Introducing El Maitén
In open-range country on the upper reaches of the Río Chubut, about 70km southeast of El Bolsón, this small, dusty town is the end of the line for La Trochita, the old narrow-gauge steam train running between Esquel and El Maitén. It’s also home to the workshops for La Trochita and a graveyard of antique steam locomotives and other railroad hardware – a train aficionado’s dream.
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Every February the Fiesta Provincial del Trencito commemorates the railroad that put El Maitén on the map and keeps it there; it now doubles as the Fiesta Nacional del Tren a Vapor (National Steam Train Festival). Drawing people from all over the province and the country, it featuresriding and horse-taming competitions, live music and superb produce and pastries, including homemade jams and jellies.
El Maitén has a helpful tourist office (495150; turismai@ar.inter.net).
Camping Municipal (per person AR$8), directly on the river, gets crowded and noisy during the festival. Hostería Refugio Andino (495007; San Martín 1317; per person AR$30; ) is simple but clean and has an attached restaurant.
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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The Old Patagonia Express La Trochita
by frassinetti 05 May 2010
The Old Patagonia Express La Trochita In the Patagonian southern lands of Argentina train lovers from around the world can find what…
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La Trochita
by ruby98103 30 April 2010
Interestingly there has not been a post about the little steam train out of Esquel on this branch for a year. So let's see if anyone has…
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La Trochita
by zorbanaut 19 August 2008
Hi, does anyone know if La Trochita is still running? I'm hoping to travel on it in November, but the latest timetable information that…
Hotels & Hostels in El Maitén
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