No matter how beautiful or awe-inspiring nature can be, us humans will need a warm, safe shelter to rest and recharge when the sun sets.
And that is doubly true in the wild, windy and freezing landscapes of Patagonia, South America’s very own Eden.
True to its diverse biomes, climates and geography, this nature-lover’s paradise offers a variety of experiences to suit all tastes. Whether you’re a city slicker who wants creature comforts or a treehugger who craves the embrace of nature, there’s bound to be a place for you here to rest comfortably for the next day’s adventure – no need to rough and tough it out needlessly!
From rustic ranches to opulent retreats, here are some of the Patagonian region’s most luxurious accommodations:
Tierra Patagonia
Blending into its surroundings like a giant, undulating snake, the Tierra Patagonia lodge stakes out the vast pampas or plains at the edge of the Torres del Paine National Park.
Built with a heavy emphasis on the natural and soothing tones of lenga wood, this luxury retreat exudes a welcoming warmth in its rooms and facilities, which includes a library, spa and even a lounge with a fireplace.
Its star feature is undoubtedly the heated infinity pool, which – like the rest of the lodge – is outfitted with tall, expansive windows that allow bathers a relaxing view at the horizon-spanning Lake Sarmiento and the iconic peaks of the Torres del Paine.
Thanks to its location on the edge of the national park, Tierra Patagonia is also a prime gateway for a diverse range of local-guided activities – all conveniently offered as part of your stay. Climb the faraway peaks, roam through the pampas on horseback or tag along with researchers on a puma-tracking expedition!
Do take note that as a seasonal hotel, the Tierra Patagonia is only open between November and May.
Website: https://tierrapatagonia.com/
Explora Torres del Paine
Built by the award-winnng expedition travel company Explora, Explora Torres del Paine is one of the few luxury hotels located right inside the Torres del Paine National Park itself.
And what a luxury it is! Mirroring the gleaming white peaks of the nearby Cordillera Paine mountain range, the hotel is a shiny white refuge built into the shores of picturesque Lake Pehoé.
Inside, pleasing wooden interiors accented by white help encourage visitors to relax, especially in the indoor spas and dining areas. Each of their guest rooms is also outfitted with wide, rectangular windows that allow you to take in the raw beauty of the central Torres del Paine peaks.
Thanks to its nestled lakeside location, Explora Torres del Paine has its very own pier. This means plenty of opportunities for water fun like kayaking and fishing, something we’ve explored in great detail in our guide on outdoor activities in Patagonia. There’s even a nearby waterfall called Salto Chico that perfectly complements any shots of the claw-like peaks in the distance.
As for excursions on solid ground, the hotel has its very own stables and horses for rides into the surrounding plains and lookouts. But, if you’d rather rely on your own two feet, you’re in luck! The hotel is right next to the famous W Trek route, which takes you through the park’s three greatest hits – the French Valley, Ascencio Valley and Grey Glacier.
If you want to be close to the action, then Explora Torres del Paine should rank pretty highly in your Patagonia shortlist!
Website: https://www.explora.com/torres-del-paine-explora-lodge/
Patagonia Camp
Mongolia in the Patagonia wilds? It’s likelier than you think!
When you think about the windy and chilly grasslands of Patagonian and Mongolia, it’s no big surprise why the folks at Patagonia Camp decided to plop down some yurts in the middle of a secluded lakeside forest to create truly outstanding glamping experience.
Here in Patagonia Camp, twenty Mongolian-style steppe yurts offer you luxurious comfort and privacy in the form of suite or family-sized yurts, not to mention a restaurant and bar.
Besides being fully furnished, most of their rooms are outfitted with verandahs and outdoor balconies for you to chill out to the placid Toro Lake right below you and the distant Cordillera Paine peeking out in the distance. There’s even a transparent dome on each yurt roof that lets you stargaze at the unspoilt Patagonian night sky!
Of course, there’s always the prerequisite smorgasbord of tours and activities, ranging from half day outings to full day adventures that take you to breathtaking mountain lookouts, forests, caves and even glaciers! Some particularly noteworthy itineraries include treks to Milodón Cave, Grey Glacier and the forests bordering Lake Toro.
If you want a surreal and private glamping experience in Patagonia, then Patagonia Camp has your number.
Website: https://patagoniacamp.com/en/
Aguas Arriba Lodge
For a true return to nature, buckle up for a three-hour trek or a boat ride into the Argentinian side of Patagonia, where you’ll be greeted by the secluded and romantic Aguas Arriba Lodge.
Sequestered out on the lonely shores of Lake Desierto, this charming wooden lodge offers guests views of the sawtooth peaks of Mount Fitz Roy, the towering monolith of Cerro Torre and the gargantuan cascade of ice called the Vespignani Glacier.
And the best part? Pure peace and quiet.
Accommodating only about a dozen guests at a time, you can easily indulge in your inner introvert or quickly strike up friendships with the guests or guides.
The latter will prove especially helpful if you want to explore nearby sights like the dreamy turquoise lake at Glaciar Huemul or the magical views around San Martin Lake. You could even find time to fish for trout in the area’s many quiet bays!
Or, if you’re the indoors type, you could hole up in one of five exquisite suites – all lovingly crafted in wood – while enjoying Mother Nature’s bounty from the window. A reading room equipped with a fireplace and wide windows also offers a comfy retreat to sink yourself in some fiction.
Website:
https://elchalten.com/aguasarriba/indexen.php
https://www.booking.com/Share-aqzIei
Estancia Cerro Guido
Imagine a land where the gaucho cowboys of southern Chile still ride free, tending to their flocks of sheep atop horses under the Torres del Paine peaks.
Well, that land is known as Estancia Cerro Guido, a ranch-slash-lodge that offers guests a taste of the estancia ranch lifestyle through vintage rooms, ranch activities and outdoor experiences on horseback.
Starting with the lodgings, you have rooms decked out in English-style finery, off-white walls and feathered beds. Nearby, well-preserved 100-year-old houses, smithing and sheep-shearing facilities help sell the fantasy of being a gaucho out in the rugged grasslands.
And why fantasize when you see ranch life for yourself? Cerro Guido gives you a firsthand look at life on the Patagonian ranch through activities like harvesting vegetables, shearing sheep, sheepdog-herding and of course – horseback-riding!
If you’re feeling hungry after all that ranch hand fun, then you’ll surely enjoy the ranch’s signature slow-roasted al palo-style lamb, probably paired with a side dish made from organic greenhouse produce and free-range chickens.
The ranch also takes its environmental impact seriously by using part of your stay’s proceeds to support conservation efforts. These aim to protect local wildlife and traditional predators of sheep like pumas through technology and the use of selective dog breeds.
Estancia Cerro Guido doesn’t limit you to the ranch too, as they provide plenty of itineraries that lead you out into the Patagonian wilds both on horseback and on foot.
Website: https://estanciacerroguido.com/en/
So, are you ready for your Patagonian adventure? You might want to take a look at our guide to Patagonia’s many diverse outdoor activities or our crash course on the Patagonian seasons.
May your Patagonian journey (and stay) be memorable!
This article was written with information gathered by Rin Matsumoto.
