Paul Theroux's Old Patagonian Express — the narrow-gauge steam train between Esquel and El Maitén in the Chubut plateau — is a deeply romantic railway journeys still operating in the Americas. The 1922 Belgian-built steam locomotives traverse a vast, treeless steppe landscape that has barely changed since the train began running. A half-day or full-day excursion from Bariloche or Esquel that is one of Patagonia's most unusual and memorable experiences.
Why It’s Worth Your Time
La Trochita — the narrow-gauge steam train between Esquel and El Maitén in the Chubut plateau — was immortalized by Paul Theroux's 1979 book The Old Patagonian Express. The 75cm gauge line runs vintage 1922 Henschel and Baldwin steam locomotives through the Patagonian steppe. The tourist service operates shorter excursion runs from Esquel and El Maitén rather than the full historic route. The experience is the steam, the landscape, and the pace — a different century's idea of travel through some of the most solitary terrain in South America.
What Stands Out
- 1922 steam locomotives
- Narrow 75cm gauge track
- Paul Theroux's Old Patagonian Express
- Patagonian steppe landscape
- Tourist excursions from Esquel