Car Rental at Esquel Airport (EQS)

Esquel Airport (EQS) is a small regional airport serving northern Patagonia with one rental company on-site. The airport is located about 5 km east of Esquel center and is your gateway to Los Alerces National Park and the wilderness of the Andes. Rent a car upon arrival and drive out into Patagonia's pristine nature.

EQS airport is located on the steppe east of Esquel and is quickly accessed via Route 259. It takes about 10 minutes to reach Esquel center. Los Alerces National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is about 40 km west of the airport – approximately 45 minutes' drive.

With only one rental company at EQS, advance booking is absolutely necessary – alternatively, you can pick up a car in Esquel center if the airport rental company is fully booked. Flights to EQS are primarily served from Buenos Aires Aeroparque – check that your arrival time aligns with the rental company's opening hours. Have cash available as card terminals can be unreliable in remote parts of Patagonia.

How do I get from EQS airport to Esquel center? Esquel center is about 5 km west of the airport via Route 259, approximately 10 minutes' drive. A rental car makes for a quick and easy transfer.

Can I return the car in another town, such as Bariloche? This depends on the individual rental company at EQS. Contact them directly to ask about one-way rentals, as availability is limited with only one operator.

What type of car is best suited for exploring around Esquel? An SUV or pickup with high ground clearance is recommended, especially if you plan to drive into Los Alerces National Park or north along Route 40 toward Bariloche.

We compare prices from all major providers at Esquel Airport so you can see the total cost upfront - including insurance, fuel terms and any extras. Most bookings include free cancellation up to 48 hours before pickup, giving you flexibility if your plans change.