Top 5 Places to Visit in Chubut

Chubut Province: Patagonia’s Wildlife Kingdom and Cultural Crossroads

Located in the heart of Argentine Patagonia, Chubut Province is one of the country’s most extraordinary regions, where vast landscapes meet rich wildlife and unique cultural history. Stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to the Andes Mountains, Chubut offers an unmatched diversity of experiences—coastal marine sanctuaries, penguin colonies, Welsh heritage towns, and historic railways cutting through remote valleys.

Chubut is best known internationally for its marine wildlife, especially whales, sea lions, and penguins, but the province goes far beyond nature alone. It tells a powerful human story through Welsh settlers, indigenous roots, and pioneering spirit. Its wide-open spaces, clear skies, and dramatic scenery define the essence of Patagonia.

Among Chubut’s most iconic destinations are Península Valdés, Puerto Madryn, Punta Tombo, Trelew, and Esquel with La Trochita—each offering a distinct window into the province’s identity.

Península Valdés – One of the World’s Greatest Wildlife Sanctuaries

Península Valdés, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the crown jewel of Chubut Province and one of the most important wildlife reserves on the planet. This vast peninsula extends into the Atlantic Ocean and provides a safe breeding and feeding ground for an extraordinary range of marine animals.

The most famous attraction here is southern right whale watching. From June to December, these massive yet gentle creatures arrive in the calm gulfs surrounding the peninsula to mate and nurse their calves. Watching whales breach, tail-slap, and glide close to shore is one of Argentina’s most unforgettable natural experiences.

Beyond whales, Península Valdés is home to sea lions, elephant seals, orcas, penguins, armadillos, guanacos, and rheas. Orcas in particular are famous here for their rare hunting technique of intentionally beaching themselves to catch seals.

The landscape itself is stark and beautiful—windswept plains, cliffs, and turquoise waters. Península Valdés represents the wild soul of Patagonia and stands as a global model for conservation and eco-tourism.

Puerto Madryn – Argentina’s Marine Wildlife Capital

Puerto Madryn is the main gateway to Península Valdés and the beating heart of Chubut’s coastal tourism. This modern seaside city sits along the calm waters of Golfo Nuevo, making it an ideal base for marine exploration.

The city is famous for whale-watching tours, snorkeling with sea lions, dolphin sightings, and scuba diving. In fact, Puerto Madryn is considered one of Argentina’s top diving destinations due to its clear waters and abundant marine life.

Puerto Madryn also offers long beaches, a scenic waterfront promenade, museums dedicated to natural history and Welsh settlement, and a lively food scene centered around fresh seafood, especially Patagonian lamb and shellfish.

Its relaxed atmosphere, combined with world-class wildlife experiences, makes Puerto Madryn both accessible and unforgettable. The city blends comfort with adventure, making it a favorite for families, photographers, and nature lovers alike.

Punta Tombo – The World’s Largest Magellanic Penguin Colony

Punta Tombo is one of the most astonishing wildlife destinations in South America. It hosts the largest Magellanic penguin colony in the world, with hundreds of thousands of penguins arriving each year between September and April.

Visitors walk along marked paths as penguins waddle freely around them—nesting, feeding chicks, and heading to the sea. The experience is intimate, educational, and deeply moving, offering a rare opportunity to observe wildlife up close in a natural setting.

The reserve also protects other species, including guanacos, foxes, and seabirds. The coastal cliffs and open plains add to the dramatic scenery, reinforcing the feeling of being at the edge of the world.

Punta Tombo is more than a tourist attraction—it is a powerful reminder of the importance of conservation and respect for nature. For many travelers, it becomes the highlight of their entire Patagonia journey.

Trelew – Welsh Heritage in the Heart of Patagonia

Trelew is a cultural surprise in Patagonia. Founded by Welsh settlers in the 19th century, the city preserves a unique European heritage far from Europe’s shores. Welsh traditions, architecture, language, and tea houses remain an important part of local identity.

One of Trelew’s highlights is the Egidio Feruglio Paleontological Museum (MEF), one of South America’s most important fossil museums. It houses impressive dinosaur skeletons discovered in Patagonia, showcasing the region’s prehistoric past.

Visitors can also explore nearby Welsh chapels and enjoy traditional Welsh tea ceremonies, complete with cakes, breads, and storytelling. This blend of Patagonian landscape and Welsh culture makes Trelew truly unique.

Trelew demonstrates that Chubut is not only shaped by nature but also by migration, resilience, and cultural fusion.

Esquel & La Trochita – Patagonia’s Legendary Steam Train

In western Chubut, near the Andes, lies Esquel, a charming mountain town surrounded by forests, rivers, and national parks. Esquel is best known as the starting point for La Trochita, officially called El Viejo Expreso Patagónico.

La Trochita is a historic narrow-gauge steam train, operating since the early 20th century. Riding this train feels like traveling back in time as it slowly crosses Patagonian steppe landscapes, accompanied by steam whistles and wooden carriages.

The journey is not just about transportation—it is a cultural experience celebrating Patagonia’s railway history and pioneering spirit. Esquel itself offers access to hiking, fishing, and nearby natural attractions such as Los Alerces National Park.

Together, Esquel and La Trochita capture the nostalgic and adventurous spirit of Patagonia’s interior.