Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Trelew, Argentina

Trelew, a town established by Welsh immigrants in Patagonia, holds a wealth of historical significance, despite its lack of picturesque visuals or an abundance of tourist spots. With a population approximating 100,000, it is the largest city in the Chubut region and acts as a hub for Argentina’s wool industry. Within the town, visitors may explore several museums, enjoy exceptional birdwatching opportunities, and witness elements of Trelew’s Welsh heritage; however, the real allure lies outside the town limits.

Trelew serves as an excellent launch point for exploring the tea houses in Gaiman and the rural Welsh chapels scattered throughout the countryside. Moreover, it is conveniently located for day trips to attractions such as the extensive penguin colony at Punta Tombo and the wildlife-rich Peninsula Valdés near Puerto Madryn. You can choose to relax with a cup of tea between seaside excursions for whale watching or visit the local casino before embarking on adventures to the nearby petrified forest and reservoir.

Let us delve into the top experiences one can enjoy in Trelew:

1. Museo Paleontológico Egidio Feruglio

As one of the primary attractions in the city, the Museo Paleontológico Egidio Feruglio (MEF) offers visitors the chance to view massive dinosaur skeletons. Visitors can embark on an exploration of prehistoric eras, with exhibits ranging from the Big Bang to early paleo-man, complemented by a significant collection of dinosaur fossils.

The museum features replications of original ecological settings from ancient times, documentary screenings in its auditorium, and a preparatory laboratory where scientists work on fossils, accessible for observation.

The standout exhibit consists of enormous dinosaur bones unearthed from the Patagonian region, dating back to the Mesozoic Era.

Entry to this compact yet contemporary museum is priced at 150 pesos for adults and 130 pesos for children.

Additionally, souvenirs are available for purchase at the Dinoshop, and the museum’s Feruglio Café provides coffee options.

2. Florentino Ameghino Dam and Petrified Forest

Make the trip or consider joining a guided tour to explore a splendid oasis created by the Chubut River and this remarkable hydroelectric dam.

Traveling through arid landscapes, you will have the opportunity to learn about the regional petrified trees and take a short hike to view them up close.

Upon arrival, you will encounter the stunning emerald waters of the reservoir, which stand in sharp contrast to the surrounding red, rocky cliffs.

Meander through the dam’s concrete tunnels and ascend to the top for the most breathtaking views.

Afterward, enjoy a meal along the riverbanks at equipped campsites complete with tables and grills.

Visitors can also hike the surrounding trails to spot guanacos and hares or fish for large trout and silverside.

3. Casino Club Trelew

Regardless of your gambling preferences, the casino in Trelew ranks among the most vibrant nightlife venues in the city, boasting entertainment, dining options, and a venue for socializing.

Live performances, theatrical shows, and concerts occur regularly here, particularly on weekends, accompanied by various dining and nightlife spots.

As one of the largest casinos in Patagonia, it offers a spacious, modern atmosphere, including electronic gaming options, card tables, craps, and roulette.

The onsite restaurant serves upscale meals, frequently enhanced by live music, while an impressive fountain graces the exterior.

4. Museo Pueblo de Luis

This museum, housed in a repurposed railway station, showcases old Welsh artifacts, providing insight into the lives of the initial immigrants to the region.

Visitors can explore exhibition halls dedicated to the Chubut River Valley, the indigenous Tehuelche and Mapuche cultures, and the Welsh colonization spearheaded by Lewis Jones, the namesake of both the museum and the town.

The station was constructed in 1887 to facilitate the railroad connection to Puerto Madryn.

Don’t miss the old train on display, along with farm equipment and musical instruments from the Welsh settlers, and accounts from explorers of the region, dating from the 1500s to the 1800s.

5. Visit Gaiman for Welsh Tea Time

Just a short distance away, take a day trip from Trelew to explore the quaint Welsh village of Gaiman.

With its charming surroundings and concentration of Welsh tea establishments, you will be spoiled for choice with traditional cakes, pastries, and, of course, tea.

Do not miss the homemade specialties at Ty Gwyn, the most renowned tea shop where staff don traditional attire, creating an atmospheric resemblance to a visit to a Welsh grandmother’s abode.

Indulge in scones, home-baked jams, bread and butter, and delicate sandwiches accompanied by a pot of black tea.

Moreover, be sure to try the assorted cakes, including the dainty selections and the torta negra (black cake), a dense, spiced fruit cake.

For a more well-known experience, consider visiting Ty Te Caerdydd, famous for its large teapot and as a site where Princess Diana once stopped during her travels in Patagonia.

6. Bryn Gwyn Geopark

For those interested in geology and fossils, Bryn Gwyn presents a natural reserve and outdoor park where visitors can experience a sense of being a paleontologist.

Managed by the MEF, you can explore 40 million years of Patagonian geological history by participating in a self-guided tour featuring partially exposed fossils.

The displayed specimens range from the Tertiary period to the present, with protective covers and educational signage detailing the organisms and the geological transformations that led to their discovery.

The tour begins at the Field Station, and paths lead towards the fossils and other evidence of environmental changes since the emergence of the Andes.

Approximately 20 to 40 million years ago, this area was an expansive savannah, with marine fossils of whales, dolphins, and oysters indicating that around 15 million years ago, the ocean encroached upon this land.

7. Museo de Artes Visuales

This charming establishment, the Visual Arts Museum in Trelew, is situated within a well-preserved historical building geographically linked to the tourism office.

Featuring works on loan from the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes in Buenos Aires alongside artifacts from the Welsh colonization era, it is centrally located and merits a brief visit.

The small yet quaint facility, initially constructed in a Welsh architectural style, has served various purposes, including military and police functions.

Today, it houses a diverse collection of paintings, drawings, sculptures, and woven textiles, while also offering cultural opportunities for shows, workshops, and exhibitions.

8. Valle de Los Altares

Travel west of Trelew until you arrive at this rugged plateau that has origins tracing back to the Jurassic period.

Follow the routes that settlers of Welsh descent may have traversed, passing through the towns of Gaiman, Dolavon, and finally the Valle de los Mártires (Valley of the Martyrs). Route 25 connects the coast to the mountains, revealing impressive red rock formations along the journey.

Look for cave paintings, arrowheads, handicrafts, and savor the renowned jamón crudo sandwiches crafted on homemade bread from the Automovil Club.

A number of excellent hiking and camping opportunities await, particularly near the monumental layered rock formation that inspired the valley’s name.

9. Agritourism and Birdwatching in the Chubut River Valley

The fertile expanse of the Chubut River Valley was a significant factor in the Welsh settlement of the area.

Today, the region attracts those interested in agritourism, birdwatching, and nature exploration.

Educational farms provide insights into organic farming, livestock breeding, and fruit cultivation, with opportunities to purchase homemade cheeses, preserves, sweets, wines, and liquors sourced directly from producers.

Birdwatching enthusiasts will appreciate the well-maintained hiking trails and cycling paths amid lush forests and a series of lagoons known as Lagunas del Ornitólogo, which is home to over 100 species of birds.

Be sure to carry binoculars to observe a diverse array of aquatic, terrestrial, seasonal, and local birds, including pink flamingos, ducks, coots, cormorants, swans, among others.

10. Explore Puerto Madryn

Located merely 40 miles (65 kilometers) south of Puerto Madryn, Trelew is ideally positioned for wildlife observation and coastal activities.

Make arrangements for whale watching during the peak season from June to December.

The renowned Peninsula Valdés is a prime location for observing these majestic creatures from the shore, with options for boat tours or kayaking in the bays where they reside.

Even if the timing is not favorable for whale sighting, alternatives include dolphin watching, snorkeling or diving with sea lions, visiting penguin colonies, or observing elephant seals.

11. Visit the Welsh Chapels

Welsh immigrants left an indelible mark on the Chubut Valley, evident in the numerous chapels that dot its rural landscape.

Construction began shortly after their arrival to establish a settlement around 1865, and today, several chapels remain, offering a glimpse into the Celtic religious devotion of that era.

Several chapels can be found in Trelew, including the Moriah Chapel, which features a cemetery where significant Welsh settlers like Lewis Jones (the town’s namesake) are interred. Additionally, visit the Salon San David, designed to resemble St. David’s Cathedral in Pembrokeshire, which serves as a community gathering space for the Welsh populace.

The Trelew tourism office provides maps indicating the locations of all Welsh chapels in the vicinity, facilitating a scenic drive through the surrounding orchards.

12. Make a Trip to Rawson for a Day at the Beach

A short drive from Trelew leads to the coastal town of Rawson, an ideal location for a relaxed day on the beach.

Playa Unión is popular for dolphin watching, fishing, and various water sports such as surfing, kayaking, windsurfing, and kitesurfing.

Boats depart from the pier in Rawson year-round to provide visitors with an opportunity to spot the distinctively patterned black and white Commerson’s dolphins.

You’ll also find several tranquil beaches perfect for unwinding in the first town established by the Welsh in Patagonia.

Visitors may also witness sea lions gathering around local fishermen, hoping for discarded fish and scraps.

13. Punta Tombo

Punta Tombo boasts the largest permanent penguin colony in South America and is renowned for being home to the most significant population of Magellanic penguins worldwide.

Between April and September is the optimal time for observing these charming creatures, with numbers reaching up to one million as they come ashore to incubate eggs, nurture their chicks, and locate food.

Situated approximately 68 miles (110 kilometers) south of Trelew, visitors can traverse paths and boardwalks throughout the coastal reserve, witnessing the nests of countless penguins and their chicks waddling freely.

These delightful animals exhibit curiosity and are generally unafraid of human presence, making for exceptional photographic opportunities, though caution should be exercised not to disturb them.

14. Laguna Cacique Chiquichano and Plaza Centenario

Located in the heart of Trelew, locals frequent this picturesque lagoon for relaxation and outdoor activities along the water. Plaza Centenario serves as a spacious green area convenient to numerous tourist attractions, providing a shaded environment for sipping mate or browsing local artisan products.

The nearby Laguna Cacique Chiquichano is home to a variety of waterfowl, including ducks and swans, with migratory species arriving in large numbers.

This lagoon marks the beginning of a celebrated series of birdwatching destinations, allowing for a seamless combination of visits to both local attractions and the lagoons located outside the city by cycling along the banks.

15. Taste the Local Food at Traditional Restaurants

After indulging in afternoon tea and torta galesa, explore regional Argentine culinary delights, including an array of homemade sweets, local honey, preserves, cold cured meats, and the famed Patagonian lamb.

Sugar is widely regarded as one of the best dining establishments in town, offering meat and cheese platters alongside their grilled lamb and various meat specialties from the parilla (barbecue). Seafood options such as fish fillets, ceviche, and octopus are also available.

For steak lovers, La Stanza presents an excellent selection of steaks, pastas, and Patagonian microbrews.

If you’re curious about the historic establishment where Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid once stayed, consider visiting the Touring Club, renowned for its stunning tile ceiling, tuxedoed servers, and an ambiance reflective of old-world grandeur.