Tips for taking a trip to see the Tulipanes in the town of Trevelin
Solo travel
Visited 1 Nov - 3 Nov 2023
This is one of those trips where you have to plan - timing is everything! Unless you happen to be in Argentina in October and have time free!
The tulips are only in bloom in Trevelin from early October through early November as that is spring in the southern hemisphere.
Never heard of Trevelin?
Didn’t know that Argentina has its own gem of a tulip field and experience?
I didn’t either until last year when I stumbled on an instagram post of an Argentinian I follow (yet never met) amid this fabulous field of tulips.
IN ARGENTINA none-the-less!
Going to Holland to see the tulips is a bucket-list trip! Yet with no trip on the horizon…I decided to take advantage of this wonder in my Argentinian backyard.
Now, since I haven’t been to Holland, I can’t comment on comparison. However, I was thoroughly impressed and glad my impulsivity paid off.
And it definitely dazzled and delighted. Quite a spectacle to see this vast field of tulips, in nicely plotted rows, by varietal. Nestled at the base of the Andes mountain, tucked away in a field, if there wasn’t a gigantic sign (of which I did not snap a photo), one may never know this precious place exists. Truly. Even as I made my way through the fields of fragrant yellow flowers that surround the tulip section, the magnitude of flowers is hard to comprehend.
What struck me as interesting is that Trevlin and the tulipanes are not on a lot of people’s radar - well at least my circles. As no one, my friends in Buenos Aires especially, knew anything about this special place! Which - obviously posed for a unique venture then, as I love a bit of off-the beaten-path and experiences not on everyone’s radar.
I debated, but last minute, pulled the trigger and was on a plane to Esquel, a tiny town and airport. Esquel is in the Chubut province nestled in the foothills of the Andes mountains. Somewhere between Bariloche and towns in northern Patagonia and El Calafate in southern Patagonia, the region is rural yet these little gems I visited definitely created for a unique experience.
Timing:
Check here for the official annual schedule including dates, hours, and admission price. It is typically 4-5 weeks; early October though early November.
I went at the end of the season last year (2023), on the 2nd of November; according to the schedule, it was only to be open until 5th of November, so I got in just in time. Overall, the fields were still very much in bloom. Though a few flowers were done, you had to look closely.
I am an amateur photographer so I won’t comment on ‘the best lighting’ times. I was told to go closer to sunset and when they close (19 hs/ 7pm); but I was at the mercy of a driver.
I spent a few hours late afternoon wandering around the rows upon rows of tulips, which are nestled in the middle of a spacious field at the bottom of the Andes. Picturesque indeed. Peaceful as well. I was fortunate as there were not a ton of tourists milling around and while snapping photos is part of the fun in visiting, taking it all in - the bold assortment of colors, the sheer volume of flowers in perfect rows, set at the base of the snow capped Andes mountain is a feast for the eyes. The air, crisp and clean, carried the captivating scent of the yellow flowers which surround (and for the life of me, I can’t accurately identify at the moment). And as there weren’t many people, the silence and stillness enhanced even further this magical sight.
History & Fun Facts:
According to sources cited below, tulips have been cultivated in Trevelin since 1997 by a Welsh family on the plantation called Tulipanes Patagonia.
Counts currently are upwards of 3 million bulbs per season with approximately 30 different varietals and colors, in shares of reds, yellows, whites, fuchsias, violets, roses among twenty other colours.
Bulbs are planted in early May, and in October they bloom. They are at their prime mid October, which aligns with the celebration of Mother's Day. (source 1 and source 2)
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I was fortunate to visit while not many people were there. Likely many went first thing in the morning or at sunset.
I captured some amazing photos without people in them, and was able to enjoy the time leisurely. You could spend several hours or less; definitely don’t need an entire day (imo).
These are the vibrant yellow flowers which grew wild and surrounded the tulips. After walking the perimeter of the tulips, I stopped and sat amid these beauties, allowing my senses to be stimulated and and also soothe my nervous system. Nothing like natural grounding, connecting with the earth, taking a few breaths of fresh mountain air and fragrant flowers, while connecting with gratitude for experiencing this amazing corner of the world.
WEATHER
October/early November are spring in South America, and given the proximity to the mountains, layers are a must, even during the day. When the sun is out, it’s warm, but the air still has a chill. Nights are cold, so definitely be prepared with hats, scarves, sweaters, etc. Depending on when you visit as well, it could rain or snow… and grounds could be muddy.
GETTING AROUND:
~ While I am an intrepid traveler in some regards, I know my limits and don’t enjoy driving. So I hired cars for all transfers and to explore; the hotel helped to arrange.
~ There are buses that run at times; but based on my limited timing and interests, it didn’t work.
~ Drive - if you’re comfortable. It is a lot of rural roads and some main roads.
DO:
~ Obviously the tulips are the main draw. For the most recent information as to admission cost and related information check here.
La Reserva de Nant y Fall
ALSO DO AND SEE
La Reserva de Nant y Fall (waterfalls and park), which is a beautiful nature preserve that is decently easy to walk; apart from some steps to look out points over the falls, the terrain is fairly smooth. I spent a few hours here in the morning and it was not crowded. According to my driver, that was because all the tourists were visiting the tulips and would be coming in the afternoon:)
What else is there to do in Trevelin? Visit a winery! Who knew grapes grew well at the base of the Andes?! There are a few vineyards that are open to the public. I was fortunate to visit 2 of these unique destinations.
~ Viñas del Nant y Fall is across from Campo de Tulipanes (the tulip fields); I visited around lunch time and had lunch as well in their restaurant. They offered a tour of their wine production process and facilities, which is always fascinating. I always appreciate seeing what goes into creating a delicious vino.
~ Casa Yague is breathtakingly gorgeous, but it is unfortunately currently closed (perhaps a seasonal spot, so check back). Pictured below, one of the family members who own and manage the vineyard gave me a tour of the property. Wandering through these gorgeous grounds and vineyards, with the Andes in the background was like paradise for this nature and wine lover. Especially with the flowers and water enhancing the ambiance, I could have sat there with a book or my journal all day (and of course a glass of their wine;)
View of the vineyards, grounds and Andes Mountains.
~ And on the last day, the driver /guide took me to Parque Nacional Los Alerces, which was a stunning hike, where we visited a gorgeous crystal clear green lake.
EAT:
I was only there for 2 ½ days so my meals and dining were limited. I ate 2 delicious breakfasts and 2 delicious dinners at the lodge (in part because I didn’t have a choice;) but the food was a culinary feast and I also appreciated they were attuned to dietary needs (for me gluten free/sin TACC) and other guests as well. (and for clarification, I didn’t have a choice because I didn’t have a car, nothing was in walking distance (literally nothing) and I was starving come 9pm.)
Pro-tip: Pack snacks. Saved me several times, particularly the last day when we ventured to the National Park
STAY:
I stayed at the Challhuaquen Lodge which was perfect to disconnect and be in nature. It is rustic (fits the vibe of the area) and rather removed (can’t exactly walk anywhere:) so you’ll either need a car or a driver. It is a beautiful old building and very tranquil as it sits on the Futaleufú river. Better known as a fishing lodge (I stayed pre-season), it is very cozy. The bit of down time I had was spent relaxing by the river and sitting in their library with my journal and book. The only consideration is that for dinner, at least when I was there, dinner was only served at 9pm for all guests and there were limited options (they do honor dietary needs). So if you want variety or to eat earlier, you’ll need to venture out.
~ Side note: The staff were lovely and assisted with arranging all tours and transfers for me.
There are a variety of rustic options yet based on my last minute booking, not many were available. However, I was pleased with my stay.
View from my room
The river edges the property, creating a serene soundtrack.
From Buenos Aires: Daily flights from AEP (Buenos Aires - Aeroparque Jorge Newbery) & EZE (Aeropuerto Internacional de Ezeiza) into EQS (Esquel).
If you have a choice, AEP is preferable as it’s 15-20 minutes from Palermo and Recoleta, and a tad smaller. But depending on the day of the week, you may have to fly in or out of EZE which is further away from the city (more expensive uber and can take an hourish). And it also depends on your other travel plans.
Another option is making a roadtrip out of your time in Patagonia, and combine with Bariloche and/or southern Patagonia, so flying into/out of Bariloche (north) and then El Calafate (south).
A FEW FINAL THOUGHTS:
~ Wifi is very limited; something to be mindful of.
~ In full transparency, hiring a car was not economical, and the costs of the trips added up. But, traveling solo and not wanting to drive, it was worth it for a unique experience.
~ Trevelin is super close to the border with Chile, and depending on your travel interests, timing and more, could be worth combining.
Intention: Have a unique off the beaten path experience, and immerse myself in the beauty of nature in a special place.
WHAT SPARKED JOY ON THIS JOURNEY?
~ The sensory experiences available throughout and this unique experience itself - the fresh mountain air just hits differently, the smell of the fresh flowers, the vibrant colors of the tulips, the stillness. While I adore Buenos Aires, getting out into nature is so good and necessary for the soul.
~ Also! I took myself on the trip. I didn’t let the ‘stuff’ related to traveling solo hold me back from going and having an amazing experience - which is something in the past could have interfered with me going.
I hope this was both helpful and inspiring. Planning an upcoming trip? I can help! As a certified travel advisor and experienced traveler, it would give me joy to support you in having an amazing journey. Email me through the link below - I’d love to help.
Megan Joy
