Train activities in South America
-
Tren Blanco
A sort of road train pulled by a tractor dressed up like a locomotive, it departs every morning to circle the island, stopping at several sights along the way (three hours). The same route can be done, by up to four people, in a taxi for around US$18.
reviewed
-
Tren Turístico
During summer, the Tren Turístico travels from Roca station in Esquel to Nahuel Pan, the first station down the line, 20km east. The trip takes 45 minutes. It's popular with groups so book ahead. For a small additional charge, you can organize with one of the Esquel travel agencies to return by minibus.
reviewed
-
La Trochita
Argentina's famous narrow-gauge steam train, averages less than 30km/h on its meandering weekly journey between Esquel and El Maitén - if it runs at speed. In its current incarnation, subsidized by the city of Esquel and the governments of Río Negro and Chubut, La Trochita - which Paul Theroux facetiously called The Old Patagonian Express - provides both a tourist attraction and a service for local citizens.
Like many other state projects, completion of the line seemed an interminable process. In 1906 the federal government authorized the southern branch of the Roca line, between Puerto San Antonio on the Atlantic coast and Lago Nahuel Huapi. In 1922 Ferrocarriles del…
reviewed