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Esquel Andean Patagonia

Esquel

Located at the edge of Andean mountain range, the city of Esquel is the main urban center of western Chubut.

Panoramic view of Esquel - Photo: Secretaría de Turismo de Esquel
Panoramic view of Esquel – Photo: Secretaría de Turismo de Esquel

Its origin was formalized with the laying of the telegraph service. The foundation date is  February 26th. 1906, when this service was inaugurated.

Together with San Martín de Los Andes, Villa La AngosturaBariloche and El Bolsón they constitute a regional unit called the “Corridor of Patagonian lakes”

Entrance to Los Alerces National Park - Photo: Secretaría de Turismo de Esquel
Entrance to Los Alerces National Park – Photo: Secretaría de Turismo de Esquel

Esquel is the gateway to Los Alerces National Park, one of the most beautiful parks in the Andean Patagonian sector. The majestic landscape, which treasures ancient forests of larch trees, is impressive. There are numerous trails through the mountains, where you can go horseback riding or trekking.

There are also sites for rafting, fishing and skiing. The ski resort La Hoya is very close to the urban area, with easy access and quality services. It is one of the places in Patagonia where you can ski until early spring.

La Trochita - From Esquel to Nahuel Pan
La Trochita – From Esquel to Nahuel Pan

Esquel also means “La Trochita” or The Old Patagonian Express, the unique and famous narrow gauge train that runs across a part of Patagonia. It is without doubt one of the unmissable tours of the region of Los Alerces.