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Introducing Esquel
If you have tired of the gnome-in-the-chocolate-shop ambience of Bariloche and other cutesy Lakes District destinations, regular old Esquel will feel like a breath of fresh air. Set in western Chubut’s dramatic, hikable foothills, Esquel mainly attracts visitors stopping over on their way to Parque Nacional Los Alerces and other Andean recreation areas. Most people zip through en route to Bariloche or Chile, but it’s an easy-going and exceedingly friendly base camp for abundant adventure activities –the perfect place to chill for a few days after hard traveling on RN 40.
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Founded at the turn of the 20th century, Esquel is the region’s main livestock and commercial center. It’s also the historic southern end of the line for La Trochita, the narrow-gauge steam train. The town takes its name from a term of the language of the Mapuche meaning either ‘bog’ or ‘place of the thistles.’
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
