On this day trip to Cholila from Esquel, you'll discover a site of Patagonian landscapes, Indigenous history, cowboy legends, and traditional flavors. You'll love it!
Day Trip Details
At the designated time, we'll pick you up at your hotel in Esquel. A few minutes later, along the way, we'll pass the area where the Andean forests give way to the Patagonian Steppe or Patagonian Desert. It'll be like crossing a natural doorway!
Along the way, you'll see the Cordón de la Hoya, with its snowy peaks even in summer. As we advance, we'll pass the former railway of La Trochita train, a legendary railroad that will transport you back to the first settlers and travelers.
After driving for about 90 km (55 mi) along the Ruta Nacional 40 highway, we'll reach the Museo Leleque, located in the middle of the desert. Here, for 1.5 hours, you'll be able to explore its rooms at your own pace, where you'll discover the origins of the Tehuelche people and the encounter between the Mapuche people and the first Europeans. You'll also visit "El Boliche," a historic bar where you can enjoy a drink.
Hungry? If the weather is good, we'll stop at a strategic point outdoors so you can enjoy a picnic-style lunch, including pizza, pinchos, cured meats, and cakes served with wine, juice, and water. If the weather isn't ideal, we'll eat on the museum grounds.
After lunch, we'll continue our journey and cross the heart of the Valley of Cholila, a corner of serene beauty surrounded by mountains and lakes. We'll then reach the cabin of Butsch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. According to legend, these famous North American cowboys lived here, hiding from justice at the beginning of the 20th century. We'll stroll along the same paths they did, among apple trees and groves that still preserve stories.
Then, we'll stop at the emblematic museum and bar La Legal. Here, in a room filled with ancient objects, we'll sit to enjoy a snack featuring tea or coffee, a savory snack, and a sweet snack. Each corner of this site will be a window to the past of Cholila.
Finally, we'll begin our journey back to Esquel, where we'll drop you off at your hotel after a total of 10 hours.