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A tour on the La Trochita
A piece of history and of Argentine folklore, the viejo expreso patagonico, nicknamed La Trochita by the locals, can be rightly considered both a living and moving museum. The antique toy steam train – distinguished by its extremely narrow gauge, a mere 75 centimeters – still runs between the towns of Esquel and El Maiten using its 1922 locomotive, wooden seats and a suggestive atmosphere that has bewitched countless visitors. Historically its presence was more functional in the development of the region up until the 1970’s but its historical-tourist interest has partly arrested its later decline. Also contribute towards this has been the interest shown by authors such as Paul Theroux who in 1978 published an account of his travels in Patagonia from Boston to Esquel (where he arrived on the Trochita): The Old Patagonian Express.
“On every trip, locals crowd the rickety wooden benches, drinking yerba mate, the hot Argentine drink, and huddling around the tiny wood-burning stoves in each car as the Trochita jolts on the 14-hour trip south to Esquel. About the only hope is that investors will be persuaded that the Trochita has historical and tourist value. According to Ingeniero Jacobacci's Mayor, Edgardo Bujaryisqui, this is one of the most unique train rides in the world in one of the most unique places in the world. People are always awed by Patagonia”
(From “For the Patagonian Express Fate”, an article by Nathaniel Nas for the New York Times - 1992)
Info
For information about the Trochita and train times click here.
Link
Pour plus d’informations concernant La Trochita et les horaires cliquez ici
(19/10/2005)
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