PUERTO MADRYN, ARGENTINA

Although many years have passed since Welsh settlers first arrived on these shores, over 80,000 valley descendants remain staunchly proud of their original homeland’s tradition and heritage. Here is a unique opportunity for us to become acquainted with this “little Wales beyond Wales”.

Although many years have passed since Welsh settlers first arrived on these shores, over 80,000 valley descendants remain staunchly proud of their original homeland’s tradition and heritage. Here is a unique opportunity for us to become acquainted with this “little Wales beyond Wales”. To begin this tour we will set off from the pier across the arid, rather flat, Patagonian countryside for the quaint village of Gaiman. During the course of our one and a half hour journey by coach, we will pass the city of Trelew before arriving in Gaiman, located in the lower river valley of the Chubut River. Gaiman is said to be the most authentically Welsh settlement in the whole of the Patagonia and is the perfect place for us to experience Patagonia’s Welsh heritage. As our coach makes its way through the streets of Gaiman we will discover the attitude that characterised the area’s first inhabitants. The town maintains its village essence and boats red brick cottages, watering channels, tiny tea rooms and families still proudly carrying traditional Welsh names. Perhaps the highlight of this tour to Gaiman will be the typical Welsh afternoon tea that will be served at a traditional tea house accompanied by home-made scones, cakes, breads and tasty jams. Following our refreshment break we will re-board our coach to make our journey back to our ship. This tour does involve approximately 45 minutes of walking around the village of Gaiman (optional) on some uneven ground, however this tour in suitable for participants in wheelchairs but with some assistance. The journey time to Gaiman village is approximately one and a half hours there and the same back and although comfort breaks will be given these will be limited due to the nature of the landscape.

DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2008 SOUTH AMERICA CRUISE