Meraki Sur

At the heart of a glacially formed valley, where the Patagonian steppe meets the density of the Andean forest, Meraki Sur proposes a way to travel through Esquel via routes that integrate urban history with Andean geography. The offering centres on connecting visitors with the most distinctive features of the region, using local knowledge to navigate landscapes that range from dry plains to the elevations of the foothills.

The route through urban identity

The dynamic of each outing begins by exploring the memory of the city. The itinerary sets off from the centre of Esquel, moving through points that mark the origins of settlement and commerce in the area. Stops include the Reloj de Sol in Plaza San Martín, a local gathering landmark, and Escuela Nº 76, which represents one of the oldest educational pillars of the settlement. The route also takes in the first general-goods store, offering a window into the logic of early supply networks and daily life in the first communities of this valley.

Ascent into the Andean valleys

Beyond the urban fabric, the experience moves toward higher terrain. The route heads to the Centro de Actividades de Montaña La Hoya, where the landscape shifts dramatically as altitude is gained. During this ascent, the surroundings offer stops at viewpoints designed to observe the transition between the distinct mountain ranges of the Patagonian Andes. From these heights, it is possible to take in the expanse of the valleys and the presence of bodies of water such as Laguna La Zeta and Laguna Caradog, fundamental elements of the local ecosystem.

A key point along this stretch is the mirador that marks the visual gateway to the area — a place where the scale of the landscape becomes apparent and the magnitude of the Andean valleys can be fully appreciated. Movement along these short, low-difficulty trails is designed for those seeking close observation without extreme physical effort, keeping the focus on the biodiversity and geomorphology of the site.

Biodiversity and birdwatching in the urban reserve

The final stage of this route is set in the Reserva Natural Urbana Laguna La Zeta. The ascending path into this area offers a different perspective on the city, with Esquel visible from an elevated angle as visitors enter an environment of considerable biological richness. This sector is particularly relevant for observing species from the regional avifauna, taking advantage of the transition between steppe and forest habitats.

This offering suits travellers who seek professional mediation in their contact with nature, where the guide acts as an interpreter of the climatic and biological changes of the surroundings. It is an outing designed for those who value unhurried observation of Patagonian ecosystems, integrating the cultural history of Esquel with the exploration of its nearest natural reserves.