TORRES DEL PAINE & SOUTHERN PATAGONIA
The most well-known and highly regarded National Park in Chile, Torres del Paine will not disappoint.
The steep, solid granite peaks contrast spectacularly with the turquoise glacial lakes and bright colours of the vegetation to create a visual feast of scenic splendour. Boasting the highest concentration of puma in South America, over 100 bird species and unique plant life, this part of the world deserves its recent title of the ‘8th Wonder of the World’. Keen trekkers will enjoy the various trails around the park, including the popular W Trek, which leads hikers through ancient woodland into glacier-laden valleys. This 4 – 5 day route around the foot of dramatic mountain peaks and across wooden bridges can be completed by anyone with a reasonable level of fitness. The final day where you reach the ‘towers’ – a spectacular jagged wall of solid granite which rises into the sky – is absolutely worth the walk. If trekking is not your thing – there are many other options including kayaking in iceberg filled lakes, horse back riding through magnificent scenery, wildlife observation or simply relaxing in a spa at one of the luxury hotels situated in and around the park.
WHERE TO STAY
Our favourite luxury hotels
The Singular Patagonia
The Singular’s large guestrooms provide plenty of room to unwind after a day of adventure and ooze simple, luxurious charm. With spectacular views over the Fjord of Last Hope and the Andes Mountains, this hotel benefits from a great location. Best of all, your appreciation of Patagonia’s beauty can continue once inside your personal haven as each room features floor to ceiling, 6-meter-wide picture windows. A reminder that Mother Nature still makes the best artwork. The rooms at The Singular each offer a supremely comfortable bed with en-suite, spacious bathroom with a separate bathtub and shower, not to mention complimentary Wi-Fi, a minibar and satellite TV. They also boast custom designed furniture including comfortable chairs to admire the view from, and a desk where journal entries or postcards can be written. Every detail has been considered here.
Awasi Patagonia
A collection of independent villas in a private reserve offer total seclusion and stunning views of the Patagonian forest, Sarmiento Lake and Torres del Paine National Park. To be alone, or virtually alone, facing the infinite wilderness of Patagonia: the Relais & Chateaux Awasi Patagonia offers an experience unlike any other. Each villa is allocated its own guide and vehicle, allowing guests to explore the magnificent countryside at their own pace. The indigenous fauna remains intact in these forests and plains, where there are sightings of guanacos, ñandús (rheas), Patagonian foxes, Andean condors and, occasionally, pumas which are supported by the hotel’s own conservation project: the Awasi Foundation. Guests are able to get involved in this fantastic project to create a protected extension of the National Park, allowing pumas to travel more freely throughout their habitat
Tierra Patagonia
Situated on the edge of Lake Sarmiento, the Tierra Patagonia Hotel is a triumph of eclectic design. The award winning architecture complements the geology of the area – curved walls reflect the windswept valley and neutral colours blend with the landscape. Patagonia is a harsh and beautiful environment, with Torres del Paine National Park – which was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1978 – the regions crowning glory. The Tierra Patagonia Hotel boasts stunning views of the reserve, along with the surrounding pampa. After a long day exploring the wilderness, the hotel welcomes back guests with a warm and cosy atmosphere. Wooden clad walls and decoration inspired by the local region combine with modern facilities to make this hotel one of the best in the whole of Latin America.
Explora Torres del Paine
Explora Torres del Paine is a luxury hotel in the heart of the national park offering excellent services in an unrivalled location. The hotel is a striking building, its award-winning architecture of white wood balanced on the shores of the turquoise Lake Pehoé, named as one of the world’s most beautiful lakes. The 49 rooms are decorated in a soft, neutral tones with polished wood panelling. The wide windows in each room are essential, showing stunning views of the Paine massif and the lake. There is no Wi-Fi access in the rooms as the hotel encourages disconnection from the outside world, allowing guests to perfectly absorb the beauty of their surroundings. The restaurant serves delicious cuisine using local and traditional ingredients. The dishes are light and healthy, designed to keep guests active and rejuvenated for their days exploring the national park.
Patagonia Camp
Patagonia Camp is nature’s own luxurious accommodation with one of the most picturesque and unspoilt views in South America. If you are looking for a sprinkle of adventure on your luxury stay in South America (and let’s be honest, who isn’t?) then look no further. Unrivalled views of Lake Toro and Paine Massif from your pillow, Patagonia Camp was the very first luxury outdoor accommodation in South America. Each of the 20 private Yurts are completely secluded and dotted on the hillside for total peace and tranquillity – they are full equipped and heated, including your own en-suite fitted to exceptional standards. To complete the most perfect and relaxed stay, each Yurt features its own private balcony with unspoilt views over Lake Toro.
Remota Patagonia
Remota is a contemporary hotel incorporating a luxurious spa which offers guests a perfect base for exploring the exceptional beauty of Torres del Paine National Park. Fine dining, high standards of service and comfort are aligned with a strong emphasis on sustainability and support of the local environment. The hotel has a prime position overlooking the fjord of Last Hope and distant mountains and is just a short distance from the quirky town of Puerto Natales, where there are plenty of shops and restaurants for visitors to discover. Inside, the design is chic and yet warm, with local art pieces adorning the walls. The 72 rooms are well appointed, and very spacious with great views.
Explora Patagonia National Park Lodge
Created by Douglas and Kristin Tompkins, the Patagonia National Park is an authentic hidden gem that exudes an intimate, peaceful and remote atmosphere. Here, nature flourishes in its most vibrant and thriving form, captivating visitors with pristine landscapes and extraordinary wildlife. Located in the heart of Chile’s Carretera Austral, the lodge – with just 13 rooms and a spa immersed in nature – offers a unique experience of connection with nature. In a barely explored sector with majestic mountains, Chile’s fastest-flowing rivers and lakes with unique colours and clarity, the variety and number of explorations is practically unlimited.
Lakutaia Lodge
A truly unique lodge in the far south of Patagonia, offering bucket-list adventures and some of the world’s best fly fishing. The lodge itself is simple yet charming, and offers a is a buffet-style breakfast served each morning. Guests can enjoy the views of the surrounding mountains and river from a cosy lounge area. The true luxury of this property lies in the activities that are available. The lodge has its own helicopter which it used to transport guests around this vast area which has no roads in order to access spectacular world-class fly fishing spots.
Patagonia Jeep Safari
Take control of your trip in a private Jeep safari through the astoundingly beautiful region of Patagonia. In the far south of Chile and Argentina lies the region of Patagonia, a magical and somewhat unexplored area of extreme beauty. Mountainous landscapes are interspersed with ancient woodland and turquoise blue lakes. Highlights on the Chilean side include the spectacular Torres del Paine National Park and the chance to see the elusive puma, and over on the Argentine side; Perito Moreno glacier and the jagged peaks of Mount Fitzroy National Park. There are many different ways to explore the highlights of Patagonia, but one of the best is to take a private Jeep safari. Choose from having a guide drive your chosen route, or drive yourself through beautiful scenery, making as many stops and detours as you wish.