EcoCamp is for those yearning for a luxurious yet eco-conscious stay, while experiencing the rugged beauty of Patagonian landscapes. Gemma Harris reports
“This is Patagonia; if you don’t like the weather right now, give it five minutes,” expressed my EcoCamp guide as he saw me remove my sunhat and sunglasses, looking up unconvincingly at the dark Chilean skies. But he was right. We took the EcoCamp minibus to begin the scenic transfer from Puerto Natales to the camp, and in the hour-and-a-half journey, we experienced extreme wind, sunshine, and a flurry of rain. Welcome to Patagonia.
Nestled away on its own hill within the heart of the iconic Torres Del Paine National Park, we reached the camp – and the world’s first geodesic dome hotel. My dome – of the “superior” kind – was located on its own piece of wilderness, jutting out off one of the many boardwalks that connected the individual domes, with breathtaking views peering up at the imposing triplet of towers.
These raised boardwalks are designed to ensure we didn’t trample through the park and had less impact, one of the many sustainable features considered throughout EcoCamp’s design and ethos. The camp is powered by solar, wind and micro-hydro turbines and keen not to hide behind their eco-conscious brochure, they offered daily tours delving into the hotel’s sustainability initiatives.
The most basic option – “standard” – features a comfortable twin or double with a shared bathroom, escalating to the “superior” and “suite” domes with en-suites, the latter offering more space and a low-emission wood stove. The fully functional en-suite options with a modern composting toilet and hot rain shower with fragrant biodegradable bathroom products were perfect after a hard day on the trails.
The friendly guides ensure you leave, firstly with little impact and then take with you the knowledge of everything they know about the national park’s geology, history, and wildlife. Although not guaranteed, wildlife encounters can include anything from soaring condors to galloping guanacos. You may even be lucky enough to have an endangered South Andean deer (huemul) overtake you in the Patagonian forest or spot the resident camp puma.
Breakfast was also the time you got your lunch – while it may not seem luxurious to DIY your lunch in the morning, it was understandable why. The lunch station was brimming with nutritious and tasty dishes that you could choose to fill your reusable lunch box to then look forward to after a morning walking up the “Patagonia flat”.
Dinners didn’t disappoint either. Three courses were varied and made up of fresh, local and seasonal ingredients – from Chilean scallops to Patagonian lamb racks. All are served with free-flowing Chilean wine.
With the usual luxury hotels gifting you various products, EcoCamp – alongside a reusable tote bag and sustainability-focused field guidebook – gifts you with the best memories and experience, leaving less impact. Thanks to their fully carbon-neutral status and having offset emissions since 2008, your emissions are covered from the moment the programme begins.
For souvenirs, you can exit through the gift shop, where the “welcome dome” showcases several handmade gifts and local creations with proceeds supporting their own animal refuge.
VERDICT:
Patagonia has long been on my list, and being all about the outdoorsy adventure with a lean toward unique, luxury and eco-conscious accommodation options meant EcoCamp was the best way to experience Torres Del Paine.