Introduction:

Esquel is located to the northwest of the province of Chubut, 285 kilometres away from Bariloche going towards the south along National Route 40. The city is surrounded by various hills: Nahuel Pan, La Zeta, La Cruz, Hill 21 and La Hoya. Esquel is a mix of a mountain village and an urban area, with a lot of attractives.

A little bit of history: February 25th is considered the foundation date of Esquel – On that day, Medardo Morelli made the first telegraphic transfer from a communications center that had been settled there during an expedition to extend the railway line. Esquel’s area was identified until then as an unique site – It was a western branching of the 16 de Octubre Colony, a Welsh population whose original heart was at Trevelin, a village that’s 25 kilometres away from Esquel.

Before, the valley had been a transit area for Tehuelches and Mapuches, native communities which are ancestors of some present inhabitants. The word “Esquel” is derivated from the Tehuelche word “ESGEL KAIK”, which could either mean “thistle” or “shaking”. Both meanings are accurate since sometimes Esquel is full of thistles and, besides, the area where the city is nowadays located used to be an area of wetland, characterised by a flooded ground, marshy and covered by herbs.

Esquel started its touristic development with the entry of the Patagonian Express in 1945, a development that was consolidated with the opening of the Winter Snow Sports Center “La Hoya” in 1974.

Descendants of native peoples and of Welsh, Spanish and Lithuanian immigrants keep their cultures alive, providing Esquel a variety of traditions. The impressive and well preserved landscape gives Esquel an special attractive for those who love outdoor activities and sports, but it’s also great for families.

¿What to visit?

Los Alerces National Park: This natural park is 50 kilometres away from Esquel. It was recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO since it preserves the longest-living forests of alerces (larchs) in the world, with an approximate age of 2.600 years.

Urban Natural Reserve – La Zeta Lagoon: Only 4 kilometres away from Esquel, this lagoon is great to spend a relaxing day outdoors and watch birds.

Leleque Museum: This museum is 90 kilometres away from Esquel and it’s about its founder’s life, native people and rural life.

Trevelin: This small village is 25 kilometres away from Esquel. Trevelin is like a trip to Welsh history – Here, you can visit vineyards, trout farms and the famous Welsh Tea, enjoying the traditional Weslh pastries.

Patagonian Express – “La Trochita”: Recognized as a Historical National Monument, La Trochita is one of the main attractives of Esquel. This train is unique in the world because of its trails of only 75 centimetres and its little wagons. After travelling for 18 kilometres, La Trochita arrives at Nahuel Pan where a community Mapuche-Tehuelche lives. At Nahuel Pan you can visit the Museum of Native Cultures or buy some handcrafts. There’s a coffee store inside the train that’s open during the whole tour in case you want to take a snack.

Weather and when to travel:

Esquel is a destination you can enjoy at any time of the year. Summer is dry and soft, with cloudless days and maximum temperatures of 32°C. During winter the temperatures are low with regular rains and snowfalls, specially during June. Spring and autumn are cool and varying seasons.

I recommend to take a coat for winter as well as for summer nights. Besides, you should take comfortable footwear, a hat, glasses and sunscreen for your outdoor activities.

¿How to get there?

By plane: From Buenos Aires to Esquel, Trelew or Comodoro Rivadavia.

By car or by bus: If you travel by car or by bus from Buenos Aires to Esquel you’ll pass by Bariloche, El Bolsón and Leleque among other places.

¿Where to sleep?

There are options for any prefferences and budgets – Hotels, hostels and cottages, for example. The hostels and cottages are a little bit away from the city center.

Gastronomy and nightlife: 

Esquel’s gastronomy is diverse. You can enjoy regional food like lamb, trout and red berries, and also the famous Welsh cake. The city holds bars, restaurants and nightclubs for the young ones – When I was there I noticed there was movement at night, but not as much as you can see at another touristic centers.

¿How to move?

You can move by public transport, car or taxi. If you are lodged at the center of the city, you can easily move by feet.

Personal review:

Esquel is a destination that you can visit at any time of the year. Personally, I was surprised because I thought Esquel would be smaller – However, I found out there are a lot of activities to do and for all kind of public. The inhabitants are really kind and the place is totally quiet. On my first morning there, I couldn’t help noticing there are no car noises like in the big cities – Instead, you can hear birds singing and enjoy days of full quietness. Another thing that attracted my attention was a lake at National Park Los Alerces: its waters are green coloured on one side, turquoise coloured on the other side – It’s marvellous. Would I come back to Esquel? Yes, without any doubt.

Consultor Florencia Merani