Esquel

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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

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Thorn Tree forum discussion

Recent posts

  1. roman26 avatar
    Advise needed for Patagonian roundtrip

    by roman26 06 May 2012

    Hello, at the end of november we are planning a roundtrip of 3,5 weeks through with a rented 4WD car. Day 1: Arrival in Temuco, drive…
  2. Tryfan avatar
    RE: Chile/Argentina (1 Month) Hiking

    by Tryfan 27 March 2012

    OK. Cut Mendoza, take a day out of Santiago (you don't need it) then head straight to Pucon. I would strongly suggest you make a side-trip…
  3. Fernando avatar
    RE: How to do the North patagonia loop please?

    by Fernando 25 March 2012

    if the time is an issue, focus in some area p.e. Pucon and from there do trips/treks, in this case San Martin de los Andes is the nearer…

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