Although it is known as an ideal destination for winter sports, this charming city in the province of Chubut offers countless activities all year round and is also the gateway to visiting Los Alerces National Park.
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Esquel, a natural amphitheater
The city of Esquel is the head of the region in the Chubut department of Futaleufú and is located in a fertile and pleasant valley, on the banks of the Esquel stream.
Located in a depression of the hills that surround it (Nahuel Pan, La Zeta, La Cruz, Cerro 21 and La Hoya), it has the appearance of an amphitheater. This city, which takes as its founding date the day in 1906 when Medardo Morelli achieved the first telegraphic transmission, was born and grew thanks to the Welsh settlers starting in 1865. In reality, a northeastern extension of the colony whose original nucleus was about 25 km south, in the present-day town of Trevelin. Esquel’s hotel infrastructure has 2,500 beds, including up to 4-star hotels, inns and cabins.
Los Alerces National Park
Esquel is the gateway to Los Alerces National Park, a spectacular natural park with crystalline lakes, lush forests and imposing mountains. You can go hiking, boating and enjoy the natural beauty of the place. It has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2017 as it is home to extensions of practically virgin Patagonian forest. Covering an area of more than 1.5 million hectares, the park offers, in addition to a wide range of natural landscapes, a wide variety of wildlife, including guanacos, foxes, otters and condors.
Steam Train “La Trochita”
This iconic steam train is an emblematic attraction of Esquel. You can climb aboard and enjoy a picturesque journey through mountainous landscapes. The train departs from Esquel Station and travels 18 kilometers to the Nahuel Pan area. The train runs along the slopes of the hills that frame the city and crosses the valley located at the foot of Cerro NahuelPan. The departures of this tourist train are every Saturday at 10.00 am. throughout the year. But in times of high season (vacation periods, holidays) more frequencies are added on other days of the week. If you want more information, you can consult the La Trochita website. Today, the train runs three kinds of sightseeing tours. One the already mentioned Esquel-Nahuel Pan, another that leaves from El Maitén to Desvío Thomae (with return); while the third option is hiring charters between Esquel and El Maitén or Ingeniero Jacobacci.
Laguna La Zeta Urban Nature Reserve
It is located 4 km from the City of Esquel, on the way to the Alto Río Percy area. It is an area of 1100 ha. where La Zeta Lagoon is located and a significant area of forests, among which the following stand out: mountain cypress, maitén, laura, chacay, ñire and pine. The lagoon is a body of water surrounded by impressive natural landscapes surrounded by mountains, forests and green meadows. In addition, the water of the lagoon reflects the colors of the environment, which adds beauty to the place. It is an ideal place to enjoy outdoor activities and connect with nature and practice sport fishing. You can find trout and salmon in its waters. It is also a good idea to explore the lagoon by paddling a kayak or canoe and enjoy the views that the place offers. There are trails and paths that allow you to explore the surroundings and enjoy the surrounding nature. La Zeta Lagoon is an interesting place for bird watching. You will be able to see a variety of species, such as ducks, herons and birds of prey, among others.
Cerro La Hoya
This ski center located near Esquel (about 13 km) and is ideal for winter sports lovers. During the snow season, you can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and other snow activities. The complex is 1,350 meters above sea level and its privileged location allows you to enjoy the snow from the first days of June. It has 60 hectares of aviable for sky, with large slopes for all levels. There are also options for hiking and mountain biking in summer.
Hill 21
The summit of Cerro 21 is located in the Cordón Leleque, also known as Cordón del Oro. In this cordon, in addition to being the La Hoya ski center, its slopes are used for Speed Fly and paragliding. At the foot of the hill is the Willmanco Lagoon where kite surfing and sport fishing take place. It is worth mentioning that this lagoon is the main source of drinking water for the city of Esquel.
Hiking
The path begins at the Guanacos curve, 10km northeast of the city of Esquel. This path is perfectly marked, which makes your arrival comfortable and quick. It is a very pleasant trek, with a medium/low difficulty where an average person can do it in 4 hours (round trip). Throughout the route we will have drinking water and it is recommended to check the forecast in advance. In general, the weather is very stable but the wind can make the activity difficult.
Piedra Parada Protected Natural Area
Piedra Parada is a rock formation that testifies to volcanic activity 50 million years ago. It is 100 m at its base and 240 m high and is immersed in a landscape that allows you to see and understand one of the most dramatic natural phenomena in the evolution of the earth, such as the generation of a volcanic caldera. Its presence in central Patagonia, more than 200 km east of the current continental margin (the Pacific), is testimony to the changes in the interaction between the oceanic and continental plates on the Pacific coast of southern America. In this protected area is the spectacular “Cañadón de la Buitrera”, with its 200m high walls of igneous rocks and a 5 km long boxed path to explore on foot.
Trevelin
A few kilometers from Esquel, is the charming town of Trevelin, known for its Welsh influence. Here you can explore Welsh architecture, enjoy delicious tea products and visit the Nant y Fall Nature Reserve.
Nant and Fall waterfalls
It is an ideal walk to do from Trevelin. If you are stopping in Esquel it is approximately 100 km from the city center. You can take a hike to the waterfalls and enjoy the relaxing sound of the water and the beautiful natural views. On a walkway tour you can see the La Petiza, Las Mellizas and La Larga waterfalls (with their 64 meters high). The Andean Patagonian Forest with its cypresses, coihues, radales, lauras and maitenes make up an unbeatable setting to spend the day.
FAQs
How to get to Esquel?
BY PLANE: From Buenos Aires to the Brigadier General Antonio Parodi International Airport in Esquel, which is 21 km from the city center. It is a trip of just over 4 hours and there are 8 daily direct flights Buenos Aires-Esquel. How to get to Trevelin?
BY BUS: From Esquel you can take a bus line that runs every half hour, both at the terminal and at the different stops. The trip takes just over 20 minutes.
Esquel is a beautiful city from which you can access unique natural sites. Do not miss it!
