Alerces & Esquel

Quiet Patagonia and pristine forests
lakesforests

Country: Argentina 🇦🇷

Video

Overview

Esquel is a small Patagonian town and the main access point to Los Alerces National Park, one of the most pristine and least visited protected areas in Argentina.

Compared to Bariloche, Esquel is much quieter and more limited in activities. It works best as a short, peaceful stop before or after Bariloche (see related itinerary).

Province: Chubut
Base: Esquel
Overall time: 3–4 days
Main focus: lakes, forests, low-traffic nature
Best season: October–March

📷 Photo albums
instagram Los Alerces National Park
Arrival & Esquel Town ▾


Arrive in Esquel by flight or long-distance bus.

From the airport:
• No public buses
• Taxi or pre-arranged transfer only

Base:
• Esquel town for the entire stay

What to do:
• Short walk around town center
• Supplies and basic services
• Light walk along local streets and viewpoints

Sunset option:
• Laguna La Zeta – accessible by taxi, calm lake with open views

Los Alerces National Park ▾


Full-day visit to Los Alerces National Park – the main reason to come to Esquel.

What you see:
• Turquoise lakes and rivers
• Old-growth Andean forests
• Very low visitor numbers

How to visit:
• Organized day tour (most practical without a car)
• Rented car (best flexibility, especially for stops)

Notes:
• Park is large; you see selected sections in one day
• Weather and road conditions affect access

This is the most visually rewarding day of the itinerary.

Trevelin ▾


Visit Trevelin, a small town south of Esquel with Welsh heritage.

What to expect:
• Quiet streets and rural setting
• Traditional tea houses
• Open valley views toward the Andes
• Campo de Tulipanes in October only

How to visit:
• Bus (limited frequency, check schedule)
• Rented car (simpler and more flexible)

Recommended pace:
• Half day, without rushing

Short Walks Around Esquel ▾


A flexible day for light walks close to town.

Options:
• Laguna La Zeta – longer circuit and nearby viewpoints
• Short forest and hillside trails near Esquel

Trail conditions:
• Well-marked
• Mostly easy to moderate
• Quiet, with very few people

Useful as a buffer day for weather or rest.

Transportation

  • Car is recommended for flexibility, especially for Los Alerces
  • Organized tours cover main highlights but are limited in number
  • No Uber or local public transport network
  • Taxis are reliable inside Esquel

Connections

  • Esquel → Bariloche (bus, ~5 hours)
  • Esquel → El Bolsón (bus, ~3 hours)
  • Esquel → Trelew / Puerto Madryn (long-distance bus)

Useful information

Notes

  • Esquel is intentionally low-key and not activity-dense
  • Best suited for travelers seeking calm nature and minimal crowds
  • Infrastructure is basic but sufficient for short stays