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
Tips & articles
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Riding the rails: classic train journeys of the world
2 August 2011
Hand the porter your luggage, climb aboard and relive the golden days of railroading on these spectacular journeys.Copper Canyon Railway, MexicoThe...
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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RE: Bariloche - Perito Moreno - El Calafate
by nahuel 08 September 2011
In October, most likely there won´t be any transport south from Perito Moreno till El Calafate or Esquel to Perito Moreno along the Ruta…
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RE: Bariloche..post volcano, perhaps
by MountainJez 06 September 2011
The airport is still closed, but both LAN and Aerolineas are flying to Esquel, 4 hours south of Bariloche. The ash is slowly being removed,…
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RE: Patagonia newbie
by vnrose 04 September 2011
Because of wind patterns, the ash mainly landed in Argentina with little effect even close to the eruption on the Chilean side. There…
Hotels & Hostels in Esquel
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Hostel Casa del Pueblo
Esquel
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La Rocca Esquel
Esquel
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Anochecer Andino
Esquel
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