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Esquel Airport Overview
Esquel Airport (IATA: EQS, ICAO: SAVE) is a public airport serving Esquel in Chubut Province, Argentina. Located in the stunning Patagonian Andes, it’s about 12 km east of the city centre. This airport connects a charming mountain town known for its ski slopes, national parks, and Welsh heritage to the rest of Argentina. It handles small private planes and seasonal passenger flights, supporting tourism and local activities.
General Information
Serves: Esquel, Chubut Province, Argentina
Country: Argentina
ICAO: SAVE
IATA: EQS
Elevation: 2,621 feet (799 meters)
Coordinates: 42°54′28″S 71°08′22″W
Airport Type: Public (small planes and seasonal passenger flights)
Domestic/International: Domestic (no international services)
Timezone: UTC-3 (Argentina Time, no daylight savings)
Distance from City: ~12 km east of Esquel city centre (15–20 min by car)
Official Airport Website: None (check www.aa2000.com.ar or www.anac.gov.ar for general info)
Ground Handling Website: None (handled by Aeropuertos Argentina 2000 or Aeroclub Esquel; see contact below)
Operational Details
Runways: 1
Longest Runway: 2,400 x 45 meters (7,874 x 148 feet), asphalt
PCN: Not listed (good for small to medium planes, like ATR-72; check with airport)
Fire Category: CAT 5–6 (firefighting for small airports with seasonal flights)
Tower Frequency: 118.2 MHz (check with airport)
Ground Frequency: 121.9 MHz (check with the airport)
Navaid: Yes (Esquel VOR/DME, Ident: EQS, on-site)
AOE (Airport of Entry): No
Type of Aircraft Handled: Small to medium planes (like Cessna, Piper, ATR-72)
Terminal Capacity: Small passenger terminal (handles seasonal flights)
Cargo Capacity: Tiny (only tiny packages for private flights)
Fuel Types: Avgas, Jet A-1 (check availability with the airport)
FBO: None available
Equipment Available: Basic ground handling tools (like tie-downs and baggage carts; ask for details)
Ground Handler Information: Operations managed by Aeropuertos Argentina 2000 for passenger flights and Aeroclub Esquel for small planes, handling parking, refuelling, and basic services. Call Aeroclub Esquel at +54 2945 421 234 (not confirmed; general contact for Esquel aviation) or Aeropuertos Argentina 2000 at +54 11 3987 4150 (general line). External ground handlers may be available for special operations.
Operational Information
Permit Approval Lead Time: 2 days
PPR: Required for non-scheduled flights (contact airport)
Slots: Not needed
Alternate Airports:
- SAEZ (Buenos Aires, ~1,400 km)
- SAAR (Rosario, ~1,500 km)
- SARI (Iguazú, ~2,300 km)
- Recommended: SAZS (Bariloche, ~250 km), SAVC (Comodoro Rivadavia, ~600 km)
Contact Numbers
Police: +54 2945 422 111 (Esquel Police)
Fire: +54 2945 421 100 (Esquel Fire Department)
Customs: Not available
Airport Authority/Ground Handler: +54 2945 421 234 (Aeroclub Esquel, not confirmed); +54 11 3987 4150 (Aeropuertos Argentina 2000, general line)
Tourist Information
Immigration Rules: Bring a valid passport; some countries need a visa (USA, EU, Canada don’t for 90 days)
Crew Requirements: Wear a uniform, bring passport, visa (if needed), and flight paperwork
Ground Transport: Car rentals available, some buses, taxis without meters (ride to City: 1,500–3,000 ARS, agree on price first)
Accommodation:
- Hotel Tehuelche (nice, central)
- Hotel Sol del Sur (comfy, medium price)
- Hostal La Chacra (cheap)
- Currency: Argentine Peso (ARS)
Tourist Attractions Near Esquel Airport
Esquel, a cosy mountain town 12 km from the airport, is full of Patagonian beauty. Known for its snowy peaks, Los Alerces National Park, and Welsh roots, it’s an excellent spot for outdoor adventures and history. You can reach fun places within 12–50 km by car or taxi in 15–60 minutes.
Los Alerces National Park
It is a stunning park 50 km away with turquoise lakes, ancient alpine trees, and hiking trails. Boat tours on Lago Menéndez show off its wild beauty.
Distance: ~50 km (50–60 min by car).
Why Visit: It is super exciting for hiking, boating, and seeing epic nature.
La Hoya Ski Resort
A snowy ski spot 20 km away with slopes for all levels, perfect for skiing or snowboarding in winter (June–August). It has excellent mountain views.
Distance: ~20 km (20–30 min by car).
Why Visit: Awesome for winter sports and fun in the snow.
Museo Regional de Esquel
A cool museum is 12 km away in an old train station. It has neat exhibits showing Welsh settler history, Indigenous artefacts, and Patagonian life.
Distance: ~12 km (15–20 min by car).
Why Visit: Fun to learn about Esquel’s unique Welsh and native past.
Plaza San Martín
The town’s main square, 12 km away, is charming with trees, a fountain, and people relaxing. It’s great for grabbing a snack at nearby cafes.
Distance: ~12 km (15–20 min by car).
Why Visit: A nice spot to feel Esquel’s cosy vibe and history.
La Trochita (Old Patagonian Express)
A historic steam train 15 km away that chugs through the Andes with epic views. Short rides let you experience Patagonia’s railway past.
Distance: ~15 km (20–25 min by car).
Why Visit: It is super cool for a fun train ride and incredible scenery.
Additional Notes
Connectivity: It’s 1,400 km from Buenos Aires (18–20 hr by car or bus on Ruta Nacional 40). SAZS (Bariloche, 250 km) is the closest airport with more flights.
Accessibility: Town spots are 12–15 km away (taxi: 1,500–3,000 ARS); farther places need a car or tour. Buses go to Bariloche (250 km) or Comodoro Rivadavia (600 km).
Seasonal Highlights: Winter (Jun–Aug) is best for skiing, summer (Dec–Feb) for hiking and lakes, and spring (Sep–Nov) for mild weather.
Practical Tips: Bring ARS cash; book a place to stay (like Hotel Tehuelche) for ski season; try Patagonian lamb at Restaurante El Viejo Molino. Call Aeroclub Esquel (+54 2945 421 234) or Aeropuertos Argentina 2000 (+54 11 3987 4150) for plane help.
