes. |
The journey to Punta Loma, a 25-minute drive including a 7-minute gravel road delivered us to the parking lot overlooking the Sea Lion Rookery.
The resounding calls of the big males and the spirited bawls of the pups echoed before the sight of these majestic creatures unfolded. Witnessing the dynamic daily life of Sea Lions, with playful pups chasing each other and birds, while others fished or kept a watchful eye over their young, provided a mesmerizing spectacle. A 20-minute observation from the Mirador or lookout platform and a stroll to another sand dune for a different perspective added depth to the experience.
Returning in the taxi, a sense of satisfaction prevailed, underlining Argentina's commitment to protecting Sea Lions by restricting public interference. The sheer size of some males underscored the importance of keeping a respectful distance. When we returned to the pier we had a leisurely exploration of the Flea Market and Puerto Madryn stores. |
| This area of Patagonia near Puerto Madryn had its own First Nations People. |
We returned to the ship, which took 10 minutes to walk to the end of the pier. From our balcony, the mesmerizing sea lion antics continued, accompanied by occasional water spouts signalling the presence of whales. The previous day's encounter with Orca Whales, breaching and tail-slapping in harmony with the ship's course, added an unexpected symphony to the sea voyage yesterday. |
| Back on board at the back of the ship |
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| The landscape is stark. |
In this tale of Puerto Madryn, each chapter unfolds with a blend of ecological marvels, responsible tourism, and unexpected encounters with the mesmerizing marine life of the region. |
| The dark grey pups were quite numerous. |
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