Esquel: A City with Deep Welsh Connections in Patagonia

Nestled in the Andean foothills of northwest Chubut, Esquel is a city that has long served as a center for Welsh-Patagonian life. While it is best known today for La Trochita (The Old Patagonian Express), its ski resort La Hoya, and as a gateway to Los Alerces National Park, it also holds a strong historical and cultural connection to the Welsh settlers of Y Wladfa.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as Welsh settlers expanded beyond the Chubut Valley, many families moved westward into the Cwm Hyfryd (Pleasant Valley) region, establishing communities in and around Trevelin and Esquel. The town became an important economic and social hub for Welsh-Patagonian farmers, traders, and craftsmen. Welsh chapels were built in the area, some of which still stand today as a testament to the settlers’ enduring faith and traditions. Many of the descendants of these original settlers continue to live in Esquel and the surrounding areas, preserving their language, customs, and strong sense of identity.

Esquel hosts Welsh-related events throughout the year, reflecting the continued presence and influence of Welsh culture in the region. The city also serves as an access point for those visiting the Valley of the 16th of October (Cwm Hyfryd), one of the most significant Welsh settlements in Patagonia, and Trevelin, where Welsh traditions remain deeply rooted.

Beyond its Welsh heritage, Esquel is a vibrant city with a mix of cultures. It provides essential services and infrastructure for the wider region, including Welsh-speaking communities, and offers a gateway to the stunning landscapes of Los Alerces National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ancient forests, crystal-clear lakes, and the towering Alerce trees, some over 2,600 years old. Visitors can also take a ride on La Trochita, the historic narrow-gauge railway that once transported goods and passengers across the region and remains an iconic symbol of Patagonian heritage.

Today, Esquel continues to be an important link between past and present, offering a glimpse into the enduring Welsh legacy in Patagonia, while also serving as a thriving modern city at the heart of this spectacular region.