Gaiman Overview

By Meggan Rau

Gaiman, a quaint Welsh village situated in the floodplain of Rio Chubat, is often described as a fertile oasis of green in the otherwise arid Patagonian landscape. Founded in 1874 by settlers from Wales, Gaiman has maintained close ties to its European roots—evident in the town’s architecture, culture, and language. Hundreds of residents still speak Welsh, and the town celebrates its Welsh heritage during the annual festival, “Eisteddfod do Chubet.” In addition, Gaiman’s authentic Welsh teahouses, which serve delectable cakes and pastries, offer visitors a true taste of Wales.

Those interested in archaeology can explore the Parque Paleontológico Bryn Gwyn, located 10 kilometers south of town. For the young (and young at heat), a visit to Parque El Desafío is well worth your time. This park, which contains whimsical structures constructed entirely from rubbish, is featured in the 1998 Guinness Book as the largest park made from recycled materials.