Print this trip dossier

Cookies

At Journey Latin America we use cookies to give you the best experience on our website. By continuing to browse, you accept that you are happy to receive all cookies on our website.
Find out more

Close ×

Argentine lake district: Ride the Old Patagonian Express

Ride the Old Patagonian Express

A voyage aboard the Old Patagonian Express from Esquel to El Maitén recaptures the bygone romance of rail travel. Riding the tracks of a historic narrow-gauge railway, this steam locomotive slices through typically desolate and treeless stretches of the Patagonian steppe.

Known locally as La Trochita, which translates literally as 'the Little Narrow Gauge', the train was immortalised by Paul Theroux in his book, The Old Patagonian Express.

The railway opened in 1945 to link this distant part of the country to the coast and the capital, and although there have been road improvements since, nostalgia on the part of both tourists and locals have kept the old steam trains chugging along the remote stretch of rail.

View all things to do nearby

Visit Mount Tronador

Southern lakes crossing

Forests and islands of the southern lake district

Seven lakes self-drive

Tailor-made holiday

Speak to an expert Travel Consultant or send us your enquiry today.

Our specialists have been expertly crafting award-winning tailor-made holidays to Latin America for over 37 years.
We would be delighted to create a truly personalised trip which perfectly matches your wishes and requirements.

Design my trip

03098589426

97% of our clients rated their experience with us as Excellent or Good.

Articles you may like

Browse our inspiration area of the site. It's packed with insider travel tips, Top5s, competitions, events, recipes and holiday ideas for Central and South America sure to whet your travel appetite.

Why you should go on a self-drive hol...

Marathons and running races in Latin ...

Best destinations to travel to with k...

Where to go when in Latin America: We...

More inspiration

Journey with the UK's NO1 specialist in travel to latin america

Meet Our Specialist

Lina Fuller, Travel Consultants

Lina's passion for the continent where she was born really took off when she moved to Córdoba to study, spending the holidays travelling between Argentina and her native Colombia.

We love latin america

A passion for the region runs through all we do

All our Consultants have lived or travelled extensively in Latin America

Up-to-the-minute knowledge underpinned by 35 years' experience

travel with confidence

Fully bonded and licensed

ATOL-protected

On your side when it matters

Book with confidence, knowing every penny is secure

The real latin america

Our insider knowledge helps you go beyond the guidebooks

We hand-pick hotels with character and the most rewarding excursions

Let us show you the Latin America we know and love

Feefo - Gold Trusted Service 2018

Food and Travel Magazine Readers' Awards - Tour Operator of The Year 2016

Selling Travel Agents Choice Awards - Best Tour Operator to Latin America 2016

Sunday Times Travel Magazine - Editor's Award 2013

Guardian and Observer Travel Awards - Top Ten Small Tour Operator: 2012

Sunday Times Travel Magazine Awards - Best Value Tour Operator 2011

Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Awards - Top Ten Specialist Tour Operator 2016

Wanderlust Readers' Travel Awards - Top Ten Tour Operator 2015

British Travel Awards - Best Small Tour Operator to Central and South America 2012

Latin American Travel Association - Award for Customer Service 2012

Sunday Times Travel Magazine Awards - Best Specialist Tour Operator 2011

Share this Page

Social share page will open in new window

Cookies

Argentine lake district: Ride the Old Patagonian Express