HISTORY OF PUERTO MADRYN AND PENINSULA VALDÉS AREA
TRELEW, GAIMAN AND THE WELSH SETTLEMENT

The Patagonian Railway - It left its trace on its way trough Madryn - A part of an important story. Puerto Madryn did not grow spontaneously. The present city is the result of the historic evolution of its community. To know this city is to understand the real activity of the city today and its tendencies. That's why its development is so important. It was founded on 28th July,1865, when 150 Welsh arrived at our coast on board “The Mimosa”, and who baptized this natural port “Puerto Madryn” in homage to Loves Jones Parry, who was Madryn Baron in Wales. In fact settlement starts in 1886 when the railway track between Madryn and Trelew is built and Welsh, Spanish and Italian immigrants are hired for its construction. From that moment onwards Puerto Madryn becomes entrance and exit of the colony. The city started to grow around the railway and port activities, and also due to other services such as shops and store houses. The coast together with the railway track were the leaders of its growth until the end of the 50s and beginning of the 60s.

In this decade the customs tax exemptions are removed, the last maritime enterprises disappear, as well as the Merchant Company of Chubut and finally the Patagonic Railway closes down. At the beginning of the 60s some textile industries settle down thanks to tax exemption. Some years later, all the industries close down. People start emigrating at the beginning of the 70s. The activity which had fostered the growth of the city was no longer there. However, there was a change: a ride to the Indian monument, between the coast and the dunes, a road of 3km which led to the monument. The settlement of an aluminum plant in the north of the city and its port moved the industrial area to the north. From the 70s the population of Puerto Madryn experienced what is known as explosive growth, in less than 10 years its population tripled, there were new industrial settlements, and the city itlself hosted families from different parts of the country as well as foreigners. At present, the city has acquired a tourist character, it became the head of services in the area, stressing its interest in the preservation of the environment.

DAY 1 - Arrival to Trelew Airport and transfer to hotel in Puerto Madryn. 03 nts of accommodation with breakfast

DAY 2 - Excursion to Peninsula Valdès Reserve

DAY 3 - Excursion to Punta Tombo Penguin Reserve. Later we visit Trelew and MEF Museum (Dinosaurs of Patagonia) and later Gaiman (Welsh Colony)

DAY 4 - Transfer to airport

This is a basic program to visit Peninsula Valdes Area. Please visit our tour list to see more tours combining this area and others place in Argentina and Chile

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PENÍNSULA VALDÉS: See our Puerto Madryn Interactive Map	Península Valdés Interactive Map	Province of Chubut Interactive Map
Area of reproduction of the whales in Península Valdés	Ballena Franca Austral South Right Whale Península Valdés	The Orcas in Península Valdés Area
General Information Province of Chubut	The Penguins in Punta Tombo and Península Valdés	Puerto Pirámide Map (Peninsula Valdés)
Animals-watching Season (Peninsula Valdés Area)	Photo Gallery

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