Plizio Visual Lab
Esquel
ℹ️Practical info — Esquel
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Book tickets for the 'La Trochita' (Old Patagonian Express) train well in advance, as it sells out quickly.
- Weather in the Andes changes rapidly; dress in layers to easily adjust to temperature drops.
- It's an excellent base for Los Alerces National Park; renting a car gives the most flexibility for exploring it.
- The town is very walkable, but comfortable hiking boots are highly recommended for the uneven sidewalks and nearby trails.
🍽 Food
Fresh mountain trout is a must-try, often served with rich sauces in local restaurants.
Visit nearby Trevelin for a traditional Welsh tea service with black cake and scones.
Esquel has a growing microbrewery scene; look for local brewpubs downtown.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
Check out the local ferias in the main square for handmade wool clothing and wood crafts.
Stock up on artisanal chocolates and regional berry jams in the town center shops.
A beautiful and peaceful nature reserve just a short drive or hike from the town center.
Wander among ancient trees and serene lakes in this striking UNESCO site.
Water temperature…
Esquel is tucked away in a glacial valley in the foothills of the Andes Mountains in northwestern Chubut Province, officially founded on February 25, 1906. The city serves as a vital service hub for the mountain region and is world-famous as a key station for 'La Trochita,' the historic narrow-gauge steam train known as the Old Patagonian Express. Located just 50 kilometers away is the Los Alerces National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site home to ancient alerce trees, some over 2,600 years old. During the winter, the nearby La Hoya ski resort attracts enthusiasts with its powdery snow and long-lasting season due to its unique south-facing slopes. The local economy is driven by tourism, livestock farming, and commerce, with a strong emphasis on environmental conservation by its residents. Geographically, Esquel sits at the meeting point of the dry Patagonian steppe and the lush Andean-Patagonian forests, creating diverse landscapes. The town provides a cozy alpine atmosphere, featuring local crafts, traditional breweries, and a gateway to some of the most pristine trekking and fishing spots in Argentina.
- Location: Argentina
- Top sights: Cascada · Mirador Medio · Museo Histórico Esquel
- Nearby: Trevelin (18 km)
- Population: ~28.486 (2015)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 12 | 13 | 10 | 6 | 3 | 0 | -1 | 1 | 3 | 6 | 8 | 11 |
| Rain mm | 52 | 41 | 54 | 62 | 109 | 125 | 94 | 88 | 51 | 66 | 59 | 45 |
Geography
Facts
- Officially established on February 25, 1906.
- Home to the historic 'La Trochita' narrow-gauge steam train.
- Main gateway to Los Alerces National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- La Hoya ski resort is located only 13 kilometers from the city center.
- Sits at an elevation of approximately 550 meters (1,800 feet) above sea level.
- Famous for the 2003 grassroots movement that successfully banned open-pit mining.
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 Esquel (7)
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