and industrial heritage. The magnificent Los Alerces National Park lies just 40km away to the west of Esquel. The massive native Alerce trees, after which the park is named, are often compared to the giant sequoias of California. Some specimens up to 4.000 years old have been found. In the accessible eastern side of the park is a chain of lakes and rivers and you will also have the opportunity to spy the elusive Huemul deer.
Steam train La Trochita, also known as the Old Patagonian Express is absolutely unique. La Trochita came into operation in 1945, 23 years after construction of the 75 cm- wide track began to take wool from the estancias to the markets. Nowadays, over 50 years old this small giant weighing 41 tons continues traveling between Esquel and El Maitén.