Imagine all the wonderful things about camping – the views, close contact with nature, and that feeling of isolation – but with central heating in your tent, turndown service and a private bathroom on the side. Patagonia Camp's 20 impeccable yurts are poised above a sparkling turquoise lake in the rolling hills just outside Torres del Paine National Park, and carefully placed in the steep wooded slopes so that each has a perfect view of the Cuernos del Paine from its private terrace. Spacious, comfortable, and stylishly furnished, your yurt even has a view of the stars through a central window in the roof.
Torres del Paine National Park is just 15 minutes away, and there's pristine wilderness all around you: take a kayak out on the water, stroll to the nearby waterfall, or just wander along wooden walkways through lenga forest to the salon lounge and dining room. The food is nothing like campfire grub either: Chilean chef Brian Espinoza creates imaginative gourmet delights from local ingredients, such as king crab empanadas and creamy rabbit lasagne, and even a turquoise blue pisco sours to match the lagoon.
Highs
- Breathtaking views across a turquoise lake to the crags of Cuernos de Paine
- Just 15-minutes' drive from one of the world's most spectacular national parks
- Exceptional cuisine from the chef: dinner is something to look forward to
- Walks, kayaking and fishing in the immediate area are included
- They offer 3- and 4-night itineraries with excursions to Torres del Paine, glaciers, ranch visits etc
Lows
- The weather here is very variable and as the yurts are made from canvas and plastic it can be very loud. If you're a light sleeper you can request ear plugs from reception
- Wooden walkways connecting the yurts are exposed, so there's no escaping the weather as you walk up to dinner
- No kids allowed under 10 years of age
- As you might expect there's no WiFi in the tents, but there is in the communal areas
Best time to go
Patagonia Camp is open from mid September to mid May. The major hiking trails can get very busy in January and February, however, the advantage of Patagonia Camp is that the grounds will be pretty empty of people so it's advisable to take the lesser known trails during these months. Spring (September/October) and late summer to autumn (March/April) can be lovely, with lower winds and less rain.
Our top tips
Given that it's possible you'll experience 4 seasons in a day, you should really bring everything: short sleeved shirts, thermals, trousers which unzip to shorts, sun hats, warm hats with ear flaps, sun glasses and sun block, scarves and some gloves, sturdy walking boots, a good windproof jacket, and full waterproofs. A day rucksack is useful for hikes. It's probably a good idea to also pack an umbrella for walking between your yurt and the dining room.
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 15-minutes from the entrance to Torres del Paine.
By Air:
You'll need to get a flight to Punta Arenas (330km away) from Santiago or Puerto Montt. Click on the links below for a list of airlines serving these airports.
From the Airport
Transfers from the airport are included in your package, or you can request a private transfer to the camp (4-5 hours' drive, enquire when booking).
By Bus:
There are several buses a day from Punta Arenas (and its airport) to Puerto Natales. There are also daily buses to the Argentine town of El Calafate, for visiting the famous Perito Moreno glacier. From Puerto Natales you'll need to arrange a transfer for the final 1-hour drive.
By Car:
If you're travelling independently, and not doing one of Patagonia Camp's itineraries, you might find it useful to hire a car for getting around the area - see our car rental recommendations.
Alternatively, you could drive here from Argentine Patagonia. Fly from Buenos Aires to El Calafate (4 hours, several flights daily), then see the glaciers, and hire a car to drive over the border into Chile. The journey time is roughly the same as from Punta Arenas, the landscape is stunning, and you’ll find services and infrastructure better in El Calafate than in Punta Arenas. Arrange car hire 24 hours in advance and warn them you will be taking the car into Chile.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.com
More on getting to Chile and getting around
Airports:
- Punta Arenas 330.0 km PUQ
Other:
- Beach 200.0 km
- Shops 74.0 km
- Restaurant 74.0 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 1 independent review from i-escape guests
An absolutely magnificent experience. The staff is outstanding from making reservations to every other possible detail. They are warm and welcoming. The food and wine spectacular as is the bar service! The beauty that surrounds you and on all of the excursions cannot be put into words. Breath taking! The yurts are spacious and comfortable. They make everything easy and they make each guest feel special.
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape