La Trochita El Maitén–Ingeniero Bruno Thomae

The El Maitén to Ingeniero Bruno Thomae train is a 52 km round trip on La Trochita. It takes about three hours and uses the turning triangle at Thomae before returning to El Maitén.

The railway opened to El Maitén in 1941, and the town became its main workshop. The excursion still begins beside those repair shops, where staff maintain the 1922 steam locomotives and manufacture replacement parts by hand. The complete Jacobacci to Esquel railway became a National Historic Monument in 1999.

Departure days change during the year, so check the official calendar and buy a dated ticket. A guided workshop visit normally begins one hour before the train leaves. The train also pauses at the bridge over the Chubut River, and a small bar car sells food and drinks.

The coaches and ride are those of a working narrow-gauge heritage railway. Expect basic seating, steam locomotive noise, and a slower trip than the road distance suggests.

La Trochita has a ramp-equipped coach and Braille information. Tell the El Maitén ticket office about mobility needs when purchasing so the correct coach is included.