Gaiman, the Welsh town in Patagonia

Driving south on Route 3 and after passing the city if Trelew, you will reach this small village (about 6000 inhabitants), located at the Lower Valley of Chubut River. Gaiman is the symbol of Welsh colonization in Patagonia.

The first settlers arrived in 1865, aboard the Mimosa sailboat. They were escaping from the English penetration in their native country as well as from the attempt of the latter to impose their culture to them. They were looking for a virgin territory to be able to found the "New Wales" and follow their own rules and customs without being molested. Huge and virgin Patagonia was that promised land.

The first settlers had to put up with many difficulties and problems, including bad harvests and confrontations with the native Indians. But they did not give up and, between 1874 and 1875, there was a second contingent arriving form the Country of Wales and the United States with the purpose of getting more land for farming and growing. This way, Gaiman was born. Only 10 years later, it became the first district of the old Chubut Territory. A place full of history, undoubtedly.

At present, you can still discover the attitude that characterized these first inhabitants of the town by walking around the streets of Gaiman, which still keeps its village essence, sprinkled with farms, typical chapels and Welsh-style houses. And the main attraction are the Welsh Tea Houses, where the descendants of the settlers prepare and serve the greatest classic Welsh tea, not to mention the pastry...

Another must is the Museo Histórico Regional, located at the ex-Chubut's railway station, built in 1909 with the classical architecture. Here is the original documentation, written in Welsh and Spanish, of the constitution of the colony. There are also photographs, tools and personal objects belonging to the founders and first settlers, as well as religious stuff. You can purchase books, candies and handmade teapot covers.

Among the places you should visit, there is the Bethel Chapel ("House of God" in Jewish), the largest and best kept out of 15 of them that exist in this valley. It is built on bricks and the inside is covered in wood. Right beside it you will see the old chapel (1880) which was built when the primitive Stone Chapel fell apart.

However, besides these great sites, Gaiman's main attraction consists of just wandering through its streets, watching its typical houses and enjoying a great Welsh Tea at one of the many tea houses that are available, like Lady Diana Spencer did before her unfortunate death.

Take our word and you will find yourself invaded by that particular feeling arising from the union of this town full of Welsh tradition and the lands of the far south.