EsquelEsquel, Argentina at a Glance
Costs: Mid-range: $50-140/day - small-town prices with higher costs for guided tours and lodges.
Safety: Very safe, low violent crime - typical Patagonian small-town safety; take usual outdoor precautions.
Best Time: November-March (hiking), June-August (skiing) - summer best for trails; winter for skiing at La Hoya.
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
Park
Los Alerces National Park
Patagonian national park protecting ancient larch forests
Lake
Futalaufquen Lake
Scenic glacial lake in Los Alerces National Park
Esquel, Argentina Bucket List
Don't Miss
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.
Hidden Gems
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.
Day Trips
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.
Summer
Short, pleasantly warm days perfect for trekking and National Park visits; nights can be cool-bring layers and windproof gear.
Autumn
Crisp, colorful and quieter-some trails close; expect unpredictable weather, increasing winds and early snow at higher elevations.
Winter
Cold, snowy season-excellent for skiing and dramatic Patagonian landscapes, but prepare for heavy jackets and possible road disruptions.
Esquel'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).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Excellent | 9° - 23° | 16° | 35 mm | some cloud | 66% | 5.4 m/s | 2.7 extreme | 14.7h |
| February | Excellent | 8° - 23° | 15° | 30 mm | some cloud | 65% | 4.6 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 13.6h |
| March | Very Good | 6° - 20° | 13° | 37 mm | some cloud | 70% | 4.2 m/s | 1.4 high | 12.2h |
| April | Very Good | 3° - 15° | 7° | 61 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 4.0 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 10.8h |
| May | Acceptable | 1° - 11° | 4° | 113 mm | partly cloudy | 87% | 3.3 m/s | 0.3 low | 9.6h |
| June | Poor | -1° - 7° | 0° | 108 mm | overcast | 92% | 3.1 m/s | 0.2 low | 8.9h |
| July | Poor | -2° - 7° | -1° | 109 mm | partly cloudy | 93% | 3.2 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.2h |
| August | Poor | 0° - 9° | 1° | 81 mm | partly cloudy | 88% | 3.9 m/s | 0.4 low | 10.3h |
| September | Good | 1° - 12° | 4° | 57 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 4.1 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 11.7h |
| October | Very Good | 3° - 16° | 7° | 42 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 4.8 m/s | 1.4 high | 13.1h |
| November | Very Good | 6° - 19° | 12° | 34 mm | partly cloudy | 73% | 5.3 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 14.4h |
| December | Very Good | 8° - 22° | 15° | 39 mm | partly cloudy | 69% | 5.6 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 15.1h |
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
Budget
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.
Mid-Range
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.
Luxury
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.
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.
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.