Stayed here with my partner on a Wildlife Safari package. Absolutely LOVED it and would go again. The structure of the camp was such that we got to know people we went on treks with and have made some lovely friends that we hope to stay in touch with.
This place is about human connection and a shared loved of the environment.
Everything in the camp has been done with care and intention. So much so, that if you appreciate art, you may particularly love the layout of this place. It is all a work of art and earthy design.
Note: This is not a regular hotel. It is, indeed, a camp, designed to help you be present and connect with people and nature. If you want 4-5-star comfort, WiFi and don’t really want to talk to people, then this is probably not for you.
Having said that, I thought the standard dome was very cosy, beds comfy and the showers in the bathroom block were hot & fully adjustable (in fact, better than many hotels I’ve been in). The domes hold their heat until late at night, so it was fine without heating. There are beautiful hand-knitted blankets you can use as an extra layer.
It is expensive but there’s a LOT of people working very hard to make each day fun, adventurous and memorable.
Guides take you out, providing information about wildlife, history and the environment. One of our guides carried flasks of tea for our lunch on our walk. They love what they do and don’t just treat you like a tiresome tourist. They keep an eye out for pumas (!) and make sure everyone is ok. They will help in any way they can and accommodate people’s needs to help people enjoy their day out.
Drivers provide transfers to and from Punta Arenas and patiently drive people around for many, many hours, stopping for wildlife.
Camp staff make REALLY delicious meals, provide snacks and (DIY) packed lunches for hikes, provide yoga classes, run the bar, clean the accommodation, maintain the place and run reception. It’s a big operation, with people arriving/leaving and going off on hikes every day.
Meals are done in a few sittings so that the food is super fresh and hot and you can discuss your day with the people you shared it with. A variety of wines are provided with meals. Each day before dinner, you meet your guide in the bar to discuss the next day’s activity options, accompanied by a lovely snack plate and a drink (pisco sours are good!). After dinner there may be music or you can sit in the library and read or socialise.
Being not-so-fit and also well over the age of 29 (!), I did the ‘easy’ hikes and tours each day and just loved the experiences. The park is just *breath-takingly*
beautiful. I would happily have stayed longer and was very sad to leave. The camp’s accolades are well-deserved.
This is a really special place and a unique, memorable way to experience Patagonia.