The quiet Patagonian town of Esquel, where there are plenty of late-19th-century buildings, old pick-up trucks, farmers and, of course, gauchos, is flanked by the Cordillera de los Andes to the west and arid steppe to the east. Esquel is also close to the wonders of Parque Nacional Los Alerces and less than 20 km from La Hoya, a well-established ski resort. During the summer months it is an excellent base from which to trek or mountain bike in the beautiful surroundings. From here too you can board the Old Patagonian Express (La Trochita) which pulls away from Esquel’s lovely old station on a journey across the wilds of northern Chubut province.