Patagonia Camp

Rooms

As you drive towards Patagonia Camp, you'll spot the 23 Mongolian-style yurts peeping out over the evergreen forest: looking rather like space pods. There are five categories to choose from, but they all offer an intimate back-to-nature experience. Once inside, you'll find your circular yurt is a very pleasing, characterful space. Cosy, bright and airy; the triple layered walls are well insulated, lined with white fabric and wooden lattice work and decorated with handcrafted Patagonian textiles.

The furniture is all handmade from local wood, such as polished, rustic headboards and beautiful bedside tables. Beds are very comfortable (all yurts can be either kingsize or twin) and are positioned so that you can enjoy views of the forest, lake or magnificent Paine Massif as you lie back on the pillows. Each room has a small writing table by the wide windows, and a terrace with seats so you can sit in privacy outside. Some yurts also have private Jacuzzis – unforgettable beneath the star-filled night sky. 

Slate ensuite bathrooms are well equipped with a shower or small bathtub, a toilet and a sink. With bathrobes, fluffy towels, heating and organic (environmentally friendly) toiletries, this is camping in total comfort. 

Wooden walkways connect the yurts to the central Salon, a welcoming hub that's home to the reception, dining area and lounge with comfortable brown leather sofas. 

Features include:

• Bathrobes
• Central heating
• Hairdryer
• Safe box
• Toiletries

Eating

A perhaps unexpected delight about staying at Patagonia Camp is that the food is superb. The young Chilean chef, Brian Espinoza, creates really imaginative gourmet food from fresh local ingredients. The dishes combine Patagonian flavours and Chilean traditions - such as lamb cuts, guanaco and ceviche of southern hake. Dinner is included in the rates and there’s a new set menu every evening, though those with special dietary needs can always be catered for. 

Evenings look a little different on Wednesday and Sunday. Cooking stations are set up for pre-dinner Grill and Wine, serving tapas-style dishes, like blood sausages, pork ribs, local seafood discada and more. Guests gather to chat and graze on small plates, before sitting down to a buffet dinner of rich land and sea flavours. 

Patagonia Camp is partly owned by the Matetic family, whose vineyards produce some award-winning wine, so the wine list is well-chosen, and the house wines are superb (and included in the rate). The Corralillo Reserva 2006 was sublime. We found the puddings to be particularly impressive - we loved the trio of chocolates.

The dining room is part of the airy high ceilinged Salon - a lovely light space, where you can have a drink before dinner, or sit out on the terrace. Dining tables are right up against the huge picture windows, so that you can gaze at that magnificent view as you eat - an uplifting experience at the buffet breakfast, whatever the weather. Expect a selection of tea, coffee, cereals, fresh fruit and juice, different varieties of freshly baked bread, jams and a cooked breakfast of eggs and bacon. The waiting staff are charming and extremely professional, giving Patagonia camp the feel of a smart restaurant, in the middle of nowhere!

Features include:

• All meals included
• Bar
• Restaurant

Activities

• Patagonia Camp is like a micrcosm of the entire region, and there are several easy, self-guided hikes around the private reserve, through lush forest, along cattle trails, and past tranquil lagoons 
• Or choose from several walking excursions available including Torres Base (8 hours), Laguna Azul (8 hours), Lake Grey Beach (2 hours), Ferrier Viewpoint (3 hours) and Lake Toro Peninsula (1 hour). The walks are suitable for walkers of varying levels, and you could also ask for a lift one-way. Enquire for details
• Kayaks are available to take out on Lake Toro: the bay is sheltered and blissful to explore from the water
• Fish for trout (resident, not introduced) in nearby lakes and streams
• Torres del Paine National Park is obviously the main reason you're here - the park entrance and administration is just 30 minutes' drive away. Ask Heather and Ian to organise treks inside the park with local tour operators
• Take a boat cruise (3 hours) around the lake on Grey II, organised by the camp, which will allow you to fully appreciate the dramatic landscape
• Local estancias (traditional sheep farms) offer a wonderful insight into Patagonian culture. You can visit for the day and go horse riding with gauchos and taste that asado al palo (so much more than a barbecue) with locally reared lamb

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Birdwatching
• Fishing
• Glacier visits
• Hiking
• Horse riding
• Kayaking
• Plantlife / flora
• Swimming
• Trekking

Kids

Only kids aged 10 and older are permitted, and Patagonia Camp is ideal for tweens and teens. One extra bed can be put in each yurt.

Best for:

Teens (over 12)

Family friendly accommodation:

Extra Beds Available

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

Patagonia Camp is located in southern Chile on the shore of Lago Toro, directly to the south of the Cuernos del Paine. It's an hour's drive from Puerto Natales and 30-minutes from Torres del Paine National Park.

By Air:
We'd recommend you fly into Santiago, then take a connecting flight to Puerto Natales (1.5 hour drive from the camp). Alternatively, you can fly into Punta Arenas (290km away) or El Calafate (260km).

From the Airport
A transfer from Puerto Natales (airport or city) is included in the All Inclusive rate. You can also request a private transfer to the camp from El Calafate or Punta Arenas (both 3.5 hours' drive) for an extra cost; enquire when booking. 

By Bus:
There are several buses a day from Punta Arenas and its airport to Puerto Natales (around 3 hours), and from there you'll get transferred to the camp. There are also daily buses between Puerto Natales and El Calafate, perfect if you also plan to visit the famous Perito Moreno glacier and Argentine Patagonia.  

By Car:
If you're travelling independently, you might find it useful to hire a car for getting around the area - see our car rental recommendations. Car rental is available in Puerto Natales and El Calafate, but be sure to let the provider know if you plan to cross the border. 

Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.com