Hotels in Patagonia You'll Never Want to Leave
Glaciers crumbling into iceberg-filled waters, condors soaring past iron-gray mountains, vast lakes pinked with flamingos: Patagonia in the far south of South America is romantically wild. And, while wildlife-spotters, hikers and skiers have always visited the region shared by Argentina and Chile, it’s no longer only a destination for intrepid adventurers: Patagonia now has a wealth of smart hotels – from starchitect-designed ecoresorts to luxurious faux-alpine spas. Here are some incredible places you’ll never want to leave – now bookable with Culture Trip.
Chile
El Mirador de Guadal
Hotel, Villa
While hikers crowd the trails in the Torres del Paine National Park in Chile, the Aysén region a few hundred kilometers to the north is far less busy. This is where to come if you want the wild all to yourself. El Mirador has accommodation for couples and families in cypress-wood cabins set in pine woods, with lake- and mountain-horizon views through wall-high windows. The food on offer at the restaurant is garden-grown and line-caught from the lake, and the wilderness tours are exceptional.
Tierra Patagonia Hotel & Spa, Torres de Paine
Hotel
The architecture of this hotel alone is an impressive feat: immersed into the landscape, the hotel sits on Lake Sarmiento and is in style with the local geology. After braving the ferocious winds and the changeable weather, Tierra Patagonia is like a warm hug at the end of a cold day, enticing you into the steaming pool and tickling your tastebuds with a delectable menu.
The Singular Patagonia, Puerto Bories Hotel, Natales
Hotel
In between fjords and glaciers, on the banks of a creamy-green glacial lake, the Singular oozes sophistication and history. It’s built into an old cold-storage warehouse, with original machinery still on display – hitting a glamorous high in the rustic bar, where you can enjoy handcrafted cocktails in a cavernous setting. The restaurant is no less spectacular, sourcing ingredients from the surroundings.
Explora Patagonia Hotel Salto Chico, Torres de Paine
Hotel
Overlooking the Torres del Paine is the Explora, a contemporary retreat edging the turquoise waters of Lake Pehoé. You’ve come here for one reason: to explore the national park. So, spend your days discovering the surrounding areas on foot, by boat or by horse (guided tours can be arranged through the hotel), and return for a wind-down evening, either indulging in a spa treatment or with a glass of Chilean wine.
Puyuhuapi Lodge
Boutique Hotel, Lodge
On the banks of an azure-blue fjord is this remote ecolodge. It boasts a natural spa that uses the watery surrounds and thermal springs to induce a state of bliss. And, in the encompassing area, you can hike the forests to the Hanging Glacier in Queulat National Park or sail between the islands and fjords of northern Patagonia.
Hotel Lago Grey, Torres del Paine
Hotel
At Hotel Lago Grey, you can open your curtains in the morning to views over a milky glacial lake and jagged peaks. It’s just the beginning of your adventures, which can include waterfall treks, a trip on the houseboat to Grey Glacier or a hike to a local lookout point. Upon your return, there are a trendy bar, serving pisco sours and craft beer, and a rustic restaurant.
Remota
Boutique Hotel
Designed by Chilean architect Germán del Sol, the Remota blends nicely into the landscape, with grass-topped slanted roofs inspired by Patagonian sheep-shearing sheds. The rooms are purposefully simple, with stripped-back decor and light woods. And, the Serrano, Balmaceda and Grey glaciers are all easily accessible, as are the Prat and Baguales mountains.
Awasi Patagonia, Torres del Paine
Hotel, Lodge, Boutique Hotel, Resort
This hotel is located on the Tercera Barranca private reserve and offers views of the Torres del Paine National Park and mountain range. Treat yourself to one of the 14 secluded villas, all of which come with a private guide and a 4×4, so you can explore at your own pace. After a day of discovery, come back and soak in the hot tub, before enjoying a sumptuous evening meal.
Argentina
Llao Llao Hotel & Resort Golf-Spa
Boutique Hotel, Resort, Spa Hotel, Hotel
Ringed by jagged mountains, set on the shores of a shimmering blue lake and roofed with steep Alpine gables, this giant resort could be in Bavaria as much as the outskirts of Bariloche in Patagonia. While landscapes are arid further south, here, it’s lush and green – with pine forests swathing the hills. There are no glacier-filled lakes or soaring condors, but Llao Llao offers fishing, hiking and golf on the 18-hole resort course, and there’s a plush spa.
Los Cerros Boutique Hotel & Spa
Spa Hotel, Hotel
By the quaint town of El Chaltén, this boutique hotel looks directly over Mount Fitz Roy and the surrounding peaks. It’s a hiker’s paradise, and you can trek through the woods to the Hanging Glacier and the Laguna de los Tres – worth the graft, when you’re greeted by the blue lake and snowcapped peaks of Fitz Roy. After, relax in the spa, watching the sunset in comfort.
EOLO – Patagonia's Spirit, El Calafate
Hotel
This huge property is centrally located between the Los Glaciares National Park and the city of El Calafate – explore the former by horse, mountain bike or on foot. Spend time appreciating the natural beauty of your surroundings, and, after a day of exploring and birdwatching, relax in the comfortable and chic hotel.
Estancia Huechahue
Bed and Breakfast
The Wood family has owned this cattle ranch for the last four generations, welcoming guests since 1990. Huechahue (pronounced “way-cha-way”) offers riding through Andean gorges, rolling hills and the vast Patagonian shrub, so you can unleash your inner gaucho (cowboy) while rounding up cattle and horses.
Las Hayas Ushuaia Resort, Ushuaia
Hotel
A haven of peace found at Tierra del Fuego, the closest settlement in Argentina to Antarctica. This regal hotel on the Beagle Channel is the perfect place to relax, enjoy the scenery, trek through forests hunting for glaciers, and sail across lakes. If you deserve some relaxation time, you can also lounge by the pool, hop in the Jacuzzi and linger in the sauna.
Alex Robinson contributed additional reporting to this article.