Esquel: Los Alerces NP

Esquel: Los Alerces National Park

4 Days / 3 Nights

TBK0215

wHAT’S INCLUDED • Needed transfers • Accommodation: 3 nights • Tour: Los Alerces National Park • Meals: 3 breakfasts • Needed ticket to the National Park

Day 1 Arrival at Esquel, reception and accommodation. In case you arrive from Bariloche, we suggest leaving early to arrive at noon to Esquel in order to enjoy La Trochita Train, an icon from Patagonia. Due to its value, this steam train was declared National Historic Monument. Day 2 B Today we visit Los Alerces National Park, recently declared Natural Heritage Site by the UNESCO and created for the protection of larches, one of the oldest trees in the continent, which used to be in danger of extinction. The tour includes the visit to Villa Futalaufquen and its lake, Limonao port, Irigoyen waterfall and the walkways of Arrayanes River where we take a short walk to see a young larch of 300 years old, appreciate Verde Lake and finally get to Chucao Port by the shore of Lake Menendez. From this point, the boat trips to a millennial larch departs. In the afternoon, we return to Esquel. Day 3 B Free day to take an optional excursion. If you like

Millenary Larch Tree, Los Alerces N.P., Chubut

adventure, we recommend taking the tour to Piedra Parada, an amazing place to discover. Day 4 B Free morning and at due time, transfer to the Esquel airport to board your scheduled flight. to keep in mind: La Trochita operates on Saturdays mornings but depending on the demand, an additional departure in the afternoon is offered. Ask for schedule.

ESqUEL OPTIONAL TOURS

Old Patagonian Express, Esquel, Chubut

The Standing Stone, Chubut (PH Lisandro Crespo-MINTUR)

Tour to the Torrecillas Glacier, Los Alerces N.P., Chubut (PH MINTUR)

La Trochita

The Old Patagonian Express, known as “La Trochita”, is one of the best-preserved historical trains in the world and due to its importance, this relic of 75 cm (29 inches) of gauge was declared a National Historic Landmark. The route is carried out for 18 km (22 miles) of the original one until reaching the Nahuel Pan station where a Mapuche community lives. There is a museum and stands where they sell typical crafts of the area. while the train makes maneuvers to return to Esquel, passengers visit the community. operates: on Saturdays Duration: 3 hours

to keep in mind: Train Calendar may change, please check.

Piedra Parada (The Standing Stone)

In the middle of the steppe, this stone of volcanic origin rises. The place was the caldera of an ancient volcano, whose chimney solidified and gave rise to very peculiar geoforms. After travelling 140 km (86 miles), we enter the steppe towards the Valley of Chubut River where Piedra Parada is located. we cross the river to the entrance of De La Buitrera Canyon, a fault in the rock, and walk through its interior discovering strange shapes. After lunch, we go on a hike of medium-high difficulty to contemplate a small petrified forest. operates: daily Duration: 8 hours Meals: box lunch Difficulty: intermediate

Torrecillas Glacier

we leave from Esquel towards Lake Verde area in Los Alerces N.P. There we begin a 30-minute walk to Chucao Port, where we embark on a 40-minute boat trip to Nuevo Port, to start a moderate climb to Del Antiguo Lagoon, located at the foot of the Torrecillas Glacier. There, we have the chance to see the basins where snow began to accumulate and glacial ice formed in the last ice age. Return and lunch. Season: DEC-MAR operates: daily Duration: 5/6 hours Meals: box lunch Difficulty: medium Distance: 6 km (4 miles) Slope: 250 meters (820 ft.)

Rafting Corcovado River

we depart from Esquel towards Corcovado. The staff provides us the appropriate safety equipment (neoprene, helmet, dry jacket, life jacket). we have a technical safety talk and then start rafting. This river offers different 2-hours circuits to paddle on class II and class III rapids. Feel the adrenaline rush!

Season: NoV-MAR operates: daily Lunch: box lunch Duration: 7 hours (2/3 hours paddling) Difficulty: low Distance: 15 km

to keep in mind: • you must be older tan 12 years old • Bring spare shoes, swimsuit and towel