Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sights
Puerto Madryn is just east of RN3, 1371km south of Buenos Aires and about 65km north
of Trelew. The action in town centers on the
costanera
(seaside road) and two main par-
allel avenues, Av Roca and 25 de Mayo. Bulevar Brown is the main drag alongside the
beaches to the south. Most hostels rent out bikes, which is a convenient way to get
around and see area beaches.
EcoCentro
MUSEUM
( 445-7470;
www.ecocentro.org.ar
;
J Verne 3784; admission AR$70; 5-9pm Wed-Mon, cruise
ship days 10am-1pm)
Celebrating the area's unique marine ecosystem, this masterpiece
brings an artistic sensitivity to extensive scientific research. There are exhibits on the
breeding habits of right whales, dolphin sounds and southern elephant-seal harems, a
touch-friendly tide pool and more. The building includes a three-story tower and library,
the top features glass walls and comfy couches for reading.
Bring your binoculars: whales may be spotted from here. It's an enjoyable 40-minute
walk or 15-minute bike ride along the
costanera
to the Ecocentro. Shuttles run three
times daily from the tourist office on Av Roca, or you can catch a Línea 2 bus to the last
stop and walk 1km.
Museo Provincial de Ciencias
Naturales y Oceanográfico
MUSEUM
( 445-1139; cnr Domecq García & Menéndez; admission AR$6, free Tue; 9am-7pm Mon-Fri,
3-7pm Sat)
Feeling up strands of seaweed and ogling a preserved octopus show a hands-
on museum approach. The 1917 Chalet Pujol features marine and land mammal exhibits,
preserved specimens, as well as collections of Welsh wares. Explanations in Spanish are
geared to youth science classes, but the exhibits are visually informative and creatively
presented. Make sure you head up to the cupola for views of the port.
Fundación Patagonia
Natural
CONSERVATION ORGANIZATION
( 445-1920;
www.patagonianatural.org
; Marcos A Zar 760; 9am-4pm Mon-Fri)
A well-run
nongovernmental organization, Fundación Patagonia Natural promotes conservation and
monitors environmental issues. Volunteers here diligently nurse injured birds and marine
mammals to health.
