Esquel, in the northwest of Chubut Province in Argentina, is a town of a bit less than 30,000 residents. Its recent growth has come about as a result of immigration from Buenos Aires as well as other provinces, and it is currently the second most populous district in Patagonia, second only to Bariloche. This town was populated by Welsh immigrants beginning in 1865, although the town was officially created in 1906 with its incorporation to Colonia 16 de Octubre which is 15 miles (25 km) to the south, which is known as Trevelin.
The town is located in a fertile valley surrounded by forests and several mountains, including Nahuel Pan, La Zeta, La Cruz, Cerro 21, and La Hoya. The region also has several glacial lakes nearby, including La Zeta Lake.
In recent years, La Hoya (The Hole) has become a popular ski and snowboard resort. It located 8 miles (13 km) from Esquel and is recognized for the quality and quantity of its snowfall, which lasts well into the spring season. This long-lasting snow comes as a result of the area’s topography, which as indicated by its name, is bowl-shaped, and the snows on the hills facing away from the sun do not melt. The resort has 24 tracks, a maximum elevation of 9892 feet (3015 meters), 11 lifts, a total skiable area of 9 miles (14 km).
Los Alerces National Park is 31 miles (50 km) northwest of Esquel and includes Arrayanes River and three lakes: Futalaufquen, Green, and Menendez. The park is a reserve for the Fitzroya tree, locally known as the alerce. It is one of the largest tree species in South America, growing to between 131-196 feet (40-60 meters), and it is also one of the longest living. The oldest living specimen (located in Chile, not Argentina) has been found to be 3,642 years old. Intensive logging in the early 20th century, resulted in the near extinction of the tree. Logging is currently banned.
