Hanging out at Chile’s best sustainable accommodation – EcoCamp Patagonia inwards Torres del Paine National Park.
Patagonia is a part shrouded inwards thus much beauty too grapheme that it seems almost mythical.
Sprawling desert crashes abruptly into jagged peaks, twisting rivers air current through pristine woods too ancient glaciers carve out a public that has attracted travellers for centuries.
It was a goal nosotros did non desire to miss.
From the 2nd nosotros started to draw upwardly our plans to see South America, Patagonia rose to the make of our list. Overlanding from Buenos Aires nosotros ended our journeying southward inwards Ushuaia, otherwise known equally the ‘end of the world‘.
From at that spot nosotros crossed into Republic of Chile too started to brand our agency towards Puerto Natales too the nearby Torres del Paine National Park. This was going to live arguably the best halt inwards Patagonia.
Known equally the trekking upper-case missive of the alphabet of Chile, nosotros knew nosotros wanted to pass equally much fourth dimension equally possible inwards the national park. After our 8-day trek on the O Circuit, nosotros decided to caput dorsum into Torres del Paine for a few to a greater extent than days .
Rather than going dorsum to camping ground (even though nosotros love camping), nosotros took an chance to remain at the famous EcoCamp Patagonia and their gorgeous, sustainable dome accommodation.
These four days proved to live a existent highlight of our travels, for to a greater extent than reasons than nosotros ever expected.
Don’t missy our ultimate take on hiking inwards Patagonia.
Leaving Puerto Natales
EcoCamp offers transfers from Punta Arenas too Puerto Natales, too seeing equally nosotros were already inwards town nosotros walked downwards to their role some lunchtime.
Once the minivan had arrived amongst the other guests nosotros headed to Aldea Restaurant for a delicious lunch. This identify has quite the positive reputation inwards town too nosotros were quite lucky to start off our trip amongst a repast there.
Stomachs total nosotros headed towards the national park, breaking upwardly the 2-hour journeying amongst a stopover at the Cueva del Milodon (the Milodon Cave).
The now-extinct Milodon is the mascot for Puerto Natales, too it is inwards this cave that evidence of its existence was start discovered.
The huge, sloth-like animate beingness roamed the Patagonian steppe during the final Ice Age. Today a walking trail goes within the vast, conglomerate stone cave, although most of the fossils convey been removed.
After the 45-minute leg stretch nosotros jumped dorsum inwards the van for the residue of the create to Torres del Paine National Park.
Welcome To EcoCamp
In a identify equally pristine, frail too beautiful equally Torres del Paine National Park, sustainable tourism should live everyone’s lay out ane priority.
After trekking some the O Circuit for 8 days, nosotros saw first-hand just how spectacular this identify is, too how of import it is to keep it for generations to come.
The sprawling forests on the westward side convey already been the victim of tragic fires at the hands of careless individuals, too their charred skeletons volition remain equally a constant reminder of what tin can make off when things become wrong.
Located 7km from the principal gate to Torres del Paine National Park, EcoCamp are doing everything they tin can to create a positive impression on both the landscape too the people who see it.
EcoCamp Patagonia is the brainchild of the founders of ane of South America’s best adventure tourism companies, Cascada Expediciones.
Having spent a lot of fourth dimension in the commons too seeing how susceptible it could live to volume tourism, the founders dedicated their fourth dimension too endeavour into creating the start fully sustainable accommodation inwards all of Patagonia.
After years of hard work, query too dedication, EcoCamp was born.
Today the greenish domes at the bottom of the Paine Massif are an iconic symbol for responsible tourism inwards South America.
Checking In To The Domes
When nosotros start started trekking the total circuit nosotros walked past times EcoCamp too brutal inwards honey amongst the greenish domes they had scattered some the place. We were desperate to see within them, too at in ane trial was our chance.
Driving into the military camp nosotros were met past times a few of the staff too shown to our dome. Not going to lie; we were really excited!
The domes are modelled subsequently the traditional dwellings of the indigenous Kaweskar people, who lived inwards the territory that the commons at in ane trial occupies.
These spherical structures are incredibly resilient against potent winds (important for Patagonia!) too are designed to live constructed too dismantled without causing whatsoever terms to the earth. In other words, to leave of absence no trace.
For the start 2 nights nosotros were lucky plenty to live lay inwards ane of their suite domes, which are the creme-de-la-creme of EcoCamp.
These large, beautifully decorated domes come upwardly consummate amongst a sitting area, manly somebody monarch size bed, a wood-fire stove, private bath too a gas heater.
We had no thought that a uncomplicated dome could live thus first-class on the inside. There was a huge plastic window that allowed us to human face out at the woods too mountains, too having the dismiss roaring during the mutual frigidity evenings was a existent treat.
For the 2nd 2 nights nosotros moved to ane of their measure domes. But fifty-fifty though they are considered to live EcoCamp’s budget accommodation, nosotros felt incredibly cosy inwards our trivial homes!
Ever wanted to remain inwards a hobbit house? This is just what nosotros felt like! We had to crouch to acquire through the pointed door, too in ane trial within it opened upwardly to convey a huge comfortable bed too side beds. There was fifty-fifty a pocket-sized window amongst a see of the towers, too nosotros could star gaze from our bed at night.
The measure domes don’t convey heating or a private bathroom. Instead at that spot is a large shared bath complex which inwards itself is quite luxurious. As for the heat, it was cosy plenty that the domes were warm plenty without them (and the blankets were really heavy too warm).
Personally nosotros felt similar the measure domes were to a greater extent than than ample for most people. But if yous desire a combat to a greater extent than infinite or to experience similar kings too queens inwards the best accommodation inwards Torres del Paine, don’t become past times the suites!
Once nosotros were checked inwards nosotros went for a walk some the residue of the grounds.
The entire belongings is connected via timber boardwalks to minimise disturbance to the ground. Weaving inwards betwixt the trees too shrubs helps proceed the feeling of beingness inwards nature.
Towards the dorsum of the belongings is the Yoga Dome, where yous tin can stretch out every morning time too afternoon gratis of charge.
There were a few hanging chairs inwards diverse places equally well, to grab a volume too relax.
The bar is where everything happens though!
There’s a huge infinite amongst with comfy chairs, tables, books to read too some guitars to jam out on. Of course of didactics if yous desire to convey a drinkable a staff fellow member is ever on mitt to aid yous out amongst that.
In the evenings this is where the briefings are for the adjacent day’s activities, too delicious canapes too pisco sours are served up.
When nosotros had gratis fourth dimension nosotros mainly hung out on the deck exterior though, which was a bully identify to soak upwardly the Sun (pisco sour inwards hand, of course).
Sustainable Practices And Responsible Tourism
EcoCamp’s commitment to sustainable practices too responsible tourism is what makes them such a fantastic place, too the principal argue nosotros start were attracted to their accommodation.
In this solar daytime too age, amongst to a greater extent than too to a greater extent than people travelling than ever earlier (which is a skilful thing), sustainable tourism is something everyone needs to consider.
At EcoCamp it begins past times protecting the frail environment. They were the start hotel inwards Chile, too the only hotel inwards Patagonia, to live given the internationally recognised ISO14001 and ISO9001 certifications.
The really trivial loose energy that is consumed on the belongings comes from hydroelectric turbines too solar panels, amongst propane only beingness used to oestrus H2O too within the suite domes.
That beingness said guests are asked to only usage electricity for charging laptops too cameras. Electric shavers, pilus dryers too other items are prohibited (and seriously, you’re hiking every day…no ane cares what your pilus looks like).
One affair that genuinely interested us was their waste materials management procedures. They usage composting toilets thus equally non to lay whatsoever harmful sewage into the environment. They are also testing out the use of earthworms to create clean the waste, too if all goes good this arrangement volition live implemented across the belongings adjacent season.
They convey a potent commitment to recycling, too segregate all their trash appropriately to shipping off to recycling plants elsewhere inwards Chile.
Besides that they convey a ‘Leave No Trace’ policy, important that the entire military camp is constructed to live able to live dismantled too removed spell leaving an absolute minimal touching on the ground.
Staying inwards a identify that has zilch carbon footprint is a hugely rewarding experience (they offset the trivial they do create amongst carbon credits), too inspiring to state the least. If only all major accommodations would convey such a huge commitment to the environment…
The Food
When nosotros were on the O Circuit nosotros lived on crackers, salami, cereal amongst powdered milk, trail mix, rice too instant mash. While this is typical camping ground food, nosotros convey to acknowledge that past times solar daytime 8 nosotros were pretty sick of it.
We tin can hope you’ll never acquire sick of the nutrient at EcoCamp.
The squad inwards the kitchen are all masters of creating culinary experiences, too every eventide the meals was only delectable.
Each of the 3 courses came amongst 3 options, thus whether yous wanted meat, seafood or vegetarian, every base of operations was covered.
All of the nutrient is locally sourced and, where possible, organic. This non only helps proceed the character of the nutrient at the absolute top, but also supports the farmers inwards the area.
Chilean vino is served amongst dinner, too the pours never seem to end. This was a overnice surprise for us, but amongst all the activities nosotros had to do every solar daytime nosotros tried our hardest non to overindulge.
Breakfast is served buffet style, too at that spot is no shortage of options hither either. The good for yous options is what kept us happy, equally breakfast inwards Republic of Chile isn’t just known for beingness the freshest.
Lunches were make-it-yourself, amongst a large selection of meats, cheese, salads, vegetables, spreads, fruit too breadstuff for sandwiches.
The nutrient is thus amazing at EcoCamp, that it shouldn’t live a surprise if yous become identify a few kilos heavier.
Chasing Puma’s On EcoCamp’s Wildlife Safari
Having already trekked the O Circuit, nosotros were keen for a slightly to a greater extent than relaxed computer program at EcoCamp.
It’s solely possible to only remain inwards some of the domes too do your ain independent hikes too excursions, but nosotros were cook for something different.
EcoCamp convey a make of programs that are all-inclusive, important yous acquire your accommodation, food, vino too guided excursions included equally component of the package.
While they convey adventure programs amongst Equus caballus riding, kayaking too multi-day trekking, too offering opportunities to trek the W amongst them, nosotros loved the audio of the Wildlife Safari.
Don’t allow the scream fool yous – this isn’t solar daytime subsequently solar daytime of looking at birds or guanacos (although yous volition see birds too guanacos). Each morning time yous are given a selection of 3 activities, ranging inwards endeavour levels from easy, medium too difficult.
Typically the hard activities include a trek upwardly the French Valley, or a mission to see the park’s most famous attraction, Los Torres.
These leave of absence early on inwards the morning time too don’t provide til belatedly at night. Having already visited these on our own, nosotros opted for some dissimilar options.
Day 1 – Laguna Azul
On our start nosotros solar daytime opted for the slow hike, which took us to Laguna Azul. After the O Circuit nosotros stoked to live able to leave of absence to a department of the commons nosotros had missed during our 8 days.
Leaving at well-nigh 9am nosotros headed out inwards the minivan amongst our grouping too stopped off at a few viewpoints along the way.
The Sun was out, but the Patagonian air current was howling. Dust too sand kicked upwardly too nosotros rapidly abandoned the photograph stops.
Once nosotros arrived at Laguna Azul nosotros jumped out too went for a mellow walk along the shore. Despite the air current the vistas were sensational, amongst the Paine Massif rising upwardly inwards the distance, consummate amongst clear views of the Towers, on the left spell curious guanacos wandered some on the right.
After xxx minutes nosotros arrived at a pocket-sized farmhouse too were greeted amongst an enormous spread of barbecued meat, salads too all-you-can-drink wine. We gorged ourselves thus sluggishly went for some other walk.
The computer program was to hike to the make of a loma for a bully view, but the air current was thus potent nosotros ended upwardly chilling past times the lake.
Laguna Azul was stunning, particularly amongst that insane backdrop.
Day 2 – Cerro Ferrier/Lazo Weber
On this solar daytime Alesha too I decided to become separate ways. I wanted to climb to the viewpoint on Cerro Ferrier, which was classed equally a ‘difficult’ hike, spell Lesh liked the thought of the 14km hike through Lazo Weber amongst a higher peril of seeing wildlife.
My grouping was split upwardly inwards two, amongst most people opting for the Grey Glacier boat ride. For the four of us remaining nosotros hiked upwardly the steep loma for a trivial over an lx minutes to accomplish the sensational viewpoint at the make of the hill.
Afterwards nosotros went the Administration edifice to savour some coffee, tea too snacks earlier taking a mellow walk to savour the views over the Western Lakes.
Alesha’s solar daytime was just equally enjoyable, too she had a bully fourth dimension soaking upwardly the fresh air too chatting away amongst her pocket-sized grouping too guide, Katty.
She was fifty-fifty lucky plenty to see the ane affair everyone wants to see inwards Torres del Paine…a puma! It was quite a distance away thus she unfortunately didn’t acquire a bully shot.
Afterwards nosotros all met upwardly in ane trial to a greater extent than at EcoCamp for pisco sours too delicious food. H5N1 perfect agency to terminate our 2nd day.
Day 3 – Los Cuernos Mirador
On our final total solar daytime at EcoCamp nosotros went for the easiest alternative again, equally nosotros had already been to the French Valley too Las Torres (the other 2 options).
This was a really easy, 1-hour hike along apartment footing to the Los Cuernos Mirador on the southward side of the Lago Nordenskjold.
Unfortunately for us it was quite overcast, thus nosotros couldn’t genuinely see ‘The Horns’. Still, having a few snacks spell chilling past times the lake was a welcome experience.
Once nosotros had hiked dorsum towards the van nosotros took a detour to Salto Grande waterfall – a powerful torrent that charges from the Nordenskjold Lake.
We headed off to the Pehoe campground to savour our luncheon too drinkable some mate. While nosotros were at that spot nosotros were lucky plenty to see a clitoris a fast ane on too an armadillo wandering around, too nosotros managed to acquire some bully photos of them!
At this indicate nosotros were asked if wanted to become on some other hike, but subsequently a quick chat nosotros decided to caput dorsum to EcoCamp to brand the most of the afternoon.
This is the bully affair well-nigh beingness on ane of these programs – essentially it is upwardly to yous to determine how far, short, fast or wearisome yous go.
Before nosotros knew it nosotros were sitting dorsum exterior EcoCamp, sipping on a herbal tea too playing guitar inwards the Sun out on the deck.
Leaving Paradise
We were pretty distressing to live leaving EcoCamp thus soon, too wishing nosotros had to a greater extent than fourth dimension to only relax too soak upwardly the ambiance.
In the morning time nosotros jumped dorsum inwards the van too headed towards Puerto Natales, where nosotros would pass a dyad of days catching upwardly on run too getting cook for the adjacent adventure.
Staying at EcoCamp was honestly an experience that volition remain amongst us for years to come. We’ve been lucky plenty to see many dissimilar sustainable accommodations some the world, too seeing start mitt what the staff at EcoCamp is achieving was inspiring.
If caring well-nigh the surroundings spell going on amazing adventures is something that interests you, or yous are just interested inwards learning to a greater extent than well-nigh how to implement responsible practices into the household, definitely don’t missy EcoCamp Patagonia at Torres del Paine National Park inwards Chile.
We were graciously hosted past times the crew at EcoCamp to experience their sustainable accommodation too wild animals safari. All thoughts, opinions too copious spectacles of vino consumed are, equally always, our own.
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