Esquel, Argentina City
City in Chubut, Argentina
Set against Andean peaks, Esquel serves as base for Los Alerces National Park, trout streams and the historic La Trochita steam train; outdoor seekers enjoy hiking, fly-fishing, and local Patagonian lamb.
40°F
Why Visit Esquel, Argentina?#
Esquel is a gateway to Patagonian landscapes where mountain trails, deep forests and seasonal snow meet small-town charm. La Trochita, the old steam train, offers a nostalgic ride and photo-ready scenes, while access to Los Alerces National Park and the La Hoya ski area gives year-round outdoor options. Expect hearty Patagonian cuisine, warm gaucho hospitality and a slow pace that highlights the region’s geological colors and wide skies.
Best Things to Do in Esquel, Argentina#
Esquel, Argentina Bucket List#
La Trochita (Old Patagonian Express) - Historic narrow-gauge steam train offering scenic rides through Patagonian countryside.
Parque Nacional Los Alerces - Ancient alerce forests, clear lakes and hiking trails south of Esquel.
Cerro La Hoya Ski Resort - Seasonal ski area with slopes, lifts, and panoramic valley viewpoints.
Laguna La Zeta - Peaceful highland lake offering short walks, birdwatching and picnic spots.
Termas de Epuyén - Natural hot springs near Epuyén village, perfect for soaking after hikes.
Mirador La Cruz - Short climb to town lookout providing sweeping views over Esquel and countryside.
Trevelin - Nearby Welsh settlement with tea houses, flour mills and cultural museums.
Lago Futalaufquen (Los Alerces) - Large glacial lake with boat trips, fishing and trailheads to forests.
Best Time to Visit Esquel, Argentina#
Esquel is best in summer for hiking and mild weather; winters bring snow and skiing but can be harsh. Shoulder seasons are scenic but changeable and windy.
December - February
10°C - 22°C (50°F - 72°F)
Short, pleasantly warm days perfect for trekking and National Park visits; nights can be cool-bring layers and windproof gear.
March - May
3°C - 12°C (37°F - 54°F)
Crisp, colorful and quieter-some trails close; expect unpredictable weather, increasing winds and early snow at higher elevations.
June - August
-5°C - 6°C (23°F - 43°F)
Cold, snowy season-excellent for skiing and dramatic Patagonian landscapes, but prepare for heavy jackets and possible road disruptions.
Esquel, Argentina's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Mediterranean - Warm-Summer Mediterranean climate with mild summers (peaking in January) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from -2°C to 23°C. Moderate rainfall (746 mm/year).
January
January is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (35 mm).
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February
February is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm).
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March
March is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (37 mm).
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April
April is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 1°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (113 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -1°C. Significant rainfall (108 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 7°C and lows of -2°C. Significant rainfall (109 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 0°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 16°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (39 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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How to Get to Esquel, Argentina#
Esquel is a small Patagonian city with a regional airport handling domestic flights and limited connections. If direct flights aren’t available, long‑distance buses from Bariloche or other Patagonian hubs are the common alternative.
Esquel Airport (EQS): Esquel is served by a small regional airport just outside town with flights to and from Buenos Aires (Aeroparque) and other Patagonian cities; flight times are short (typically 1.5-2 hours from Buenos Aires). Taxis from the airport to town take about 10-15 minutes and cost roughly ARS 600-1,200 depending on season and carrier.
Comodoro Rivadavia / Bariloche (regional hubs): If you cannot find a direct flight to Esquel, connect via Bariloche (BRC) or Comodoro Rivadavia (CRD) and take a short domestic leg or a long-distance bus to Esquel; bus rides from Bariloche take about 5-6 hours.
Train: There is no regular long‑distance passenger rail service to Esquel in current operation; historic tourist steam trains (La Trochita) run short scenic sections around Esquel but are not a practical transport link for arrival.
Bus: Long‑distance buses (colectivos) connect Esquel with cities such as Bariloche, Comodoro Rivadavia and Buenos Aires. Expect multi‑hour journeys (Bariloche ≈5-6 hours; Buenos Aires ≈18-22 hours) and buy tickets from major bus companies; buses are the main overland option if flights are unavailable.
How to Get Around Esquel, Argentina#
Esquel is most practically reached by the regional airport for speed, or by long‑distance bus if flights are unavailable. Inside town, taxis and walking cover most visitor needs, while a hire car is best for exploring the surrounding countryside.
- Taxi (ARS 600-1,200 (airport → town, approximate)) - Taxis are the most convenient way to get from Esquel Airport into town and for short trips around the city; fares are modest and journeys are short. Confirm the fare with the driver for airport transfers.
- Long‑distance bus (Variable (long‑distance)) - Buses are reliable for travel between Esquel and other Patagonian cities; services range from daytime coaches to overnight sleepers. Book ahead in high season and expect comfortable seats and luggage storage.
- Local bus (Low) - Local microbuses serve neighbourhoods within Esquel and nearby towns; they’re inexpensive but less frequent than in larger cities. Good for budget travel if schedules suit you.
- Car hire (Variable) - Renting a car is a popular way to explore the surrounding lakes, mountains and national parks; roads are generally good but distances in Patagonia can be long, so plan fuel and stops.
- Tour operators (La Trochita & day tours) (Variable) - Local operators run short scenic rides on the historic La Trochita steam train and guided excursions to nearby natural attractions - convenient if you want sightseeing without driving.
- Walking - Esquel’s centre is compact and walkable; most shops, restaurants and the bus terminal are within easy walking distance of each other.
Where to Stay in Esquel, Argentina#
Centro / Near Plaza - $30-70/night
Esquel has basic hosterías and budget family-run hotels serving hikers and train tourists. Options are modest but conveniently close to town services and tour operators.
Central Esquel / Avenida Fontana - $60-120/night
Several comfortable mid-range hotels and boutique guesthouses suit visitors exploring nearby national parks. Book ahead in summer and winter ski-adjacent periods.
Nearby lodges / private estancias - $150+/night
Luxury options inside Esquel are limited; most premium stays are small upscale lodges rather than full-service resorts. Consider private lodges booked through tour operators.
Where to Eat in Esquel, Argentina#
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Esquel, Argentina’s restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Shopping in Esquel, Argentina#
Shopping in Esquel is modest and centred on local shops selling outdoor gear, woollen clothing and leather goods. Small artisan stalls and souvenir shops line the main commercial streets. For specialist outdoor equipment or larger purchases, consider ordering ahead or buying in bigger regional centres.
Nightlife in Esquel, Argentina#
Nightlife in Esquel is relaxed and small-scale - a handful of pubs, bars and restaurants host locals and visitors. Evenings are typically quiet outside weekends, and live-music nights are occasional rather than nightly.
