This picturesque city features important attractions and tourist services. With a population of almost 40,000, Esquel is the largest Andean city on the northwest of the province of Chubut. It is internationally recognized for its terminal station which houses the only working steam train in the planet, the historical and world famous "La Trochita". During the journey, which joins Esquel with El Maitén, you can enjoy the landscape's extraordinary beauty while traveling the region of Los Alerces. Visitors won't take long to discover and enjoy the charms of this excursion. In this environment, you'll be able to do mountain activities, such as hiking, rafting, horseback riding, trekking and tours around the lakes. The Rivers welcome fishermen that are looking for an encounter with the peace of nature. Every winter, La Hoya Ski Center attracts lovers of winter sports with 24 trails, 163 acres (66 ha) of skiable ground and 10 lifts. The center is the southernmost one in the Seven Lakes Crossing. Another one of the attractions is Los Alerces National Park —22 miles (35 km) from the town—, which is a vast protected area, regarded as one of the most beautiful parks in Argentina. It borders Lake Futalaufquen, River Arrayanes and Lakes Verde and Menéndez. Surrounded by unparalleled landscapes, this calm and tidy city welcomes tourists from all corners of the world, who find there a never-ending source of invigorating sensations.