Global South, the beginning of everything.
Esquel is the gateway to the Andean Region of Chubut. A quiet city with a strong Welsh identity, at the foot of the Andes and 70 km from Los Alerces National Park — one of the most pristine parks in Patagonia, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017. Less mass tourism than Bariloche, with more character of its own.
December to March for hiking, fishing, and sailing in Los Alerces. July and August for skiing at La Hoya. Easter week is the best time for La Trochita — the train runs on a special schedule and Trevelin hosts Welsh festivals.
Flights from Buenos Aires with Aerolíneas (sometimes with a stopover in Bariloche). Bus from Bariloche: 4 hours via Route 258. Also from Trelew and Comodoro Rivadavia. Brigadier Antonio Parodi Airport is 20 minutes from the city center.
The southernmost train in the world in regular operation. Narrow gauge of 75 cm, steam locomotives from 1922. Departs from Esquel to El Maitén (4 hrs) or on short excursions (2 hrs). Paul Theroux immortalized it in 'The Old Patagonian Express'. Book in advance during high season.
70 km from Esquel. Home to ancient alerce trees up to 2,600 years old. The boat excursion to El Abuelo alerce (60 m tall, 2,200 years old) is unmissable. Lakes Futalaufquen and Menéndez with an extraordinary shade of blue.
A Welsh village 24 km from Esquel. Descendants of Chubut settlers (who arrived in 1865) keep the tea tradition alive. Casa de Té Nain Magu: Welsh cakes, homemade jams, in a historic manor house.
Ski resort 13 km from Esquel. Less crowded and more affordable than Bariloche and Las Leñas. 28 runs, modern chairlifts, views of Lago Rosario. In summer the chairlifts carry hikers up for trekking with panoramic views. Base is at 2,100 m — take it easy the first day if you're not acclimatized.
In bloom from early October to early November, 13 km from Trevelin. A multicolored sea of tulips with the Andes as a backdrop. Walks, Welsh pastry café, craft fair and hot air balloon rides (weather permitting). Often called "Argentina's Keukenhof." Open only during blooming season — check ahead before visiting.
Protected natural area 125 km from Esquel. A volcanic dome rising over 200 m in a canyon carved by the Chubut River. Ideal for trekking and rock climbing. A Martian landscape that few travel guides mention.
Urban nature reserve 4 km from the city center. Trails and viewpoints overlooking Esquel and the Nahuelpan Range. Perfect for a quick escape or to watch the sunset without leaving the city.
