Members' Blog

We caught up with Patagonia’s Team Leader, Angharad Ann Evans from Ceredigion to hear everything about their Patagonian Adventure!

21st September – The Journey Begins

Early on the morning of the 21st of September, sixteen members of Wales YFC set off on their grand adventure to the other side of the world – Patagonia. The group included Sioned, Betsan and Jac from Carmarthenshire; Caryl and Megan from Pembrokeshire; Manon and Carwyn from Ynys Môn; Llywela and Aled from Clwyd; Rhodri from Eryri; Teleri from Brecknock and Gwenllian, Eiry, Elen, Mared and Angharad from Ceredigion.

After travelling over 7,500 miles, the group arrived in Buenos Aires early on the morning of the 22nd, ready for a day full of sightseeing. They explored the colourful streets of La Boca, Plaza de Mayo and Recoleta Cemetery, before enjoying a light lunch of empanadas and ice cream. After lunch, it was time to board flight number three down to Puerto Madryn – and the real Patagonian adventure began!

23rd September – Whales and Penguins

The group spent a full day touring the Valdés Peninsula, exploring the area’s beautiful landscapes and wildlife. They were incredibly lucky to spot Magellanic penguins along the coast and southern right whales out at sea – a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will stay with them forever.

24th September – Welsh Roots in Patagonia

The day began exploring around Puerto Madryn, visiting historic sites connected to the original 1865 landing of the Mimosa ship. Highlights included the statue of the Welsh Woman and the Punta Cuevas Museum, where the group enjoyed a brilliant guided tour.

Next stop was Trelew, home to the world’s largest dinosaur skeleton! Members visited Ysgol yr Hendre, where pupils learn in both Welsh and Spanish. The children entertained everyone with songs and folk dancing before giving a tour of the school.

The day continued with a visit to the “Pueblo de Luis” Museum and Moriha Chapel, where hymns were sung under the direction of Aled Clwyd – who even played the original organ brought over on the Mimosa in 1865.

That evening, the group headed to Gaiman for a few nights at Plas y Coed and Tŷ Gwyn. They later joined the local rugby club for a feast organised by Colegio Camwy – complete with food, music, and plenty of Welsh-Spanish chatter! The evening finished with a traditional Twmpath dance (some better dancers than others!) and a few YFC games, including the classic “Wheelbender” – if you know, you know!

25th September – Schools, Chapels and Steak

The day began at Ysgol y Gaiman, where members met the pupils and teachers. They were thrilled to see Lois, a member of Dyffryn Nantlle YFC in Eryri who is currently teaching there for a year. Year 5 pupils learned about Wales YFC and life back home in Wales.

Later, the group explored museums, the village of Dolavon, Bethel Chapel, and the Red Dragon Rugby Club. The day ended with a delicious meal at Gwalia Lân and a social pint at Cactus. Top tip: try the Malbec steak. Absolutely amazing!

26th September – A Taste of the Pampas

On their last day in Gaiman, the group visited Ricardo’s traditional Argentinian farm near Bethesda. His 175-hectare farm finishes around 900 cattle a year using a rotational grazing system and a blend of grain, alfalfa, nitrogen, and protein to reach a market weight of 400kg. His beef is sold locally, and the farm uses irrigation to improve pasture growth.

After a fascinating morning, we enjoyed a wonderful asado lunch with Billy and Gladys – singing Welsh songs and drinking mate, Argentina’s traditional tea. Before the overnight bus to Trevelin, we had time for a afternoon tea at Plas y Coed with Anna before leaving.

27th September – Life in Cwm Hyfryd

It was an early start to meet guide Alejandro, who took the group to two of his family’s five farms nestled in the shadow of the Andes Mountains in Cwm Hyfryd. After learning about their farming systems, we enjoyed another asado lunch and singalong with Alejandro’s family. Later in the afternoon came a real highlight – horse riding beneath the Andes, an unforgettable experience for many.

28th September – Wine, Water and Wonder

The morning began at Nant y Fall Vineyard, where the group learned about the family-run business managed by three generations across four hectares of stunning countryside. After hearing about the winemaking process (and sampling a little, of course!), they visited the working Nant Fach Mill Museum.

In the afternoon, some went rafting down the Corcovado River in the shadow of the Andes, while others opted for a peaceful forest walk.

29th September – Ysgol y Cwm and Farewell to Trevelin

On their final day in Trevelin, the first stop was Ysgol y Cwm, where members sang with pupils and caught up with a former teacher now living in Patagonia. The rest of the day was spent shopping in Esquel and enjoying a lovely meal before catching a flight back to Buenos Aires for a social evening in the big city.

30th September – Tango in the City

Back in Buenos Aires, the group explored more of the capital – visiting San Telmo Food Market and the Japanese Gardens before spending the evening at a traditional Argentine Tango show.

1st October – The Final Day

An early start took the group to Mercado de Cañuelas – one of the largest livestock markets in the world. Covering 175 hectares, it trades over 45,000 cattle each week! The afternoon was spent exploring street art and shopping before a final group meal. Naturally, everyone chose steak – one last taste of Argentina before heading home to Wales.

What an unforgettable trip! It was a journey full of Welsh spirit, history, culture, and friendship – one that will stay in our hearts for years to come.

A huge thank you to Aled and Angelas of Patagonia Tours for organising everything, and to Wales YFC for giving us the opportunity. Take every chance you can to travel with the movement – you won’t regret it! – Angharad Ann Evans, Ceredigion