The adventure begins by searching for the passengers at the entrance to the port.
We travel south through the Punta Cuevas area: a historical site where there are ruins from the first Welsh landing in the city. These historically recognised caves date back to 1865 and are considered the first homes in Puerto Madryn and some of the oldest in Patagonia. There is also the interpretive centre where objects from the Welsh settlers are exhibited, as well as the history of two pioneer cultures: Native – Welsh.
A few metres away we arrive at the viewpoint where the Tehuelche Indian monument is located, where we can enjoy a wide panoramic view of the city, beaches, industrial and fishing parks to the north. We can also appreciate the Ecocentro Pampa Azul museum: a scientific and cultural space dedicated to promoting and disseminating knowledge and protection of the sea in conjunction with different species of marine and terrestrial animals.
We continue the tour along the coast, taking in different beaches. Playa Paraná stands out because it contains the remains of the ship Le Folies and is popular for diving practice and circuits. We then continue to the Punta Loma Protected Area.
This Protected Area is the only permanent roost for sea lions, unlike the Valdés Peninsula sea lion colonies that are breeding or wintering. We can also see medium-high cliffs that fall into the sea and extensive pebble beaches. From a ravine there is a viewpoint from which we can observe the activity that dominates the colony according to the time of year (formation of harems, mating and births). The breeding season begins in November, and that is when the males will fight to form their harem and mate. In the month of December and until the end of January, the babies are born.
Rock cormorants and South American terns nest on the clay walls, alongside other sea and land birds. In the steppe part of the reserve you can also see typical animals such as guanacos, choiques, maras, foxes and piches. We will also tour the industrial and fishing park of the city and then we will take the lorry back to the Port.
