Car Rental in Center

Esquel is a picturesque town in northern Patagonia and the gateway to Los Alerces National Park. With one rental company in the center, you can rent a car and explore the pristine Chubut Province on your own. The town's location on the eastern slope of the Andes makes it a perfect base for nature adventures.

Esquel is approximately 1,840 km southwest of Buenos Aires and about 280 km south of Bariloche via Route 40. Los Alerces National Park, with its ancient alerce trees thousands of years old, begins just 35 km west. Esquel Airport (EQS) is located about 5 km east of the center.

Route 40 heading north toward Bariloche is partly gravel road and takes 4–5 hours – choose a robust vehicle with high ground clearance. The famous narrow-gauge train La Trochita departs from Esquel, but a car gives you the freedom to explore Los Alerces thoroughly. Book in advance – a single rental company means limited availability.

How long does it take to drive to Los Alerces National Park from Esquel? The park entrance at Villa Futalaufquen is approximately 35 km west via Provincial Route 71 and can be reached in about 35–40 minutes. Is Route 40 between Esquel and Bariloche passable in a regular car?

Parts of Route 40 are gravel road and can be difficult to navigate in rainy conditions. A vehicle with high ground clearance is recommended for this 280 km stretch. Are there gas stations along the road toward Bariloche?

Gas stations are sparse along Route 40 in Patagonia. Fill up in Esquel and plan stops in Tecka (approximately 100 km north) and Cholila (approximately 170 km) if possible.

We compare prices from all major providers at Center 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.