Tierra Patagonia

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

Best Time to go

Our Top Tips

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.

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