Things to do in Esquel, Bariloche, Argentina

Esquel with its over 28,000 inhabitants, important hotel service structure, restaurants, entertainments and transport services provides visitors with all the splendor of the so-called "Comarca de los Alerces" (Larch District).

A wide and permanently growing service structure offers tourists the best options for adventure, excursions and treks that you can enjoy on your own, or with any of the local tourist agencies.

Trekking, horse riding, fishing, hunting on skis, mountaineering, mountain bike, 4 x 4 touring, and any other activity you can imagine, always surrounded by exceptionally beautiful landscapes: ancient trees, roaring rivers, hundreds of expanses of water sheltered by mysterious woods form a region that features surprise, delight, adrenalin and vertigo at every step.

The store network selling the clothes, gear and other items necessary for different activities (fishing, skiing, mountaineering, etc.) guarantees a quality supply. Regional craft items are always a temptation, whether they be craft textiles made by the descendants of the native inhabitants or the edible delicacies made from local flora and fauna food items, which as well as being on sale can be sampled at any of the different restaurants in Esquel.

In this prime fishing area hunting is also a favorite pastime, with many game species, among them bustards.

Many lake excursions are possible over lakes Futalaufquen, Menéndez, Cisne, Verde, Rosario and Rivadavia. There are several specialized agencies that can take you on thrilling tours or on sporting outings.

The Esquel ski complex has just inaugurated a new beginners' run as well as more snow cannon.

Finally, a historic "Express" train daily plying a dream landscape fascinates railway enthusiasts because it functions with its original locomotives and wagons.

LOS ALERCES AND TREVELÍN NATIONAL PARKS

Among waterfalls, streams and beautiful landscapes, this is a first approach to the edges of the beautiful Valdivian forest (cold wet forest). Trekking or lake excursions and the ability to organize one's base of operations in one of the Park campsites makes this an interesting option. One can also visit Trevelín, the first community in this area, founded by Welsh pioneers from Puerto Madryn, who decided to sample living in a new territory.

FUTALEUFU HYDROELECTRIC DAM

A very special spot in the middle of the Patagonian steppe. It offers the history and legends of a sparsely inhabited land. It is a major development of the seventies, whose function was to generate energy to satisfy the demands of Aluar aluminum factory on the Chubut coast.

A CHILEAN ESCAPADE, LAGO PUELO AND BOLSÓN

The San Rafael glacier, located on the lake by the same name in Chile, offers one the ideal excuse to do a very special excursion across the Cordillera forests near Esquel, the beautiful Valdivian forest in Chile and return to the north part of Santa Cruz. At least 200 kilometers along a pleasant road winding among the Pre-Cordillera hills, to get to Lago Puelo National Park that offers beautiful scenery and countless activities.

LA HOYA

A winter sports center for the whole family. With sun-protected snow, it allows skiing up to mid-October at very competitive rates. Most rivers in the area empty into the Pacific Ocean, allowing fishing of species that would normally be only found in Chilean rivers. You can try your hand in the Futalaufquen or in other nearby fishing streams.

ESQUEL SURROUNDING AREA

The departure point for green and very Welsh Trevelin and Los Alerces National Park, with its beautiful scenic routes and its spring through fall fishing activity and winter skiing. Patagonia's most famous train leaves this spot also: La Trochita.