Trevelin
ARGENTINA
2024
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Trevelin, Argentina
Trevelin is a captivating destination in Patagonia, Argentina, situated at the base of the Andes Mountain range and rich in cultural heritage influenced by the region’s agricultural characteristics. The area has been shaped by its first inhabitants, including native peoples and Welsh settlers who arrived in 1885 and harnessed the fertile land known as the “Beautiful Valley” or Cwn Hyfrid (as named by the Welsh). Various productive activities in Trevelin are now open to tourism, becoming significant attractions for the region. Notable highlights include tulip fields, vineyards, and the cultivation of wheat, red fruits, honey, and saffron.
Visitors can immerse themselves in the captivating Welsh history of Patagonia while also experiencing the ancestral perspectives of the Mapuche-Tehuelche culture, which offers memorable cultural insights. Located within the Patagonian Andean Forest, Trevelin’s climate and stunning mountain scenery make it an excellent destination for a variety of outdoor activities. These include hiking trails, sport fishing, kayaking on its rivers, skiing or snowboarding, birdwatching, horseback riding, and canopy tours. The area is particularly renowned for attractions such as Los Alerces National Park and the protected natural areas of Nant and Fall, as well as Bagillt Lake.
HIGHLIGHTS
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Tulip Effect
The productive activities in the Trevelin Valley have transformed into significant tourist attractions, enabling a diversification of offerings in the area. The tulip field, Trevelin’s premier attraction and the only one of its kind in the country has successfully altered the traditional tourism season that typically peaks in January and February. Currently, October, when the tulips bloom, stands as the most popular month for visitors. This phenomenon has positively affected not just Trevelin but also the surrounding region, extending up to 300 kilometres. As hotel occupancy rises in Trevelin, accommodation in nearby areas, even in different provinces, also begins to fill up.
Additionally, the tulip field has allowed Trevelin to enter the national wholesale market, a milestone that has attracted not only independent travellers but also organized groups. The image of the blooming tulip field has gained significant traction on social media, creating a substantial impact and becoming a key visual for promotional campaigns by both the province and the nation. In October, all sectors of the local economy benefited from this surge in tourism, helping the Trevelin community recognize the vital role that tourism plays in their economic landscape.
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Rural Development
Trevelin encompasses an urban area alongside a vast rural expanse that includes various rural communities and indigenous populations. The promotion of community-based rural tourism has significantly stimulated the local economy, celebrated cultural heritage, reduced youth migration, and encouraged environmental stewardship in Trevelin’s regions. Visitors can engage in unique experiences that hold deep symbolic significance within these communities. Throughout the year, seasonal launch events are organized in different areas, highlighting authentic local products and facilitating interactions among service providers. This initiative has fostered a strong sense of pride in local culture, particularly among youth who have embraced the role of “site guide.” The winter season is particularly notable in the Sierra Colorada community, where activities related to snow, mycotourism, and traditional gastronomy positively impact the local economy. The development of community rural tourism relies on collaborative efforts with local communities, who actively contribute their ideas for promoting sustainable tourism practices.
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The Southernmost Wine Route
A decade ago, wine production in the Trevelin Valley was just a concept. Today, it has become a reality that is reshaping the Argentine wine industry. Trevelin wines have received Geographical Indication status, a designation from the national government that allows products to be recognized for their quality based on their geographical origin. The region is home to 17 vineyards and 5 wineries (with 2 more under construction), all of which continue to enhance their production capacity and the quality of their wines each year. The Trevelin wine route has emerged as a key tourist attraction in the area. In recent years, an increasing number of tourists have come specifically to taste and learn about Trevelin wines, fostering the growth of wine tourism and visits to four local vineyards. Each bottle of Trevelin wine serves as an ambassador for the region, showcasing the unique characteristics and determination of local producers. The grape harvest in Trevelin is notable for being the latest and southernmost in the country, offering a distinctive “autumn harvest” experience during April and May. During this time, vineyards welcome both tourists and locals to participate in the festivities, which include local cuisine, music, and artisan fairs.
