Location
Torres del Paine National Park, Chile

Set within native beech forest in rolling mountain foothills overlooking Lago el Toro, Patagonia Camp is an exclusive private outpost on the edge of Torres del Paine National Park. It manifests the vision of a group of Chilean nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers who liked the idea of providing a comfortable, luxurious retreat after bracing expeditions in the mountains, lakes and fjords. Guests today can choose from an array of varied outings in the national park or utilizing the camp's own trail network to explore our entrancing surroundings. 

Built with a light environmental footprint in mind, this unique ecolodge is comprised of 20 spacious yurts tucked within the forest, with views of the lake and mountains from private decks. The deluxe yurts are large, heavy-duty circular canvas frame tents, inspired by the design used by Mongolian nomads. Comfortably spaced apart for seclusion, the yurts feature the appointments of a distinctive hotel. With wood floors, wooden windows, light-colored cloth walls and a radiator for heat, they are solidly built, warm, and sufficiently light. A clear circular skylight overhead offers a view of the stars on a clear night. Listen to the birdsong in the trees outside from your king-size bed (or two twins), appointed with heavy, high-quality bedding and woven blankets in neutral tones. Sit at the handcrafted wooden writing desk in your director’s chair. And enjoy the artistic touches of locally woven textiles and wall hangings. Large en suite bathrooms have a rain shower, bath tub and hair dryer.

The yurts are connected by a network of raised boardwalks and wooden steps that weave through native Patagonian forest vegetation, including coigue, lenga and notre trees. The buildings likewise are elevated on wooden platforms, to minimize impact on the local flora. The camp’s eco-conscious construction evokes a sense of being one with nature. Common spaces include a large shared lounge yurt, a dining room built of warm native wood with woven wool textiles, and expansive windows and wooden terraces overlooking the lake and peaks beyond. Meals are a highlight at Patagonia Camp, featuring artfully presented gourmet Chilean fare reflecting pride in the country’s gastronomic culture. Local specialties include fresh-caught salmon, hake, king crab and Magellanic lamb. Organic wines from Matetic Vineyard are the ideal complement. Or try a Calafate Sour, the local favorite cocktail featuring the namesake berry endemic to Patagonia.

Patagonia Camp is committed to sustainable operations. Highlights include the installation of an innovative water treatment plant using organic peat vegetation and bacteria that transform wastewater back to its original purity, and the use of vermiculture—composting food waste and organic residue with earthworms—to create top-quality fertilizer for local farmers who grow herbs and vegetables for use in the camp’s kitchen, thus nourishing the soil and completing the circle.