Trelew Travel Guide

Discover the hidden gems of Trelew, Argentina with our ultimate travel guide. Explore museums, natural beauties, delicious food, and cultural customs.


Introduction to Trelew

Trelew, a charming town located in the heart of Patagonia in Argentina, lies on the banks of the Chubut River. The city is famous for its Welsh heritage and an important center for the production of wool.

With incredible natural beauty, rich cultural history, and an array of outdoor activities, Trelew makes it to every traveller’s bucket list. Here’s a comprehensive guide to exploring this hidden gem of Patagonia.

List of Places to Visit in Trelew

Trelew is a beautiful town with a lot of cultural sites, museums, and nature to explore. Below is a list of the top things to see and do in the town.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Egidio Feruglio Paleontological Museum: This museum is renowned for its impressive fossil collection, offering visitors an opportunity to step back in time and explore the history of Patagonia’s prehistoric creatures.

  • Pueblo de Luis: It is a fenced Welsh settlement re-constructed village which showcases the Welsh culture and heritage. Tourists can walk down the streets, visit the old-fashioned buildings and learn about the life of Welsh settlers.

  • Regional Museum: This museum displays a great collection of textiles and costumes from different periods throughout the history of Patagonia.

Natural Attractions of Trelew: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Valle de Los Altares: A stunning valley located just a few kilometers from Trelew surrounded by high cliffs and rocks that make it an extraordinary natural stage.

  • Punta Tombo: It is a nature reserve that serves as a breeding ground for Magellanic penguins, open to the public from September to April. The penguins can be seen in their typical burrows, along the trail that leads to the ocean.

  • Parque El Desafio: It is a public park in Trelew that provides a magnificent view of the city and is perfect for a picnic, jogging, or just relaxing!

Hiking/Biking Routes of Trelew

With miles of beautiful landscapes, Trelew offers great hiking and biking experiences. Here are some of the top routes for scenic trekking and cycling:

  • Ruta de los Dinosaurios: It is a hike of historical importance, where visitors can see fossils and footprints of different dinosaur species.

  • Cycling tour: Rent a bike, and explore the place at your own pace. You can go cycling in the park, as well as on the designated cycling routes.

Best Things to Do in Trelew: Activities and Tours

Apart from visiting historically important sites and natural beauty, there are many other activities and tours available in Trelew, such as:

  • Estancia Tours: Visitors can spend a day at an Estancia (a traditional farm) and get a glimpse of rural life in Patagonia.

  • Hot Air Balloon Rides: Get a bird’s eye view of Trelew with an exciting hot air balloon ride over the city.

  • Beach Day Trip: Visit the nearby beach resorts of Playa Union and Rawson, just a short drive from Trelew, and enjoy a day at the beach.

Week-Long Itinerary for Trelew

If you’re planning on visiting Trelew for an extended period, here’s a curated itinerary for a week-long trip:

Day Activity
1 Explore the city of Trelew
2 Visit Paleontological Museum and Regional Museum
3 Trekking at Valle de Los Altares
4 Visit the Punta Tombo Reserve to see the Penguins
5 Visit the Welsh village of Gaiman and its tea house
6 Horseback riding in Estancia Pudu Lodge
7 Relaxing day trip to Playa Union or Rawson

Food and Drink Scene of Trelew

Trelew has a unique culinary scene influenced mainly by Welsh immigrants.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Welsh cakes: A kind of scone, usually served toasted and buttered, and sometimes served with jam and whipped cream.

  • Armadillo-style lamb: Delicacy of the region, slow-cooked with various natural herbs.

Local Beverages

  • Mate: A traditional herbal tea drink shared in a circular cup.

  • Torrontes Wine: It is an Argentine white wine, grown mainly in the northwestern region of Argentina.

Where to Stay in Trelew: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Trelew caters to a wide range of visitors with many accommodation options, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious hotels. Some popular options include:

  • La Casa de Paula y Ricardo: A cozy guesthouse in the centre of Trelew.

  • Sheraton Trelew Hotel: A high-end hotel with stunning views of the city.

  • El Colibrí Hotel & Spa: A beautiful hotel with a spa, located in Gaiman.

What to Buy in Trelew: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Wool textiles: Wool products like ponchos, scarves, and mitts are popular here.

  • Tea Sets and Mate Cups: Handcrafted, colorful teacups and mate cups make for unique souvenirs.

Local Culture and Customs of Trelew

Welsh heritage is still significant in Trelew; the inhabitants celebrate the Eisteddfod, a large Welsh festival, every year.

Best Time to Visit Trelew

The best time to visit Trelew is between October and April when the weather is perfect for outdoor activities like trekking, biking, and visiting the beach.

Do’s and Don’ts of Trelew

Do:

  • Respect the culture and traditions of the Welsh community.

  • Carry sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself against the scorching heat.

Don’t:

  • Do not litter; keep the environment clean.

  • Don’t disturb the breeding areas of the penguins.

Safety and Health

Safety in Trelew

Trelew is a safe city to visit; however, always stay vigilant while traveling alone in the night.

Health in Trelew

Argentina is a yellow fever-endemic country, so make sure to take all necessary protections against mosquitoes.

Getting to Trelew: Transportation Options and Logistics

Trelew is well-connected to other parts of Argentina and Chile via various modes of transportation like buses, airports, and trains.

Airports Near Trelew

  • Almirante Zar Airport: Located four miles from Trelew, it is the main airport to reach Trelew.

Bus Stations Near Trelew

  • Trelew Bus Terminal: Located in the center of town, it is the largest and busiest bus station.

Other Options

  • Train: The nearest railway station to Trelew is in Puerto Madryn, which connects to Buenos Aires.

How to Get Around in Trelew

Taxis and buses are the most convenient modes of transportation to navigate the city, but you can also rent a car for self-guided tours.

Where to Go Next from Trelew: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Peninsula de Valdez: A unique natural reserve, home to various wild animals like whales, sea lions, and elephant seals.

  • Puerto Madryn: A beautiful beach town with many water activities like kayaking and snorkeling.

  • Bariloche: A popular tourist destination for skiing & snowboarding in the Andes mountains.

Conclusion

Trelew provides the perfect blend of history, culture, and outdoor activities. With our ultimate travel guide, discover this hidden gem of Patagonia, explore the museums, taste the local cuisine, and make unforgettable memories.

Trelew's city center (Avenida Fontana) Trelew's city center (Avenida Fontana) Dinosaur exhibit in Museo Paleontológico Dinosaur exhibit in Museo Paleontológico Tea house in Gaiman Tea house in Gaiman Penguins and Guanaco in Punta Tombo Penguins and Guanaco in Punta Tombo