Trelew, Argentina

Welcome to Trelew, a vibrant city located in the eastern part of Chubut Province in Argentina. Known for its Welsh heritage, bustling commercial and industrial sector, and rich paleontological history, Trelew is a must-visit destination for any traveler exploring Patagonia. With a population of nearly 100,000, Trelew is the largest city in the low valley of the Chubut River and serves as the main hub for wool processing in Argentina, accounting for 90% of the activity in the country. If you’re a history buff, be sure to visit the Museum of Paleontology Egidio Feruglio, one of the most important paleontological museums in South America. Here, you can discover the fascinating prehistoric life that once roamed the Patagonic region. You can also explore the Astronomic and Planetary Observatory and gaze at the stars in the clear Patagonian sky.

Trelew’s Welsh roots can be traced back to the 1860s when Captain Sir Thomas Duncombe Love Jones-Parry and Lewis Jones led a group of Welsh settlers to Argentina. The town was named Trelew in honor of Lewis Jones, with ‘tre’ meaning town in Welsh and ‘Lew’ being an apocope for Lewis. The town served as the starting point for the Central Chubut Railway line, which connected the lower Chubut River Valley to Puerto Madryn. Although the line was closed in 1961, the former Trelew railway station now functions as a museum, El Museo Regional Pueblo de Luis, showcasing the city’s rich history.

Trelew is also a hub for tourism in the Central Meseta, the Valley of the Chubut River, and the coast. One of the most popular attractions is Punta Tombo, the largest penguin reserve in Argentina, located nearby. Additionally, every October, Trelew hosts an annual Eisteddfod, a traditional Welsh festival that celebrates the region’s Welsh heritage and culture. The festival attracts guests from across the country and Wales, making it a unique expression of Welsh culture in South America.

If you’re a sports enthusiast, Trelew has plenty to offer. Racing de Trelew and Huracán de Trelew are the most important local football clubs, while Patoruzú Rugby Club and Trelew Rugby Club are the local clubs for rugby enthusiasts. Trelew has also produced many notable athletes, including boxers Omar Andrés Narváez, Lucas Matthysse, Walter Matthysse, and footballers Juan Ignacio Antonio, Gustavo Caamaño, Matías Jara, Franco Niell, and Daniel Pérez.

Trelew experiences a cold semi-desert climate with warm summers, cold winters, and low precipitation year-round. The best time to visit is during the summer months from December to February when temperatures are warmest. Trelew is served by the Almirante Marcos A. Zar Airport, and visitors can easily access the city from Puerto Madryn or Puerto Deseado.

Come and explore the rich history, culture, and natural beauty of Trelew, Argentina’s hidden gem in Patagonia.