Patagonia is one of those bucket list destinations that anyone with even a small desire for adventure or love of the great outdoors should visit at least once in their lives. It covers vast, varied and dramatic landscapes, from fjords, lakes and glaciers to rainforests, deserts and grasslands. When many people think of Patagonia, they think exclusively of Argentina, but that would be to miss out — 10% of the region is in fact in Southern Chile (it’s here that you’ll find the jaw-dropping Torres del Paine National Park). Accommodation options across Patagonia are as varied as the scenery. For those with very deep pockets there are some unbelievable luxury properties in the remotest locations, but for those on a regular budget there are plenty of comfortable lodges and great little family friendly hotels that offer affordable rates. Design-conscious travellers will not be disappointed either, there are some seriously chic pads down here! We have scoured the region and selected our pick of the best hotels in Patagonia. To make it easier for you, we’ve grouped them into six geographical regions, and our advice is not to try to cover too much ground in one go (the distances between areas can be huge); you can always come back again!
Argentina's Lake District
San Carlos de Bariloche, in the province of Rio Negro in the foothills of the Andes, is at the heart of Argentina's lake district. Surrounded by the Nahuel Huapi National Park, this region, close to the Chilean border, is sometimes referred to as the 'garden of Patagonia' for its spectacular greenery, beautiful lakes, and dramatic mountain scenery. Below we have highlighted a few of the amazing places to stay in the region, but for more ideas, check out our full list of recommendations of the best places to stay in Bariloche.
- A few miles up the lakeside from Bariloche (as the town is commonly known) is the chic Aldebaran Hotel and Spa, a mountain lodge with epic lake views. Atmospheric rooms mix traditional charm with contemporary style, with French windows leading onto private terraces. Stunning local cuisine is on offer here. It's a perfect place to experience the beauties of the lake district.
- If you want to be closer to town, and yet still right on the lake, check out the Charming Luxury Lodge and Private Spa, which enjoys a dramatic cliff top location and equally dramatic lake views. The suites and lodges are secluded and some boast private hot tubs and saunas.
- And for somewhere off the beaten track, consider the wonderful Estancia Peuma Hue, a charming lodge boasting spectacular views across a tranquil lake towards jagged mountains. Cosy rooms are traditional in style with Argentine artefacts, exposed stone and plenty of pine. The home-cooked meals are fabulous. A cosy lounge is the ideal place to curl up with a book. Spectacular.
- Last, to the north and close to the charming small town of Villa La Angostura is the Luma Casa de Montana, another lakeside property with spectacular Patagonian views. Eight beautifully designed suites in soft hues feature free standing baths, wooden floors and large terraces. There's both an indoor and an outdoor pool, a spa and a billiards room. The regional cuisine is fabulous.
The Chilean Lake District
The Lake District in Chile is something of a hidden gem, with a string of lakes nestled in the mountainous Andes, close to the border with Argentina. Inca civilisation never reached here, and it was not finally colonised by the Europeans until the late 19th century - a fact that adds to its sense of remoteness. With lush farmland and dense forest, overlooked by snowcapped volcanoes, this is an area that merits serious consideration if you want to 'get away form it all'. Here are three great places to stay:
- Nestled in the lee of the snowcapped Osorno volcano, Petrohué Lodge is a simple yet charming hotel which offers panoramic views of Todos los Santos Lake. Private cabins are perfect for a family stay, and some of the rooms have working fireplaces. It's also just minutes from the famous Petrohué Waterfalls.
- Travelling south, you come to Los Caiquenes, situated on Llanquihue lakefront a few miles outside the Germanic town of Puerto Varas, a popular Chilean lakes tourist destination. This modern lodge style hotel features cosy, country-style interiors and offers spacious rooms with, as you would expect, great views. Make use of their pool or sit back and enjoy the view from the hot tub.
- Fundo Chollinco Lodge is a charming eco-hotel of just five self-contained guest lodges, nestled in the Valdívia Forest on the shores of the Calcurrupe River and a couple of miles from the shore of Ranco Lake. Accommodation is spread across five self-contained guest lodges; book Casa Chucao for great river views and a terrace hot tub. Enjoy a fishing trip with hotel experts.
The Valdes Peninsula
While the areas of Patagonia to the west, in the Andes and its foothills, might be famed for their dramatic landscapes, the remote UNESCO heritage Valdes peninsula in eastern Argentina, on the Atlantic ocean, is the number one destination for wildlife in Patagonia, in particular marine mammals. Its nature reserve and surrounding waters is home to an amazing array of marine animals, such as whales, Magellanic penguins, sea lions and elephant seals. We have picked out two great places to base yourself, below. For further options, especially if you want to explore the Patagonian Welsh culture of this region, see the best places to stay in Puerto Madryn.
- To experience authentic Patagonian wildlife and truly immerse yourself, there no better place to bed down than the Estancia Rincón Chico, voted by National Geographic as one of the best lodges in Argentina. It's simply built, but in a wild and spectacular location overlooking the ocean. Comfortable guestrooms feature wooden floors, plush throws and heritage furniture, plus beautiful views. Unwind in the cosy living room after a bracing beach walk or wildlife excursion; a unique country retreat.
- Just across the Golfo Nuevo is El Pedral. It's a family-friendly, traditional 'estancia' offering plenty of opportunity to discover the biodiverse richness of the landscape and wildlife, both by land and sea. There are good family options available, and rooms boast rich linens, wooden floors and heritage furniture. Don't miss the whale watching, or trips to see the unique Magellanic penguins.
Los Glaciares National Park
Los Glaciares National Park is located in the southwest of Santa Cruz Province in Argentina. Comprised of a National Park and a National Reserve, this World Heritage site covers over 600,000 hectares, half of which are glaciers, the most famous of which is the the Perito Moreno Glacier that feeds Lake Argentino. Many of these glaciers are fed by the massive South Patagonian Ice Field, effectively a massive freshwater reservoir.
There are some truly spectacular places to stay in Los Glaciares. For a full range of options, see the best places to stay in Santa Cruz Province, or check out our pick of the bunch below.
- Starting at the northern end of the national park, Explora El Chaltén offers stunning views of the Electric Valley and the Marconi Glacier, and is a great base for expeditions into this incredible landscape, all of which can be arranged by the hotel. It's not cheap, but the very best of Patagonian cuisine is served here and there's a spoiling luxury spa to greet the weary explorer. A rejuvenating stay for those seeking privacy and silence.
- For a more affordable option, the homely Estancia Helsingfors is a nine room luxury lodge by Lake Viedma. Simple though cosy guestrooms feature wooden floors, plush linens and super comfortable beds; book a family room to accommodate children. Relax by the fireplace after a day's trek to the Blue Lagoon; an inviting lodge surrounded by nature.
- Moving further south, we come to the remote Estancia Cristina, a secluded lodge boasting epic views of the hanging glaciers and surrounding mountains. Large airy rooms feature bay windows, soft patterning and sink-into beds. They cook fine gourmet regional cuisine accompanied by an excellent wine list. You could spend days here exploring the national park on foot or by horse.
- Not far from the shores of Lake Argentino is the fabulous Eolo, another remote luxury lodge in an outstanding location. It's a good starting point for exploring the Perito Moreno glacier, about 25 miles to the west. Rooms are simply designed with emphasis given to the surrounding views, admired from enormous windows and terraces. It's another hotel with a fabulous spa. This is authentic Patagonia in serious style.
- Finally, if you ride horses, look no further than the nearby Estancia Nibepo Aike, a traditional sheep farm turned cosy hotel. It's homely and welcoming, with parquet flooring and roaring fires. The outstanding location makes this the ideal starting point for exploring the hidden glaciers by horse. An adventurers paradise.
Torres del Paine National Park
30 miles south of Lake Argentino you reach the Chilean border, the other side of which is the Torres del Paine national park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Long considered the 8th wonder of the world, with its towering granite peaks and rugged landscape, it's the perfect destination for a hiking holiday or a peaceful rural retreat. For the full list of great places to stay here, visit the best places to stay in Torres del Paine. Below, we have picked out a couple of favourites.
- Patagonia Camp is a unique collection of simply yet elegant luxury yurts nestled into the hill overlooking a stunning lake. Great views and a magical silence make this the ultimate away-from-it-all vacation.
- Tierra Patagonia is a stunning property at the edge of the National Park. It's expensive, but it has amazing architecture, offering minimalist rooms made of wood and glass. Designed by three of Chile's most renowned architects, it has a pampering spa, an indoor pool and a gourmet restaurant. Worth every penny in our opinion.
- At the other end of the scale, the 15 room Estancia Cerro Guido is a traditional Patagonian ranch with simple, rustic rooms with great hiking all around. It's remote, but they have an excellent restaurant.
- Last, to the south of the park in Puerto Natales, the Remota hotel is another modern architectural property that sits beautifully within its stunning waterside surroundings. Minimalistic design throughout gives a light airy feel and frames the wonderful views. There's a spoiling spa and Torres del Paine provides space for endless adventures. A chic rural escape.
Tierra del Fuego
Uniquely, this area of Patagonia spans both Chile and Argentina.
On the Chilean side, there a number of good places to stay in Punta Arenas. It's actually just across the straits from the island of Tierra del Fuego, but a ferry provides easy access, and it's a great jumping off point for expeditions, as well as those to Antarctica.
- Probably the best of them is the Hotel Jose Nogueira, incongruous perhaps given what else is available in Patagonia, but nevertheless a great place to base yourself, while at the same time being in the heart of the town. Elegant and neoclassical in style, it has plush and spacious rooms and a great restaurant and bar.
On the Argentian side, hotels are clustered around the port of Ushuaia. However, there are two properties a little way out of town that give you direct access to the wild landscape of this end of the earth location.
- Arakur feels a bit like a Swiss mountain hotel at the top of a ski lift, but the views are amazing, sited as it is on the naturally occurring platform in the Cerro Alarkén nature reserve, with direct line of sight across the Beagle channel. Contemporary rooms are super comfortable with, crisp, white linens and panoramic views of the mountains; book a senior suite for extra living space.
- Meanwhile, on the other side of the town up on the side of the mountain is Cumbres del Martial, a charming and affordable mountain lodge set in a forest, next to the Buena Esperanza stream. Choose from a range of private cabins or book a luxury suite for split-level living space and a hot tub. Have tea and cake at the hotel café. This is a lovely place to stay.
Still not sure where to book?