___Trevelin
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Trevelin means 'Town of
the mill' in Welsh (Tre-town and Velin-mill). 
This
name is only partially describes this small town, which hosts the first flour
mill constructed in the region.
Its origins date from the
period of Welsh immigration to the Province of the Chubut, which began in 1865
when the ship "Mimosa" arrived at the nearby coast, where Puerto Madryn
currently stands, with approximately 150 colonists. Many were fleeing from the
poverty and oppression in their homeland, others were aspiring to a freedom
of worship 
and
the possibility of educating their children in the Welsh language, then prohibited
in Great Britain.
Although they suffered
intense hardships during their first years in the area, they nevertheless managed
to establish several communities. By 1912, several settlements were founded,
including Rawson, Trelew, Gaiman, Dolavon, Trevelin and Esquel. Trevelin was
founded in 1885 when a group of men, "Los Rifleros", commanded by
Colonel Luis Fontana, came to this valley, which they called Valle Hermoso (Beautiful
Valley, or Cwm Hyfryd, in Welsh) - probably inspired by the incredible environment.
Later the name changed to "Valle 16 de October" (October 16th Valley)
in adherence to the National Territories Law sanction.
One of the most interesting
characteristics of this colonization was the merger that took place between
the Welsh immigrants and the native inhabitants of the area, the Tehuelches
and Mapuches, who helped them survive the hard Patagonian conditions.
It is possible to re-live
this interesting story in the Historical Regional Museum located in the old
mill that gave the name to the city. You'll find there a great variety of objects
used by the colonists as well as others tools belonging to the native inhabitants.
A simple walk through town
will allow you to discover the Welsh architecture, which can be seen in houses
dating back from the beginning of the 20th century. The "Salón Central"
(Central meeting room), located opposite the Colonel Fontana Square and the
Bethel Welsh Chapel are other examples of this style.
In the "Cartref Taid"
Museum, it is possible to hear the story of the pioneer John Daniel Evans, and
his horse Malacara, an exciting tale that brings us again to the colonization
era.
However, if your hope if
more to get closer to nature and the adventure, Trevelin is the ideal place
to do just that, as you'll find endless paths in or out of the Los Alerces National
Park.
More than 123.000 hectares
of forests, prairies, lakes, mountains, rivers, waterfalls and natural reserves
provide infinite options for trekking, horse backriding, mountain biking, rafting,
kayaking, photographic safaris, 4x4 tours, and birds watching.
For fly casting and spinning
fans, Trevelin has excellent fishing places, recognized worldwide, available
for your enjoyment (check our Fishing Package!)
Within 30 km of Trevelin, you'll find the Los Alerces (the Larches) National
Park, the Frontier Pass to Chile, the Mapuche Reserve of Lago Rosario and Sierra
Colorada, among other circuits.
For travelers in the winter
season (July to October) and fans of skying and/or snowboarding, there is also
the Cerro La Hoya ski resort and sports center, located only 22 km from Esquel,
which is sure to keep you entertained.
Trevelin offers a wide
range of restaurants where you can enjoy different kinds of foods: smoked, "asado"-style
(barbecued)-, pasta and pizza- as well as snack bars, pubs and tea houses.
Among the typical meals
of the area is the renowned Patagonian Lamb which can be tasted in elaborated
recipes or just barbequed. There are other typical meats such as trout, hare,
deer or wild boar which are usually available in Trevelin's restaurants where
chefs develop interesting and irresistible combinations and sauces. The smoked
foods deserve a special mention: trout, pig, deer, fungi, cheeses, etc. are
homemade and delicious in combination with some locally brewed draft beer.
The Welsh Tea is a gastronomic
tradition in Trevelin. There are several traditional Tea houses where it is
possible to enjoy the typical Black Cake as well as other delicacies, the recipes
of which are passed down from generation to generation. The weather in the area
is ideal for fruits like cherries, raspberries, strawberries, morello cherries,
redcurrants, and other natives as the corinto and calafate. They are usually
part of local cakes, jellies and jams that are hard to resist. The regional
jams, jellies and homemade butter are part of the breakfasts and teatime snacks
that come together with the rural scenery.
Trevelin's
Official Site
Trevelin
La Hoya Ski Centre
Casaverde, Los Alerces s/n, (9203) Trevelin,
Chubut, Argentina
tel/fax: 54.02945.480091 email: casaverdehostel@infovia.com.ar