My experience at EcoCamp Patagonia

Where is EcoCamp Patagonia located?

EcoCamp Patagonia is nestled inside Torres del Paine National Park, in the Magallanes Region, southern Chilean Patagonia.

Generally, you’ll need to catch a flight to Santiago, Chile’s capital, and then hop on a domestic flight to Puerto Natales. Looking for the best airfare deals? Skyscanner has your back!

Check out where EcoCamp Patagonia is located on the map:

What you need to know about Torres del Paine National Park

Torres del Paine National Park is already breathtaking in photos, but to truly feel its power and admire it with your heart, not just your eyes, you need to experience it in person. Spanning over 227,000 hectares, the park offers stunning landscapes, abundant wildlife, and towering granite peaks that will leave you in awe.

During my 17-day trip to the Puerto Natales region, I spent 7 days at the park, and it felt impossible to get tired of it. Due to its unstable weather, the scenery transforms daily, turning each sunrise into a brand-new experience.

My first day in the park was during the opening of ATWS 2025, a global adventure travel event organized by Adventure Travel Trade Association, which selected me alongside other journalists and content creators to cover the event. Afterward, I spent two days on a puma tracking tour, spotting an impressive four of these elusive cats each day. To wrap up the trip, I spent four more unforgettable days (three nights) at EcoCamp, hiking easy to moderate trails and exploring different areas within the park.

Beyond the wildlife—pumas, guanacos, condors, huemuls, rheas, foxes, and more—brave travelers from all around the globe flock to this destination to tackle the iconic W and O circuits. For those seeking a more relaxed experience, there are also accessible trails, breathtaking viewpoints, marvelous waterfalls, lakes, and so much more to explore!

Before exploring one of the most beautiful places in the world, it’s essential to keep in mind that:

Also, keep in mind that the weather can change dramatically in a short period of time, and your plans might need to be adjusted at the last minute. Remember, this is a natural feature of the region, and it can happen regardless of where you’re staying or which agency you’ve booked with.

The history and concept of EcoCamp Patagonia

Now that you know a bit more about the park, let’s dive into EcoCamp Patagonia! This unique accommodation embraces the concept of glamping, a luxurious style of camping. It blends the spirit of adventure and the magic of being immersed in nature with the comfort of a high-quality hotel.

Founded in 2001 by three Chilean kayakers and friends, who also founded the Cascada Expediciones agency in 1991, EcoCamp Patagonia was designed with innovation and environmental awareness in mind. Besides being the world’s first geodesic dome hotel, it was created with a deep concern for the delicate ecosystem it inhabits.

As a travel journalist specializing in sustainable tourism, I looked deeply into the hotel’s practices to see if it truly embraces sustainability, and I was pleasantly surprised. Below, check out some of EcoCamp Patagonia’s initiatives.

The entire waste management system, including composting and recycling, earned the hotel the LATA Responsible Tourism Award in 2025.

I find it amazing that, even in 2026, we still need to discuss basic sustainability practices in hospitality, while this hotel has been eco-conscious since its opening in 2001. This is likely the most environment-committed accommodation for its guest capacity (up to 76 guests) that I’ve ever encountered.

Elaine Villatoro

Arrival at the hotel

When getting there, we’re greeted in front of the reception, a dome that, when the weather cooperates, reveals the legendary towers in the background. Inside, guests complete check-in and can browse the on-site shop, filled with products that highlight the work of local artisans. Afterward, we’re guided to our room and given all the necessary instructions for our stay.

Domes & Travel packages

EcoCamp Patagonia offers packages that, when booked directly with them, include not only accommodation but also round-trip shared transfers, meals, excursions, and entry to the National Park. There are four types of accommodations available, check out a summary of each one below, along with the price range per person, per night, with minimum and maximum costs depending on the season.

*The costs ​​above were collected in January 2026 and are subject to change at any time.

The low season runs from September 7th to 30th and from May 1st to 4th. The months of April and October are part of the shoulder season. The high season lasts from November 1st to March 31st, with the busiest period of the year falling between December 15th and January 14th.

Children aged 6 and up are welcome. When sharing the room with their parents, children up to 12 years old receive a 50% discount on the room rates. Shared transfers are included and available to/from El Calafate, Puerto Natales or Punta Arenas airports.

My dome

I stayed in the Suite Dome, the accommodation highlighted in the table above, for 3 nights. Upon entering the room, I was given instructions on how to use the composting toilet, heater, and fireplace. The room had hot water for coffee or tea, extra blankets for when needed, and waste bins for recycling. The macramé details adorning the windows made me feel as if I was nestled in a fairy-tale cocoon. 🧚🏼‍♀️

My dome was number 5, and I had this perfect view of the towers, which revealed themselves in a different way each day. It’s a great privilege to be surrounded by this untouched, ancient energy, and it’s incredible to think about the dinosaurs that once roamed here and how everything was once underwater.

This dry toilet is very simple to use, and I’ve explained all the details in my Instagram highlights. I did notice a faint smell coming from the composting system below, but it wasn’t an issue for me. I’m just pointing it out so you’re aware in case it might be a concern for you. The shower stall is quite small, so I imagine it could be a bit difficult for very tall individuals or those with a larger build.

Restaurant

Let’s talk about food? Their restaurant will amaze you! They cater to everyone—vegetarians, vegans, and those who are lactose or gluten intolerant won’t feel left out. The menu always features options inspired by traditional Chilean cuisine.

Breakfast and lunch

Just thinking about this breakfast makes my stomach beg to go back. Fresh fruits, cheeses, unique paste spreads for the bread, natural yogurt, all kinds of milk, nuts, and more. It was here that I tried tempeh—a fermented soybean product—for the first time, and I loved it!

Something that absolutely fascinated me was that, during breakfast, we were given a reusable container to pack our lunch for the day’s excursions. So much more sustainable, healthier, and tastier than what most companies offer.

I created the “Elaine’s burrito,” which became a hit—everyone who tried it loved it! I filled a tortilla with a vegetable paste, prosciutto, mozzarella and brie cheese, lettuce, tofu, and a drizzle of honey. If you give it a try, come back and let me know what you think.

Throughout the excursion, we could snack on treats the guides brought along. My favorite snack was a bar made with peanut butter, crispy rice, and honey—amazing! For drinks, there were water and juice available. At the end of the tours, we could also get Austral beer. I became addicted to the version with calafate, a berry native to Patagonia.

Cocktail

Before dinner, guests can gather for a drink at the bar. It’s during this time that the guides take the opportunity to share the briefing for the next day’s excursion. Guests are offered, free of charge, one alcoholic and one non-alcoholic beverage option, typically inspired by traditional drinks or made with ingredients native to Patagonia. Additional drinks and cocktails are also available for purchase.

Dinner

Each day, we received a menu with three options for starter, main course, and dessert, always including vegan choices. Delicious wines from the Colchagua Valley were included, unlimited. The presentation of the dishes was also remarkable.

You can choose from various tour packages. Mine was EcoCamp Wildlife Safari, a four-day package, and each day I could choose from three available excursions. The guides speak Spanish and English, and some know a bit of Portuguese.

1. EcoTour

Every day at 5 p.m., one of the staff members leads a quick EcoTour around the property, showcasing EcoCamp Patagonia’s sustainability initiatives and answering guests’ questions. Although this tour is optional, I highly recommend participating! This experience helps us rethink our habits and become more mindful about the accommodations we choose in the future. Our decisions matter, both in daily life and when traveling.

2. Relax in the social areas

Whether you need a break to read a book, make new friends, or jot down the emotions you’re experiencing on this vacation, there’s no shortage of spots to unwind around here!

3. Massage and Yoga

The hotel also features domes for massage and yoga classes. I didn’t get a massage, but my yoga class was truly special. Here’s a glimpse of some insights I had during my stay and my yoga class at EcoCamp Patagonia:

4. Tours and Trails

Fox tip 🦊: Want to go on a puma tracking excursion? I highly recommend checking with the EcoCamp team about the possibility of booking it with Chile Vida, one of their partners who does an incredible job!

Details worth highlighting

Printed handbook

In addition to the EcoTour, each dome at EcoCamp includes a handbook. This book provides details about how the hotel operates, its purpose, tips for being a conscious traveler during the trip, fire prevention warnings, and much more!

Van

The tours are organized by Cascada Travel. The vans are new, comfortable, and the drivers and guides are highly responsible. Everyone is required to wear a seatbelt to ensure a safe journey. Get ready to keep your nose pressed to the window wherever you go, as Torres del Paine National Park amazes at every turn.

The team

The entire team was incredibly friendly and attentive. I had the chance to chat with a few employees, and they seemed genuinely happy to work there. One of them even mentioned turning down a more financially attractive offer at a luxury hotel in the region because he felt a stronger connection to the culture and values of EcoCamp Patagonia.

I expected to see more locals from the Magallanes Region working at the hotel though. However, I heard some people mention that, due to its distance from Puerto Natales and the need to partially live on the property, locals’ interest tends to be lower. Meanwhile, people from other parts of Chile and even from other countries seem to be more ok with it.

Enjoyed your experience with the hotel staff? Show your appreciation with a tip! 🥰

My overall review of EcoCamp Patagonia

I really recommend EcoCamp Patagonia and can’t wait to return with my husband. Beyond the comfort, impeccable breakfast, and prime location, I met people with a true passion for what they do and witnessed exceptional care for the delicate environment in which the lodge is located. Based on what I observed, considering the hotel’s capacity and logistical challenges, they likely lead the way in responsible waste management and minimizing environmental impact in the region. It feels incredibly rewarding to sleep peacefully, knowing that our travel experience respects the surroundings and supports businesses that are making a difference.

Elaine Villatoro

Who is EcoCamp Patagonia for?

During my visit, it became clear that the profile of visitors is quite diverse in terms of age. However, the shared desire to connect with untouched nature, stay active, and embrace the unknown seemed to unite everyone. I saw everything from young travelers experiencing backpacking for the first time to retirees ready to photograph wildlife and explore hiking trails.

EcoCamp takes care of absolutely everything, you only need to focus on choosing your activities and meals. Even before your trip, they provide detailed instructions, including what to pack and how to physically prepare for more advanced hikes.

The lack of internet and cellphone signal in this remote area creates a rare opportunity to truly connect not just with nature, but also with the people around you. It makes this a perfect spot for forging new friendships, deepening connections with loved ones, or simply appreciating the quiet solitude.

I hope our review of the EcoCamp Patagonia hotel has helped answer any questions you might have and made your decision easier. Do you have any questions, opinions, or additional information to share about this accommodation? Write them in the comments below 🤗.

Custom travel itinerary to Chile

Would you like a personalized itinerary? My team can help! Just email [email protected] requesting a quote and providing your name, WhatsApp contact number, expected travel date, number of travelers, and a brief summary of what you hope to experience at the destination.

Extra tips

1) Get an eSIM

Getting an eSIM for your international travels can be a life-saver! With Airalo’s international eSIM, you get internet access as soon as you arrive in Chile.

Not familiar with this technology? In this article, we explain what an eSIM is and how it works.

2) Don’t forget to get travel insurance!

Always remember to take out travel insurance. World Nomads has a comprehensive coverage which includes adventure sports.

🦊 The sincere fox informs:
* All the prices mentioned in this article were collected in January 2026 and may be subject to taxes or change at any time.
** The photos featured in this post were taken by Elaine Villatoro.