EcoCamp Patagonia, Torres del Paine

Pros

• Sleep within the wilds of Torres del Paine National Park in a comfortable, eco-friendly dome. 
• You'll enjoy some of the best views in the park from the scenic setting near the base of the Paine massif's famous "towers."
• The communal dining room serves all meals, including three-course dinners made with local and seasonal products, and a pack-your-own lunch buffet to fuel your hikes and nature tours.
• In between hikes, you can relax in cozy communal spaces, including a bar, library, yoga studio, and massage dome.
• Wildlife lovers will have the chance to spot some of the park's most famous residents, including guanacos, foxes, and condors.

Cons

• Standard Domes offer a more basic, camping-style experience with shared bathrooms and no electricity or heating; upgrade to a Superior or Suite for more amenities and space.
• There's no WiFi on-site (ideal for those who want to truly "unplug").
• The camp closes in the local winter season (May through August), though there is limited winter availability for special seasonal programs.

Authenticity

EcoCamp Patagonia was founded with the principle of "leave no trace," and it's remained a pioneer in sustainable lodging since it opened in 2001. Rather than the more standard tents, this eco-friendly camp comprises around 30 geodesic "domes," furnished with handwoven textiles and artisan furniture made from renewable woods. The camp blends seamlessly into the rugged Patagonian steppe, and every detail is designed to bring you closer to nature and your surroundings. Domes include large skylights or picture windows for wildlife watching and stargazing, meals are prepared with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, and expert guides are on hand to lead hikes and outdoor adventures.

Location

Nestled amid unspoiled wilderness within Torres de Paine National Park, the camp features a perfect view of the three iconic "towers" of the Paine massif. It's just a 5-minute drive from the Torres del Paine Welcome Center and the popular Base of the Towers Trek trailhead. The nearest airport is Puerto Natales, about a two-hour drive south, but flights are limited and seasonal. Year-round flights run out of Punta Arenas, about 4.5 hours south. 

Rooms & Bathrooms

The camp's lodging options start with the simplest Standard Domes, basic but cozy spaces with a large bed and a skylight for stargazing, access to a shared bathroom, and no electricity or heating. Superior Domes offer more comfort with private bathrooms, heating, and power outlets, while Suite Domes are the most luxurious, with large picture windows, private terraces, and wood stoves. The Suite Dome Loft accommodates families or groups with an added loft space. The decor echoes the surroundings with sustainable woods, sustainable sheepskin throws, and soft, pendant-style lighting. Bathrooms are small but surprisingly well equipped, with hot showers and eco-friendly toiletries.

Amenities

The camp's Community Domes are where guests gather to socialize and dine between outdoor activities. Meals are served in the communal dining room, starting with a generous breakfast that includes vegan and gluten-free options, and a pack-your-own-lunch buffet that lets you choose from a selection of sandwiches and snacks. Dinner features creative, locally-sourced dishes that showcase seasonal produce, fish, and meats from Patagonian suppliers. You can also grab a beer or a pisco sour in the bar area, borrow a holiday read in the library, or pick up any extras in the camp's shop. Head to the Yoga Dome for daily classes with a panoramic view over the pampas, or book a post-hike session in the Massage Dome.

Family-Friendliness

Eco-Camp Patagonia welcomes children aged six and over, and those aged 6-12 stay for half price when they share a dome with a parent. The Suite Dome Loft is ideal for families, sleeping up to four with an extra double bed in the loft area. Some of the camp's outdoor excursions and activities are limited to older kids and teens, and overall, it's a destination best suited to active and outdoorsy families.

Wildlife

Torres del Paine National Park is home to plentiful wildlife, including over 25 mammal and 100 bird species. The camp's low-impact design (including unobtrusive solar lighting) means many animals frequent the surrounding grasslands. You'll likely spot grey foxes, guanacos, and huemuls (a small Andean deer); lucky travelers might glimpse more elusive creatures like pumas and condors.

Sustainability

Patagonia EcoCamp has been fully carbon neutral since 2007, and it implements many other sustainable and eco-friendly practices. Walkways and domes are elevated to minimize erosion and leave the surrounding nature untouched, and the use of composting toilets and biofiltration systems help replenish the soil. Furniture and building materials are sourced from renewable timber, firewood is gathered from natural dead wood throughout the park, and the kitchen uses local and seasonal ingredients from Patagonian suppliers. You can even book a specific "sustainability tour" to get a closer look at the camp's innovative programs.