Trevelin

Nestled in a typical Andean Patagonian scene, in the Province of Chubut with winds blowing mostly from the Southwest and a bountiful nature evident in the lush vegetation and creeks, Trevelin is the starting point for countless outings.

Upon entering the city through a great valley sheltered by high mountains and large sown fields, its colorful gardens and the track left by the Welsh colony on each corner of the town and the rural area catches the eye of all visitors. An example of this is the first horse-powered flour mill on display at the regional museum next to machinery, tools and clothing from colonial times.

Its name obviously derives from Welsh terms: “tre”, stands for “house” or “town”, and “velin” means “mill”. In the quietness of its streets, countless tea houses serve the typical Welsh treat with cakes, homemade bread and regional cold cuts. The local cuisine has remained in spite of the passing of time. It is advisable to try the black cake.

Besides, Trevelin is the starting point for several tourist outings around cypress and lenga woodlands, cascades and trails specially chosen by lovers of hiking. A wide range of color meets the eye: green pine-tree, cypress, ñire and monkey-puzzle tree forests; orange mutisias; yellow amancays; blue lakes, rivers and creeks.

The road leading to the Chilean border goes past the District of Los Cipreses and the Nant&Fall, three cascades on the creek bearing the same name. To reach this spot, visitors must follow some pedestrian paths teeming with native vegetation. On the way lies the museum where an old watermill from the days of the first Welsh immigrants has been reconstructed.

The proximity of Los Alerces National Park makes this location part of a circuit that includes Lakes Futalaufquen and Menéndez, lake tours to the Patagonian cypress grove and the typical Valdivian rainforest vegetation.

Cultural events are held throughout the year in Trevelin, but the most relevant is the Eisteddfod, a gathering that contemplates various ancient Welsh cultural expressions. Choir singing, solos, recitation, dancing, literature and photography are some of the activities of great artistic quality presented during this happening.

Trevelin may be reached through a paved road or by air, by flying to the airport of Esquel. Some distances to bear in mind are: Neuquén 731 kilometers, Bariloche 310 kilometers, Buenos Aires 1,880 and Temuco (in Chile) 787 kilometers.

As it lies close to the Chilean border, Río Futaleufú and Río Encuentro International Passes let travelers cross onto the neighboring country on a very attractive tour.

The denizens of Trevelin are committed to the respect for nature and welcome visitors year round. The four seasons dress the village with the different hues of its flowers and the white snow.