Plizio Visual Lab
El Maitén
El Maitén is a historic railway town situated in the Chubut Province, positioned in the broad valleys of the Patagonian steppe just east of the Andes. The town's identity is inextricably linked to "La Trochita," the Old Patagonian Express, a narrow-gauge railway that became world-famous thanks to the writings of Paul Theroux. El Maitén serves as the primary workshop and operational headquarters for this iconic steam train. Visitors to the town are drawn by the unique opportunity to step back in time. The railway workshops in El Maitén are a living museum, where skilled mechanics still use original 1920s tools and machinery to maintain the vintage Baldwin and Henschel steam locomotives. Riding the steam train from El Maitén across the windswept Patagonian landscape is a deeply nostalgic and unique experience. Beyond its railway heritage, El Maitén is surrounded by the Chubut River, offering peaceful spots for fly fishing and relaxation. The town celebrates the National Steam Train Festival every February, attracting train enthusiasts from around the globe. The best time to visit is during the Southern Hemisphere summer when the train runs regular tourist services and the weather is mild.
- Location: Argentina
- Top sights: № 131 · Mirador · Museo Ferroviario
- Nearby: Esquel (35 km)
- Population: ~3.782 (2023)
Geography
Facts
- Located in Chubut Province
- Headquarters of the La Trochita train
- Operates original 1922 steam locomotives
- Features a living railway museum workshop
- Hosts the National Steam Train Festival in February
- Situated along the Chubut River
- Famous 75cm narrow-gauge railway
- Historic railway architecture
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town El Maitén (5)
Frequently asked questions
El Maitén: where is it located?
El Maitén: what is there to see?
El Maitén: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
