Esquel & Trevelin, Argentina
For guests wanting to explore both Chile & Argentina spend a day away from Fundo Encantado in the nearby towns of Esquel and Trevelin. Because of the rain shadow effect of the Andes Mountains the climates of these two towns are markedly different than Futaleufú. Esquel is located in the famous pampas region of Argentina and has a much drier climate reminding visitors of the western United States. This excursion makes for a great day trip option for those who want shop in stores with a greater selection than can be found in Futaleufú or dine on a famous Argentine steak in one of the local restaurants. Both Esquel and Trevelin were founded by Welsh settlers around the year 1865 and are famous for harboring Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid when they were fugitives from American justice.
Esquel
Esquel is the bigger of the two towns (pop. 28,000) and about 25 km (15 mi) more distant from Futaleufú than Trevelin. It hosts a modern jet port with flights to Buenos Aires many days of the week. Above the city lies the ski resort of “La Hoya” famous in South America for its consistently dry powder conditions. Another important tourist attraction is Esquel’s narrow-gauge railroad, known as “La Trochita” locally and in English as “The Old Patagonian Express”, after the novel by Paul Theroux. It is said to be the only narrow-gauge long-distance train in operation and the southernmost railway in the world. More info on the railway here: La Trochita
Trevelin
Trevelin is tourist oriented town 49 km (30 mi) distant from Futaleufu with a smaller population (pop. 8000) than Esquel. It was named Trevelin (after the Welsh word “Trefelin”, which means “mill town” ) because the first flour mill, known as “Los Andes”, was established there in 1891. A replica of the original Los Andes Flour Mill can be found today at the Nant Fach Mill Museum.
Trevelin also serves as the southern gateway to Los Alerces National Park. The park is considered to be one of the most beautiful in all of Argentina and was dedicated in 1937 with the goal of providing a sanctuary for Alerce trees, one of the most emblematic and endangered species of the Andean-Patagonian forests. Because of the rain shadow effect of the Andes Mountains the park is home to many different ecosystems, from Valdivian Temperate Rainforests in the west to the Patagonia Steppe in the east. More information here: Los Alerces National Park
Chile Vacation Rental: Luxury Vacation Rental in Chilean Patagonia at Fundo Encantado, located just outside the picturesque village of Futaleufú. For families or groups desiring a more private and exclusive experience than the typical hotel or Futaleufu lodge can offer. © Fundo Encantado 2018.