This small Patagonian mountain town sits at the foot of the Andes. A working steam train, La Trochita, still runs through the valley, connecting to local ski slopes and hiking trails.
Esquel, a small town of 28,000 people in Argentina's Chubut province, sits at the foot of the Andes Mountains. You can take a ride on the 1935 La Trochita narrow-gauge train, ski down La Hoya's slopes in winter, or walk among ancient Alerce trees in Los Alerces National Park. The town maintains its Welsh cultural traditions from the 1865 settlers, visible in its tea houses and local bakeries.
Riding La Trochita Steam Train
The narrow-gauge railway, known locally as La Trochita, runs between Esquel and El Maitén. The steam locomotives and wooden carriages from 1935 make their way through valleys and mountain passes. You can board at Esquel station for the full journey or take shorter scenic trips. The train moves at a gentle pace of 45 km/h, giving you time to take in the landscape through the vintage windows.
Exploring Los Alerces National Park
Los Alerces National Park, 50 kilometers from Esquel, contains some of South America's oldest trees. The Alerce trees here reach ages up to 3,600 years, and you'll find them along the trails near Lake Futalaufquen's blue waters. The park's network of marked paths ranges from 2-hour walks to 8-hour hikes. In summer, you can swim in the lake or take boat trips to see more remote sections of the forest.
Winter Sports at La Hoya
La Hoya ski resort, 13 kilometers from town, operates from June through September. The resort has 24 runs across 100 hectares of skiable terrain, including beginner slopes and advanced trails. You'll find shorter lift lines and lower prices compared to northern Patagonian resorts. The base lodge has equipment rental and a café with mountain views.
Day Trips Around Esquel
Trevelin, 22 kilometers away, has three Welsh tea houses where you can eat fresh-baked scones and drink tea from china cups. At Piedra Parada, a 240-meter volcanic rock formation rises from the steppe, attracting rock climbers and geologists. The mountain town of Cholila, where Butch Cassidy once lived, sits among valleys with grazing horses and cattle ranches.
Getting Around
Aerolineas Argentinas flies to Esquel Airport from Buenos Aires three times weekly. The central bus terminal connects to major Patagonian cities with daily departures. Within town, most attractions and services line Avenida Alvear, making it easy to walk between them.
Local Food Scene
You'll find restaurants serving Patagonian lamb grilled over open fires and trout from nearby rivers and lakes. Many kitchens make their own pasta, from simple spaghetti to stuffed ravioli with regional ingredients. The town's bakeries produce medialunas (Argentine croissants) and tortas galesas (Welsh cakes) throughout the day.
