The first expeditions to the area date from 1670, when religious groups, mostly Jesuits, came from the Pacific Ocean through the Andes range.
Only in 1778 colonizers make their appearance, when by an order of Viceroy Vértiz, Juan de la Piedra and Francisco Biedma are sent to build forts and colonies.
By assignment of the British Immigration Society, L. Jones Parry and Luis Jones are sent to explore the southern territory, and in 1865 the Mimosa brought to Golfo Nuevo the first Welsh colonists who settled in the inferior valley of river Chubut, and in 1891, the first families of these people settled in the valley called 16 de Octubre, in the middle of the cordillera.
Among the primitive owners of the land we can mention three main aboriginal groups: AONIK KENK, GUNUNA KUNE, and ARAUCANIAN.
Among the best known groups rooted in the proximities of Esquel, we will mention Tehuelches, Chulilaken, and Mapuches, ancestors of some of the present settlers of the region.
Esquel originated in the measuring of Colonia 16 de Octubre, its foundation date being 25 February 1906, when the first telegraphic service started being operated by Mr. Medardo Morelli.
There is no doubt that Patagonia is one of the most beautiful sites on the planet. Standing at the end of the world, it features all kinds of stories, adventures, tours and tourist activities. Whoever wishes to get to know this place just needs to click on one of the videos we present here. These images will certainly catch the eye of many.
Regionas Museums
Visiting the Patagonian museums is a way of having a close link with the life, the customs and the natural environment of its communities.
Paleontology, archeology and history are some of the disciplines developed in these sections dedicated to witnessing the culture of the region.