Patagonia with Teleri

As I approached the end of my time with the YFC, I was determined to make the most of every opportunity it offered—particularly its renowned International Travel Programme. When I saw the Patagonia trip, often described as the ‘Mecca’ of Welsh heritage abroad, advertised back in September 2024, it was simply too good an opportunity to pass up.

In the early hours of 21 September, I stumbled onto the bus, bags packed to the brim for what promised to be a packed two weeks of cultural and physical adventure alongside 15 fellow members from across Wales. Excitement had been building for months—nearly 11, in fact—following a competitive interview process to secure our places. Finally, under the leadership of our group leader, Angharad Ann Evans from Ceredigion, we were on our way.

However, there was still a long journey ahead before the real adventure could begin: 7,500 miles in 16 hours. When we landed in Buenos Aires mid-morning on 22 September and boarded yet another bus for an immediate city tour straight after the long-haul flight, none of us felt inclined to complain—especially when we considered the two-month voyage our Welsh ancestors had endured some 160 years earlier.

Despite the fatigue, we packed in a full day exploring the capital, wandering through the colourful streets of La Boca, visiting Plaza de Mayo and Recoleta Cemetery, before enjoying a light meal and our first taste of Argentina—empanadas followed by dulce de leche ice cream for dessert. After dinner, it was time to catch our third flight, heading south to Puerto Madryn and the beginning of our journey into Y Wladfa.

From City Streets to Coastal Wildlife

After a much-needed night’s sleep, we woke to the fresh sea air of Puerto Madryn—the very place where the 150 passengers of the Mimosa, the ship that set sail from Wales, first landed in 1865. We spent the day exploring the Peninsula Valdés, wandering along the coastline and spotting Magellanic penguins before heading out to sea ourselves on a boat trip to see southern right whales.

Being so close to such magnificent creatures was a truly unforgettable experience—one that will stay with me for a lifetime.

Welsh Heritage in Patagonia

Of course, a central part of the trip was immersing ourselves in the history of the Welsh settlers who established Y Wladfa. And where better to begin than Puerto Madryn itself—the landing site of the Mimosa. We walked in the footsteps of the 153 original settlers along the coastline at Punta Cuevas Historical Park, where the remains of their earliest homes and the first grave from 1865 can still be found.

From there, we travelled to Trelew to visit Ysgol Yr Hendre, where children are educated in both Welsh and Spanish. We were warmly entertained by the pupils, who sang their favourite Welsh songs and performed traditional folk dances before giving us a tour of the school. It was also in Trelew that we made our first of several visits to the chapels of Y Wladfa. At Capel Moriah, we sang together as a group for the first time, led by our official accompanist, Aled Clwyd, who was incredibly fortunate to play the original organ that had travelled on the Mimosa in 1865—an experience he will never forget.

Gaiman: Where Wales Lives On

We then travelled to Gaiman, which was perhaps my favourite place of the entire trip. Staying in the iconic Ty Gwyn, where I enjoyed endless tea and cake, this community felt unmistakably Welsh. The warmth of the welcome we received made it clear that the Welsh spirit is alive and thriving here.

Meeting teachers and pupils at Ysgol Gaiman, and seeing the pride with which the children would burst into Welsh song or poetry at any opportunity, was incredibly moving. It was here that I truly felt the pride and privilege of identifying as Welsh—on another continent.

Before travelling, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. Having learned the history as a child, and imagining the bravery of those settlers who left everything behind to build a new life rooted in their Welsh identity, it would have been easy to picture Patagonia as a kind of Welsh utopia.

In reality, I quickly realised that you are unlikely to walk down the street and hear Welsh spoken casually—Spanish is now the dominant language. However, much like in many communities back home in Wales, once you step inside certain spaces—schools, chapels, or community hubs—the Welsh language and culture come alive. Whether it was at the Ddraig Goch Rugby Club, where we were welcomed by Paloma Pugh and enjoyed an evening of folk dancing, or standing in the pulpit of a chapel to sing, it was clear that the original dream still thrives.

Music, Tradition and Belonging

For me, it became evident that music and the tradition of singing play a vital role in keeping this identity alive. This was especially clear during two unforgettable afternoons.

The first was spent with Billy and Gladys Hughes in Gaiman, and the second with Alejandro Jones in Cwm Hyfryd—following a 10-hour overnight bus journey into the Andes. On both occasions, we were treated like Welsh royalty, enjoying asado, drinking mate, and being serenaded by these incredible musicians.

Final Reflections

These are just a handful of the highlights and impressions from our two weeks exploring this extraordinary region. The trip was expertly coordinated by Teithiau Patagonia, and without a doubt, Aled and Ángeles Rees enriched our experience through their connections and friendships across the region.

For anyone considering this once-in-a-lifetime journey, I would wholeheartedly recommend getting in touch with them. And for those who are more digitally inclined and would like to see more from my experience, scan the QR code to explore the journey further—and to hear Alejandro Jones sing for yourself.