La Trochita, also called the Viejo Expreso Patagónico, is a narrow-gauge heritage railway that opened in 1935. It runs all year from its stations in Chubut, including Esquel and El Maitén, and one in neighbouring Río Negro, but departure times change through the year and no fixed timetable is published, so confirm the day’s departure with the station before you build a day around it. At El Maitén the station has a railway museum, and the town has hosted the Fiesta Nacional del Tren a Vapor every February since 1983. At Esquel, the Paseo Ferroviario at the station stays open for a short while after the train returns, so the visit does not have to end the moment you step off.
Museum
La Trochita
A narrow-gauge heritage railway near Esquel, open since 1935, with guides in every carriage telling the line's story.
Typical visit
Ages
Booking
Under-5s
Children under 5 ride free but get no seat and must travel with an adult; one free child per adult.
Paying
Esquel station does not take cash; cash is accepted only at El Maitén station, which also takes debit and credit cards.
Check-in
Be at the station 1 hour before departure to check in.
Included
Guides in each carriage tell the history of the railway during the trip.
Food on board
The bar car serves drinks and homemade food; it is small, so stays rotate every 15 minutes.
Wheelchair access
One carriage has a ramp for wheelchair access to the train.
Railway museum
Museo Ferroviario El Maitén opens Monday to Friday 8:00-14:00, and Saturdays 10:00-18:00 when the train runs.
Pets
Small and medium pets up to 15 kg may travel, under the railway's pet conditions.
OUR FAMILY ASSESSMENT
Family Intelligence
Why kids will love it
Children ride a working narrow-gauge train while the guides in each carriage explain its history, and the youngest travel free with an adult.
EXPLORE
More things to do nearby
SLEEP
Family hotels nearby
PLAN
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