Esquel

Understand

Esquel is a popular ski town in winter for people all over Argentina.

Getting there

Buses leave for Buenos Aires, Puerto Madryn, Bariloche, El Calafate (via Ruta 40, 26 hours, 420 pesos, 00:40 every other day) and El Calafate via Rio Gallegos (24 hours, 405 pesos, 13:30 daily). Check Plataforma10, Central de Pasajes or Taqsa for bus details.

1 Terminal de Omnibus de Esquel (Bus station), Av. Alvear 1801, ☏ +54 294 545 1584. Modern, clean bus terminal served by several bus companies with buses going throughout the Patagonia region and beyond. (updated Mar 2025)

See

1 Nant y Fall (about 15 km south of Trevelin near Esquel). Summer: 08:00-20:00. Winter: 10:00-18:00.. A picturesque waterfall consisting of three cascades. The best time to visit with a lot of water: November & December. Price before was AR$80 for foreigners, but in Feb 2018 for free—with each year depending on the national park decision. (updated Mar 2018)

Do

Skiing is popular between June and September. The nearby La Hoya ski resort is close to Esquel. 1 La Trochita. This is the historic and quite touristy narrow gauge train travelling between Esquel and El Maitén. AR$800/900 for foreigners depending on the direction. (updated Mar 2018)

Sleep

1 Las Bayas Hotel, Av. Alvear 985, ☏ +54 294 546 7954. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 11:00. Comfortable central hotel with spacious, well-equipped rooms and modern bathrooms. Room rates include a complete breakfast in the morning. AR$120,000 (US$115). (updated Apr 2025) 2 Sol del Sur, 9 de Julio 1086, ☏ +54 294 545 2189. Check-in: 12:30, check-out: 10:00. Traditional downtown hotel that shows some age but rooms are spacious and comfortable and linens of good quality. On-site restaurant is open throughout the day. AR$85,000 (US$80). (updated Apr 2025) 3 Hosteria El Coiron, Av. Ameghino 1883, ☏ +54 929 455 96708. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. Comfortable downtown inn, close to shops and restaurants. Spacious, clean rooms have air conditioning. On-site restaurant serves an included breakfast of coffee and pastries. Covered off-street parking available behind the hotel. AR$100,000. (updated Apr 2025)

Go next

Go to Futaleufu, in Chile, for some great rafting. Los Alerces National Park