Practical guide to travel to Esquel

There is lot to say about Esquel! In addition to the majesty of being located at the foot of the Andes Mountains, this destination in the Patagonia Argentina is the southernmost stop of the narrow gauge steam train “La Trochita” and home to Los Alerces National Park, which is full of lakes, waterfalls, forests and charming pudúes. Without a doubt, it guarantees a unique experience. To take advantage of it, we bring you this practical guide to travel to Esquel. 

The idea is to put at your disposal important details of this place. It is kind of like an opener that will allow you to get to know this city before visiting it and, in this sense, make the most of it. With this data, you will know when to travel, where to stay, what attractions to visit and, thus, put together a travel itinerary based on your tastes, needs and budget. Let’s get started! 

HOW TO GET TO ESQUEL?

Surely you already know that Esquel is located in the province of Chubut, but you still have no idea how to get there. There are a variety of routes and means of transport. By land, it can be both in your own vehicle and in buses that operate from the Esquel Bus Terminal. The distance from Buenos Aires is 1970 km through Bariloche.

The other alternative, the most comfortable and fast, is the airway. Esquel has the International Airport to which, weekly, about six flights arrive that operate from Buenos Aires through Aerolineas Argentinas. In 2 hours and 30 minutes you would be landing in the city. 

Within this context, the Bariloche Airport should not be overlooked, located 4 hours from Esquel. This airport offers more flight frequencies and works with yet another line (Lan). For more precise information on each of the transfer options, see our article on how to get to Esquel.

CLIMATE IN ESQUEL 

It is no secret that the location plays a fundamental role in the climate of any site. In this case, we are talking about a city that combines Patagonian steppe and Andean forest. Head of the region in the department of Futaleufú, Esquel is located in a valley on the banks of a stream that bears the same name and is surrounded by mountain ranges. 

Thus, it gives us a cold climate all year round. With an average of 17°C (minimum 3°C and maximum 32°C), it offers us a dry and mild summer with clear days. For its part, winter is characterized by an average temperature of 2.5°C (minimum -10°C and maximum 15°C), translating into the rainiest season, especially the month of June. 

It should be noted that snowfalls do not wait in the winter season. Meanwhile, spring and fall are kept in super cool, albeit variable, weather. The precipitations, for example, abound in the zone of the mountain range, after the changes that the rain gradient suffers from west and east.

But, what does the city offer us according to the climate of each season? See more details in our articles on summer and winter vacations in Esquel. You will have a clearer idea about when to travel. It is one of the advantages of this practical guide to travel to Esquel.

WHAT TO DO IN ESQUEL? 

If you still have no idea what you could do in Esquel, don’t worry! This destination is loaded with attractions -especially natural- so that the entertainment option is wide. There are from excursions and adventure walks, to cultural and gastronomic proposals.

To give you a more precise idea, we will mention the most famous and popular activities in Esquel. You will feel that time will not reach you, but don’t worry! For this, our specialists have put together travel itineraries that combine all the must-sees and, in addition, can be adapted to the needs of each traveler.

In this way, you will be able to experience city tours, horseback riding, peri-urban trails, sport fishing, bird watching, canopy, cross-country kayaking and rafting or touring Esquel in slippers. Do not forget excursions such as: Los Alerces National Park, Ice Tunnels, skiing and snowboarding, Piedra Parada, Corredor de los Andes, Futaleufú (Chile), the Wine Route in Chubut, Walk through La Hoya, Laguna La Zeta, Trevelin and Complex Futaleufú Hydroelectric. Find out more details in the best Esquel excursions. 

Among those, you will find the imposing Los Alerces National Park and other activities that will introduce you to the magical Tulip Field, two magical places not to be missed on a visit to Esquel. Get to know the details of each of these by clicking on the links! You are going to love them!  

WHAT CLOTHING TO BRING FOR A TRIP TO ESQUEL? 

After what has been mentioned about the weather, the coat is a fundamental piece to visit this destination at any time of the year! The rest of the suitcase, you must adapt it to the season when you go to travel, with special emphasis on the activities to be carried out.

For example, appropriate footwear, sunscreen and sunglasses if it is summer, light clothing for summer or super warm for winter, windbreaker for outdoor activities or raincoat for water sports and so on. Generally speaking, dressing “onion style” (with several layers of clothing) is imperative, however, we invite you to learn more specific tips on what to wear to Esquel.

ESQUEL TRADITIONAL GASTRONOMY 

Worthy of any destination in the Argentine Patagonia, Esquel has a gastronomy that stands out for local dishes such as lamb and trout, preferably smoked. Of course, you cannot miss homemade cheeses and fine red fruits. When it comes to desserts, we must mention the Welsh black cake, canned mushrooms and other artisan sweets. Liquors are not far behind. So that you have a more precise reference on each of these delicacies and other typical Argentineans dishes, you can consult our article on what to eat in Esquel, typical dishes.

WHERE TO STAY IN ESQUEL? 

You should not worry about where to stay during your stay in Esquel, since the hotel offer in this city is super wide. You can find hotels, inns, cabins and apartments for all types of travelers: alone, as a couple or groups of friends and families; basic and exclusive or luxurious, whatever option you look for! See the best options in our top of the best hotels for this incredible destination.

We are sure that this practical guide to travel to Esquel will be of great help in planning your adventure. However, we want to remind you that you can contact our travel specialists for any advice. In fact, if you wish, we can help you put together a complete package: with accommodation, food, transfers and excursions. Send us a WhatsApp!