WELSH TOUR
We visit a few Welsh settlement located in Rio Chubut Valley. Trelew was named after Lewis Jones, who was a pioneer in the Welsh settlement that started in 1865. Gaiman is a small village with less than 10,000 inhabitants who work mainly in farming activities. Gaiman's main attraction stands on both its high number of typical Welsh buildings and the historic and cultural events that take place in the village every year. Dolavon is also a small village, founded in 1915 and is known as the 'village of the waterwheels'. We also visit Rawson, the capital of the province of Chubut, and enjoy a traditional Welsh tea at Hosteria TyGyn.
Departure to reach the full Patagonian steppe: 130 km northeast of Esquel and in the middle of the Chubut River valley - passing before by Gualjaina town- we arrive at Piedra Parada Nature Reserve, where an imposing volcanic stone stands 210 meters high. From there we begin a trekking entering the Cañadón de la Buitrera, flanked by 150-meter-high walls, which gradually decrease as we advance into the area. This place was the “caldera” of an ancient volcano, whose chimney solidified and gave rise to very peculiar geoforms. The ancient walls with traces of the incandescent material also treasure cave paintings that left the ancient populations of the area. Climbers from all over the world come to the Protected Natural Area.
Very early in the morning we depart from the meeting point, with a 50 km route to the south of Punta Arenas. The Kayak with Whales begins with a navigation to the landing point with the kayaks, in order to be able to paddle alongside the humpback whales, present in this place during the season. Likewise, within the Francisco Coloane marine park, we can see different animals such as sea lions, petrels, cormorants and southern dolphins, among others. All within the majestic Patagonian landscape with mountains, glaciers and forests... At the end, we will begin the return trip to Punta Arenas, where the excursion ends.