Discover Rawson Department through its contrasting waterscapes: Playa Unión lies beside the mouth of the Río Chubut, and boat trips from Puerto Rawson head out to the open sea. On land, museums, natural areas and Welsh culture add to the picture. Coastal experiences and cultural discoveries go hand in hand, so you don’t have to choose just one side of the destination.
Playa Unión: Beach and Water Sports
Playa Unión is a five-kilometre-long sandy beach beside the mouth of the Río Chubut. Conditions on the open sea make surfing possible here, a sport that has been practised for more than 20 years. Surfing areas include La Curva and Puerto Rawson; conditions there vary seasonally. Wind and wave conditions also make kitesurfing and windsurfing possible. Those who want to focus on water sports will find several related activities along this stretch of coast.
The Estación Marítima Commersoni excursion from Puerto Rawson offers a different perspective on the sea. The boat trip is for observing Commerson’s dolphins and lasts about an hour. Its route follows the mouth of the Río Chubut and passes Puerto Rawson with its yellow fishing fleet before reaching the open sea. The excursion also includes a look at sea lions and coastal birds. Patagonian dolphins, sea lions, elephant seals and coastal birds can also be observed in the Río Chubut estuary. If you plan to take the trip, check the schedule in advance.
On the Water and Along the River
Club Regatas Rawson focuses on competitive and recreational canoeing. Its Escuelita de Canotaje gives the whole community the opportunity to take up the sport. This is a different way to enjoy the water than heading out to sea: canoeing takes centre stage here, while the boat excursion focuses on the coast and its wildlife.
There are also ways to spend time outdoors away from the water. Tamariscos Golf Club has a ten-hole golf course on the Río Chubut and offers tourists daily access. Parque Recreativo Municipal Rawson combines green spaces with barbecue areas and recreational games for day trips outdoors.
Museums and Welsh Culture
The interactive Museo 1923 combines historical exhibits with reconstructed spaces. These include a railway station with the Mauricio Battistina ticket office, the Roselli bar and café, and the interior of Antonio Garbarini’s house. The museum also reconstructs the early history of Playa Unión, including the arrival of the railway and the first settlers. The Welsh chapel Ricardo Berwyn in Rawson was founded in 1881 and is considered the oldest chapel in the Río Chubut valley.
Biodiversity is another theme. At the Centro de la biodiversidad Aquavida, various halls and laboratories showcase the diversity of the Río Chubut estuary and Bahía Engaño. Visitors can discover Patagonian marine, freshwater and land-dwelling animals there.
Trelew offers further cultural and nature-related experiences. The Egidio Feruglio Paleontological Museum preserves Patagonia’s palaeontological heritage and is described as one of the most important museums of its kind in South America. Tourist attractions also include the Patagotitan Mayorum Visitor Centre, with an artistic depiction of the world’s largest dinosaur, and the Pueblo de Luis Historical Museum in the former railway station, a National Historic Monument. The Eisteddfod del Chubut takes place in Trelew and is considered the most important Welsh cultural celebration.
Local Cuisine and Discoveries Around Trelew
In Rawson, the culinary scene highlights fish and seafood dishes, especially langostino prawns, served in restaurants near the pier. In Trelew, vineyard visits with tastings and agrotourism experiences reveal further aspects of local production, including activities on farms and the making of artisanal foods. Patagonian lamb, Welsh black tea cake, wine, beer, honey and cherries are also among the featured products. If you’re looking for wildlife watching, Trelew also offers the Laguna Cacique Chiquichano Nature Reserve for birdwatching.
Discover more destinations: Rawson, Florentino Ameghino Department, Biedma, Escalante Department, Gaiman Department, Gastre Department, Viedma, Río Senguer Department.
For the broader travel overview: Chubut.
