5-Day Esquel, Los Alerces & La Trochita

Upon arrival at Esquel Airport (EQS), pick up your rental car and head directly to your accommodation in the charming town of Esquel. After checking in, take some time to explore the town center. Esquel serves as the perfect base for your Patagonian adventure, offering a laid-back atmosphere and stunning Andean backdrop. Stroll through the main square, Plaza San Martín, and discover local handicraft shops. Consider visiting the Regional Museum to learn about the area's history and indigenous culture. Enjoy your first Patagonian dinner at one of Esquel's traditional restaurants, savoring local lamb or trout.

Today, experience one of Patagonia's most iconic attractions: a ride on La Trochita, the Old Patagonian Express. Head to Esquel's historic railway station, where this narrow-gauge steam train awaits. The journey takes you through picturesque Patagonian landscapes, offering a nostalgic glimpse into a bygone era. The train travels to Nahuelpan, a small Mapuche community, where you can explore a handicraft market and learn about their culture before returning to Esquel. In the afternoon, you can further explore Esquel or relax. Perhaps visit La Hoya Ski Resort (even in summer, the chairlift offers panoramic views) or simply enjoy a leisurely afternoon, preparing for your explorations of Los Alerces National Park tomorrow. Booking La Trochita tickets in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season.

Dedicate today to discovering the stunning southern sector of Los Alerces National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its ancient Alerce forests. Drive your rental car north from Esquel on Ruta Nacional 259, then take Provincial Route 71 towards Lake Futalaufquen. Stop at the visitor center for maps and information. Spend the morning exploring the beautiful shores of Lake Futalaufquen, perhaps taking a short hike to a viewpoint or enjoying a picnic lunch by the water. Continue to the Arrayanes River, where you can take an easy walk through a unique forest of Arrayanes trees, identifiable by their cinnamon-colored bark. The park offers numerous opportunities for photography and wildlife spotting, from diverse birdlife to deer. Ensure your car's fuel tank is full before entering the park, as services are limited. The roads within the park are mostly well-maintained gravel, suitable for a standard car.

Today, venture deeper into Los Alerces National Park, heading to its northern reaches. Drive along RP 71, enjoying the scenic views of lakes and mountains. Your primary goal for the day is to take a boat trip from Puerto Chucao to visit the 'Alerce Milenario' (Millenary Alerce), a magnificent tree estimated to be over 2,600 years old. This excursion offers breathtaking views of the pristine wilderness and a chance to truly appreciate the ancient forest. After your park adventure, exit the park and drive towards the charming town of Trevelin, known for its strong Welsh heritage. In Trevelin, immerse yourself in Welsh culture by visiting one of the traditional tea houses for 'La Merienda' (afternoon tea) complete with homemade cakes and traditional Welsh torta negra. Explore the town's small museum and artisan shops before returning to Esquel for your final night.

On your final day, enjoy a leisurely morning in Esquel. Depending on your flight schedule, you might have time for some last-minute souvenir shopping, perhaps picking up some local jams, chocolates, or handicrafts. Consider a short visit to Nant y Fall waterfall, a beautiful natural attraction just a short drive from Esquel, offering a pleasant walk through native forests to a series of cascades. Finally, drive your rental car back to Esquel Airport (EQS) for your departure, concluding your memorable Patagonian road trip. Allow ample time for the return journey to the airport, car drop-off, and check-in procedures.