EcoCamp Patagonia

EcoCamp Patagonia

Located within Torres del Paine National Park and enjoying unbeatable views of the Paine Towers, EcoCamp Patagonia blends adventure and environmental sustainability with a touch of rustic-luxe in the wilderness. This eco-friendly glamping property is known for its impressive green credentials and its 33 eye-catching geodesic dome tents. All of the camp’s energy comes from solar panels and a micro-hydro turbine, making it Patagonia’s most eco-friendly property.

What we love about EcoCamp Patagonia

Impressively, EcoCamp Patagonia has been a carbon-neutral property since 2007.

Situated within park boundaries and graced with views of the jagged Paine Towers peeking out over the horizon, the location can’t be beat. You won’t waste any time driving in and out of the park. This privileged spot also affords another upside: the opportunity to hike the park’s famous W-Trek in comfort. Classically, this four-day route requires adventurers to camp. When making EcoCamp Patagonia your base, you can retreat to your geodesic dome for three of the four nights. The night you sleep out, guides will set up a wilderness camp for you at Paine Grande.

Lastly, if you don’t need Relais & Châteaux luxury, EcoCamp Patagonia is a great value alternative to Torres del Paine’s high-end lodges.

EcoCamp Patagonia’s unique conservation and sustainability model

EcoCamp Patagonia’s dedication to conservation and sustainability centers on three vital areas: A refreshingly green ethos, a laser-sharp focus on social commitment, and the preservation of local Patagonian culture.

Recognized as carbon neutral since 2007, this trailblazer in eco-tourism utilizes smart design to minimize its environmental impact. Photovoltaic panels convert energy from the sun, and micro-hydro turbines transform water energy.

When it comes to social commitment, EcoCamp Patagonia works to create innovative opportunities for the local community. The cuisine served at EcoCamp showcases ingredients produced by regional farmers, and the camp’s décor was purchased from local markets. The property also partners with local initiatives like the Torres del Paine Legacy Fund, Fundación Esperanza, AMA Torres del Paine, and Fiesta de la Limpieza in order to enhance the long-term well-being of Torres del Paine. It recently collaborated with Wheel the World to provide inclusive travel opportunities for adventurers with disabilities, and the property has a special Joëlette hiking wheelchair that’s available for anyone who needs it. With this chair, Patagonia EcoCamp helped the first person with a disability hike The W.

And finally, EcoCamp Patagonia’s staff are all trained to educate travelers about the preservation of local culture. Tours include the opportunity to view Aonikenk (Tehuelche) cave paintings or to go horseback riding with baqueanos.

EcoCamp Patagonia accommodations

EcoCamp Patagonia’s 33 futuristic yet cozy geodesic dome tents fall into four distinct categories: Standard Dome, Superior Dome, Suite Dome, and Suite Dome Loft. Connected by raised walkways to minimize disruption to the terrain, these Patagonia eco-domes offer a whole new level of glamping in Torres Del Paine.

EcoCamp Patagonia’s Standard Domes were the world’s first geodesic hotel rooms. Nestled on EcoCamp’s hilltop site, they feature compact but charming interiors with skylights that allow you to stargaze as you fall asleep. Each measures 108 square feet and is minimalist, both unheated and unelectrified. However, beds boast cozy fleece linens.

Spacious, comfortable, and equipped with heating and private bathrooms with composting toilets, EcoCamp Patagonia’s 250-square-foot Superior Domes are a great option for trekkers who want to enjoy a little more comfort at the end of a long day’s hike. Electricity is limited, but laptops and cameras can be charged.

EcoCamp Patagonia’s Suite Domes provide a little luxury with heating and private bathrooms—and they boast the best views that the property has to offer. Designed with the “leave no trace” ethos of the ancient Kaweskar tribe in mind, each spacious Suite Dome measures a comfortable 300 square feet and comes with a modern, low-emission wood stove and a composting toilet. Spend your evenings relaxing on a Patagonian-style sofa on your enclosed porch.

Families and large groups will appreciate Patagonia EcoCamp’s 300-square-foot Suite Dome Lofts, which are equipped with a modern low-emission wood stove, a terrace with Patagonian-style sofas, and a private bathroom with a state-of-the-art composting toilet.

EcoCamp Patagonia amenities

When you’re not trekking in the wilderness, there’s a whole plethora of opportunities for socializing and recreation at EcoCamp Patagonia.

The camp’s convivial Community Domes provide meeting places where you can enjoy a buffet breakfast and prepare a lunch box. After your day’s adventure, come back to check out the library, treat yourself to a massage, browse the Patagonia EcoCamp store, or make a beeline for the Yoga Dome to stretch while soaking up the views of the Patagonian pampas; there are classes twice a day.

In the evening, enjoy a locally sourced three-course Chilean dinner in the Community Dome, choosing from an extensive menu of local wine pairings. Later, relocate to the bar to share a pisco sour or craft beer with your fellow adventurers by the wood-burning stove.

Getting to EcoCamp Patagonia

The easiest way to get to Patagonia EcoCamp is via the airports at Punta Arena and Puerto Natales. Puerto Natales is only two hours from Torres del Paine National Park, but there are only a few flights offered each week. Punta Arenas is approximately a five-hour drive from the park, but there are more flights available. There are two coach transfers each day from the airports to EcoCamp Patagonia.

If you are traveling via Buenos Aires, a flight to El Calafate is a good option. However, the transfers to the camp leave early each morning, so you will have to arrive in El Calafate the day before.

Dock-to-camp shuttle transfers are also available for Skorpios, Navimag, and Australis passengers.

Is EcoCamp Patagonia family-friendly?

EcoCamp Patagonia is a great accommodation option for families, as young children (ages six to nine) are encouraged to join nature walks. Adolescents aged 10 to 12 can participate in trekking adventures, and teens aged 13 and over are welcome to participate in all the adventure opportunities on offer—including the chance to track puma.

EcoCamp Patagonia activities

Multi-day treks: The stunning W Trek highlights the best of Torres del Paine, including a boat ride to Grey Glacier, a trek through French Valley, and a hike to Tower Base. Team up with highly experienced guides and head off on one of the most famous treks in the world, before ending each perfect day at EcoCamp Patagonia.

Nature walks: Appreciate the incredible landscape and stunning vistas right outside camp. On a nature walk, you’ll learn about the unique flora of the region alongside a guide.

Multisport outdoor adventure: Go kayaking on the Grey River, hike to Cerro Paine Towers base view, set out on a flowy mountain bike trail, or saddle up for a trail ride.

Puma tracking: A five-night Patagonia Puma Tracking Wildlife Discovery Adventure will have you crisscrossing the park in pursuit of elusive puma. Each day, your small group will depart with professional wildlife experts. Learn about the terroir, flora, history, and culture of the area while keeping watch for fox, ñandú, and guanaco sightings, too. Retreat to EcoCamp each night for hearty-gourmet meals, sundowners, and stargazing.

Wellness: Roll out a mat and move through chakravakasana (cat-cow) to limber up sore muscles in EcoCamp’s Yoga Dome. Round out your post-hike recovery with a massage in the Man Keokén.

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