Hidden behind a bluff, Tierra Patagonia suddenly emerges from the dramatic landscape of Patagonian steppe. Set on the eastern edge of the Torres del Paine National Park on the shores of Lake Sarmiento, this unique hotel was designed by leading architect Cazu Zegers to blend into its environment. Constructed almost entirely from native lenga wood with a living roof, the long, low, flowing structure does just that. Each of its 40 eco-luxe rooms - merging Scandinavian design with Patagonian tradition - look out over the lake and the majestic towers of the Paine Massif. An enormous open space with large windows shares the views and seamlessly unites a lounge, bar and dining area.
Knowledgeable and friendly guides will take you on well-planned half- and full-day excursions into the park as well as more off-the-beaten-track areas on foot, 4 wheels, bike or horseback. And you can experience the most challenging hikes without sacrificing comfort, returning to a luxurious spa before gathering for cocktails and relaxed chat, swapping tales of the day around a roaring fire.
Highs
- A wonderful range of excursions (included in rates): sail past icebergs, ride with gauchos, hike to the base of the Torres, or watch condors and caracaras
- Many of the trails are exclusive to Tierra Patagonia and new ones are being mapped out all the time - the hotel prides itself on helping you explore areas the tourist buses don't reach
- Stunning design and lovely public spaces, all with those incredible views
- A relaxed and convivial atmosphere, thanks to excellent staff
- We loved the Uma Spa with its long lap pool, alfresco jacuzzi, steam room and range of pampering treatments
Lows
- As with anywhere in this region, it takes a while to get here
- Note the 3-night minimum stay (not that you'd want to come all this way for less)
- The building’s structure means some rooms are a long way from the public areas
- Meals are tasty and substantial rather than gourmet (we mention this because Tierra sometimes use the gourmet label)
- Eating outside of the hotel is very complicated due to the distances and lack of options in the area
Best time to go
Patagonian weather is unpredictable and it’s no cliché that you can experience 4 seasons in one day. The peak summer months of January and February can be very wet and windy (though expect piercing sun during December/January) and the hiking trails get very crowded. Come in October, November, December or March instead, when the weather is calmer. April is cooler but the autumn colours are beautiful. The hotel is closed from May-September.
Our top tips
- Boutique Hotel
- 40 rooms
- Restaurant or all-inclusive packages
- Over 10s welcome
- Closed: 1 May - 30 September
- Indoor Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car not necessary
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Concierge Service
- Bicycles Available
Rooms
The 40 spacious, light-filled rooms are spread over 2 floors. They channel minimalist Scandi-cool, with clean lines, lots of blonde wood, handcrafted furniture, giant sheepskin rugs and cosy woollen throws. And we didn’t need the radiator in our first-floor room as the thermal glass kept things toasty inside no matter how wild the weather was.
The walls are free of art, and there’s no TV or internet, but who needs them? The marshmallow-soft, kingsize beds - piled high with pillows and cushions - face the large window, framing the ever-changing view of the lake, mountains and endless sky.
There are 4 room categories. All are similarly decorated and the Standard and Superior Rooms are the same size, but the Standard Rooms have their tubs in the bedroom. Then there are 3 enormous duplex Suites with an upstairs sitting area, but as the communal areas are so lovely we don't think it's worth upgrading. Families can book Family Rooms, essentially 2 inter-connecting Superior Rooms which can be set up in various configurations (e.g. 2 doubles and a bunk bed, 1 double and 3 singles etc).
In the 3 larger room categories you can enjoy the view from the large tub as their bathrooms have small windows onto the bedroom (though you can close the wooden Venetian blind for privacy). All rooms have a powerful rain shower ensconced behind a beautiful frosted glass door etched with the image of a tree, plus pebble door handles and lots of lovely Austral Organics (a local company) lotions and potions.
Features include:
- Bathrobes
- Hairdryer
- In-room treatments available
- Safe box
- WiFi
Eating
The dining area is part of the main open-plan space, where acres of glass give a sense of space and light and put the focus firmly on the views. We'd suggest booking a package, as all meals and most drinks are included; otherwise the costs will start mounting. Breakfast is a feast of fresh juices (try the chirimoya or custard apple - delicious), fruit, pastries, freshly baked bread, homemade conserves, cold cuts, and eggs cooked to order.
Lunch, unless you're out on an excursion, is a 3-course affair with meat, fish and vegetarian options. If that’s too heavy, there’s some flexibility and you can opt for an egg-white omelette or a healthy salad instead. You’ll be sent off with a substantial picnic for all-day excursions, including sandwiches, homemade cake and dried fruit.
In the evenings, guests gather around the bar for pre-dinner cocktails (we can highly recommend the Calafate pisco sours!) or Chilean wine (a selection is included in the packages). You can sit on a long, leather sofa by funky cowskin rugs in front of the circular open fire.
At dinner, the emphasis is on locally sourced ingredients and regional specialities. Whilst it's not gourmet, we loved the delicious king crab salad and succulent beef from a neighbouring ranch, washed down with a glass of Carmenere. And don’t miss out on a traditional asado (BBQ); it will be the best lamb you ever taste.
Features include:
- Bar
- Organic produce
- Vegetarian options
Activities
Tierra’s extensive range of excursions explore the Torres del Paine National Park as well as the ranches and pampas around the hotel. If you've booked an all-inclusive package, 1 full-day or 2 half-day excursions per day are included. Guides meet daily with guests to help select the best adventures given individual interests and fitness. Excursions include:
- The arduous but unmissable full-day hike to the base of the Torres, to see the iconic towers at close range
- More gentle picturesque excursions inside the park, including to the Mirador Cuernos (the horns) and Laguna Azul
- Excellent bird watching; guides will help you spot endemic birds, including condors and caracaras
- Horse riding with gauchos from nearby Estancia Cerro Guido, a working sheep ranch, followed by a traditional Patagonian asado
- An exhilarating full-day hike in the beautiful Sierra Baguales mountain range - apart from the odd gaucho, you won’t see another soul all day
- Exploring the land around the hotel, on foot or mountain bike: admire rock art on the Hunter’s Trail (look out for condors and the remains of a puma’s dinner) or simply stroll along the shores of Lake Sarmiento
- Take a scenic boat trip across Lago Grey, sailing past unbelievably blue icebergs to the impressive glacier
- Afterwards, ease tired muscles in the spa with a Patagonian hot-stone massage, sit in the outdoor Jacuzzi (weather dependent) to admire the view, or soak in the private tub-for-2 in your own room
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Birdwatching
- Boat trips
- Hiking
- Historical sites
- Horse riding
- Mountain biking
- Plantlife / flora
- Private guided tours
- Swimming
- Trekking
- Well being
- Wildlife
Kids
Only children aged 10 and over are allowed, and the wild landscape and excursions are definitely best suited to older kids and teens, as they can take part in the adventure activities.
Best for:
Teens (over 12)
Family friendly accommodation:
Superior Rooms and Suites can fit 1 extra bed, and there are also 5 Family Rooms (made up of 2 inter-connecting Superior Rooms, each with their own bathroom), which come with double or twin beds. All rooms have bathtubs.
Extra Beds Available, Family Rooms
Distances:
- Airport: 1 hour
- Hospital: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Shop: 1 hour 15 minutes
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
Tierra Patagonia sits on the edge of the Torres del Paine National Park, in southern Patagonia, Chile. It's on the shores of Lake Sarmiento.
By Air:
There are regular flights between Santiago and Puerto Natales. It's then a 1hr20min transfer to the hotel (included in the rates) from there. You can also fly from Buenos Aires to El Calafate (4 hours; several flights daily), and get the daily transfer to/from Tierra Patagonia.
By Car:
Since all transport for excursions once you're here is provided by Tierra Patagonia, it’s an unnecessary expense to hire a car, but as an alternative to flying to Puerto Natales you could drive there from Argentine Patagonia (see above). From El Calafate see the Perito Moreno glacier, then get the transfer or hire a car to drive over the border into Chile. Arrange car hire 24 hours' in advance and warn them you'll be taking the car into Chile.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.
More on getting to Chile and getting around
Airports:
- Punta Arenas 334.0 km PUQ
Other:
- Beach 80.0 km
- Shops 50.0 km
- Restaurant 0.5 km