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Arrival and information
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The nearest
airport
is just north of Trelew, 60km to the south. If you're flying with LAPA or Aerolineas Argentinas you can arrange for a $10 transfer (pay at the travel agencies Trelew Aereo or Argentina Vision respectively). The hourly Mar y Valle bus runs between here and the bus terminal; or you can take a
remise
taxi, though it will set you back around $45.
Madryn's bus terminal is located in one of the town's most attractive buildings, the old train station of 1889. From here, you can walk straight down Calle Roque Saenz Pena for four blocks to reach the seafront. Turn right and the first-rate tourist office is a block and a half away, at Avenida Julio Roca 223 (Jan & Feb daily 7am-1am; March-Dec Mon-Fri 7am-2pm & 3-9pm, Sat & Sun 8.30am-8.30pm; tel & fax 02965/453504 or 452148). The helpful staff have good maps and leaflets in English, a list of houses for rent, and will help in emergencies if you can't find anywhere to stay. They also have a list of independent guides who speak foreign languages, and will furnish timetables for the tides in the area (useful if heading to Punta Norte in Valdes). Upstairs, you can watch videos on Valdes and scuba diving (some in Spanish only). Most of what you'll need in town is located within three blocks in any direction from the tourist office. Be careful not to confuse Calle 28 de Julio by the plaza with its near neighbour to the south, Calle 9 de Julio.
This region has interesting
diving
possibilities, with offshore wrecks and wildlife. Trips can be organized through the recommended Scuba Duba, at Boulevard Brown 893 (tel 02965/452699); Patagonia Buceo, Balneario Rayentray (tel 02965/452278); or numerous other outfits - expect to pay $45-60 per excursion.
Windsurfing
boards can be rented at Balneario Na Praia, Boulevard Brown and Perlotti ($10 per hour), while
sandboarding
on nearby dunes can be organized through Pablo at Hi Adrenaline, Humphreys 85 (tel 02965/471475; board rental $10 per day). Pablo also rents
mountain bikes
, as does the
Backpackers
hostel at 25 de Mayo 1136 ($5 per hour or $15 per day; bring ID). Other useful information
for tourists (each section contains more specific sub-sections): |
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Argentina,
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