La Trochita Patagonia Train Tour

6 Days / 5 Nights

The Patagonia Express Train Tour - Tour Extension

Ride the "Old Patagonia Express" narrow-gauge railways aboard the La Trochita train through two of the most beautiful national parks in Patagonia. The Nahuel Huapi National Park is the first stop, and Los Alerces National Park comes further down the line. Follow Butch Cassidy's footsteps and hiding places in these beautiful prairies and forests.

Note: This is a tour extension, combine this tour with one of our full package tours.

Arrive in Bariloche & Small Circuit

Day 1

Today, arrive in one of the Lake District’s most popular destinations, the beautiful Bariloche. Greet your guide at the Bariloche airport and transfer to your hotel. Then step out and discover the breathtaking landscape of the region on a half-day tour. Start on the shores of the stunning Nahuel Huapi Lake, meaning “Tigre Island” in the local Mapuche language, and venture westward through the Llao Llao area. Visit the San Eduardo Chapel and explore the Llao Llao Municipal Park, rambling along the myriad of signposted walking paths before stopping by the Tacul Village. Next, ascend to an outlook to appreciate a view that stretches as far as the eye can see, encompassing the Moreno Lake and Llao Llao region below.

Afterward, drive along Bustillo Avenue and reach Campanario Hill to board a chairlift to the summit. From the peak, experience the truly awe-inspiring beauty of Patagonia. Absorb the sight of its captivating lakes and undulating hills, and breathe in the fresh mountain air. Later on, descend slowly and return to your hotel in Bariloche in the evening.

Seven Lakes Route

Day 2

This morning, set out on a full-day Seven Lakes route. Pass by the smooth, clear blue lakes of Machonico, Escondido, Correntoso, Espejo, Lacar, Falkner and Villarino. Drive along the famous Route 231 which connects the towns of Bariloche, Villa La Angostura and San Martín de los Andes and discover the serene, natural landscapes of Argentina's Lake District. During the tour, pause at various outlooks that offer unique, postcard-perfect views. Transfer back to your hotel in the late afternoon.

Bariloche to Esquel

Day 3

Marvel at the captivating scenery of San Carlos de Bariloche during the morning before transferring to Esquel, located 285km to the south. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day roaming the city or resting in your room.

La Trochita Train

Day 4

Embark on a train adventure today, and board the Patagonian Express known as La Trochita, one of the few narrow gauge steam trains in the world. Gaze out the window to appreciate an uninterrupted natural landscape of mountains, lakes, forests and rivers. Perhaps spot sheep, guanacos and local ñandus in the hillsides. The locomotive journey ends in Esquel, where you will meet your guide and transfer from the train station to your hotel.

Note: La Trochita does not operate every day, so please check the schedule with your SouthAmerica.travel advisor.

Los Alerces National Park & Depart from Esquel

Days 5-6

Explore the Los Alerces National Park on a full-day excursion. Encounter Futalaufquen Lake, Arrayanes River and Verde Lake. Walk along the banks of the Menéndez River and arrive at Chucao Pier in Menéndez Lake. Then, visit the ancient and majestic Millenary Larch Wood, home to a forest of trees more than 3,000 years old. Stare in awe at these astounding larches that grow up to 60m high and almost 3m in diameter. Next, visit other highlights of the park including the giant coihue trees, the expansive lakes, waterfalls, the Cisne River and the icy, impressive Torrecillas Glacier. Return to Esquel and spend the night.

On your final day of the La Trochita Patagonia Train Tour, transfer to the airport to board a flight from Esquel to your next destination in Argentina or continue your adventure throughout the rest of South America.