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Puerto Madryn

Puerto Madryn

Puerto Madryn is a coastal city in Patagonia and a base for whale watching and wildlife trips to Península Valdés.

Puerto Madryn is on Argentina’s Atlantic coast in Chubut province. Travelers come for southern right whale watching and excursions to Península Valdés, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where whales gather seasonally. The peninsula is also home to sea lions, elephant seals and penguins. In the city, you can walk along the waterfront and visit museums about local natural history and Welsh heritage.

Plan time for wildlife trips beyond the city if those are your priority. Southern right whales visit the coastal waters in the cooler months, and the best dates depend on the wildlife you want to see. Check current local tour information before booking. Puerto Madryn suits travelers looking for nature-focused day trips and a coastal base, not a packed city itinerary. Allow at least two days for the city and a wildlife excursion; add time to visit more of the peninsula or nearby reserves. Spring is another season to consider for wildlife viewing.

Puerto Madryn in five

  1. Carry Argentine pesosPuerto Madryn uses the Argentine peso (ARS). Carry some cash for small businesses that do not accept cards.
  2. Check entry rules for your passportArgentina’s entry requirements depend on your nationality and trip. Check the National Directorate of Migration before you travel.Visas and entry
  3. Save Argentina’s emergency numbersCall 911 for emergencies in Argentina. The fire service is 100 and medical emergencies are 107.
  4. Book a Península Valdés tourPenínsula Valdés is a wildlife day trip from Puerto Madryn. Compare tour options and current access details before setting off.Tours and tickets
  5. Check local transport optionsLook up current bus and taxi options before travelling to the airport or planning trips beyond the city.Getting around

Need to know

Currency
Argentine peso (ARS)
Entry
Entry rules depend on passport and trip Read more
Emergency
911 general, 100 fire, 107 medical
Tipping
Around 10% in restaurants is customary
Time
UTC−3, no daylight saving

Weather by month

  • Rainy days
  • Best
  • Good
  • Mixed
  1. JanuaryClear3 rainy daysHigh28°Low17°Cool, windy
  2. FebruaryClear3 rainy daysHigh27°Low17°Cool, windy
  3. MarchClear3 rainy daysHigh24°Low15°Autumn winds
  4. AprilClear4 rainy daysHigh20°Low12°Cool, quieter
  5. MayClear3 rainy daysHigh16°Low8°Whales arrive
  6. JuneClear4 rainy daysHigh12°Low5°Whale season
  7. JulyPartly cloudy5 rainy daysHigh12°Low5°Whale season
  8. AugustClear4 rainy daysHigh14°Low6°Whale season
  9. SeptemberClear4 rainy daysHigh17°Low8°Whales, penguins
  10. OctoberClear4 rainy daysHigh20°Low11°Whales, penguins
  11. NovemberClear4 rainy daysHigh24°Low13°Penguin season
  12. DecemberClear4 rainy daysHigh26°Low15°Warm, windy

Average daily high and low in Puerto Madryn, 2016–2025. Rainy day: 1 mm of rain or more.

Right now in Puerto Madryn

Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.

Clear

15

Feels like
10°
Humidity
50%
Wind
23 km/h
Chance of rain
0%

Puerto Madryn

07:02 PM

Monday, November 2

GMT-3

  1. Today17°10°0%Monday: Partly cloudy. High 17°, Low 10°. Chance of rain 0%.
  2. Tue18°11°75%Tuesday: Thunderstorms. High 18°, Low 11°. Chance of rain 75%.
  3. Wed23°12°41%Wednesday: Cloudy. High 23°, Low 12°. Chance of rain 41%.
  4. Thu22°10°41%Thursday: Drizzle. High 22°, Low 10°. Chance of rain 41%.
  5. Fri15°8°12%Friday: Partly cloudy. High 15°, Low 8°. Chance of rain 12%.
  6. Sat21°8°0%Saturday: Clear. High 21°, Low 8°. Chance of rain 0%.
  7. Sun22°12°0%Sunday: Partly cloudy. High 22°, Low 12°. Chance of rain 0%.

Updated 06:59 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com

Money

Mid-market rate1 USD = 1,537 ARS

ARS · Argentine Peso

Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API

Day trips by train

  • Península Valdésabout 1.5 to 2 hours by carVisit for wildlife and coastal scenery. Check current tour routes and access before travelling.
  • Punta Tomboabout 2 to 2.5 hours by carVisit the Magellanic penguin colony. Confirm current access and seasonal arrangements before going.
  • Trelewabout 1 hour by carVisit the nearby city and its museums. Check current transport options for the trip.
  • Gaimanabout 1.5 hours by carVisit this Welsh-influenced town in the Chubut Valley. Check current transport options before setting out.

Before you go to Puerto Madryn

eSIM for ArgentinaCompare mobile data optionsRead the guide
Travel insuranceCompare cover before you goRead the guide
Money for ArgentinaCards, cash and trip budgetingRead the guide
Where to stayPlan your base in Puerto MadrynRead the guide

Rules for Puerto Madryn, checked

  • Check Argentina’s entry requirements with the National Directorate of Migration. Rules depend on your passport and trip.Source
  • Check Argentina Customs guidance before bringing food, plants, animal products or restricted goods into the country.Source
  • Ask before photographing wildlife on tours, and follow your guide’s instructions around animals.

Puerto Madryn FAQ

How many days do you need in Puerto Madryn?

Allow at least two days for the city and a wildlife excursion. Add time if you want to visit more than one area of the peninsula or nearby reserves.

When is the best time to visit Puerto Madryn?

Choose dates based on the wildlife you want to see. Southern right whales visit the waters off the city from winter into spring; check current local tour information before booking.

Can you see whales in Puerto Madryn?

Yes. Whale-watching tours run from Puerto Madryn, with sightings depending on the season and conditions. Check current tour availability before you travel.

How do you get from Puerto Madryn to Península Valdés?

Península Valdés is reached by road, commonly as a day trip from Puerto Madryn. Compare tour arrangements with current transport and access information before setting out.

Do you need a car in Puerto Madryn?

A car can help with trips beyond the city, but tours are another way to reach wildlife areas. Compare the routes you want to visit before deciding.

What currency is used in Puerto Madryn?

The currency is the Argentine peso (ARS). Carry some cash for small purchases, as card acceptance can vary by business.