accommodation specifics
The main concepts kept in mind when designing the EcoCamp were the followings:
• To be exposed to nature as in a camp tent but with the comfort and sophistication of a four stars hotel
• Design and build interfering as little as possible with the environment. This hotel is not meant to be seen. We are not interested on advertising EcoCamp on site
• Take advantage of the sight. EcoCamp gives sight to the Torres del Paine granite pillars right from the dinning room and from many dormitory domes
• The nomadic spirit should be brought alive, lets make the hotel portable, so when moving, very little tracks of our previous existence on site will be left
• We should allow the terrain to recover after each season, let the grass grow, the animals graze, the sun shines and the wind blow all over the place, since the domes are removed each winter.
• The wind is an active part of Patagonia. The canvas that covers the domes will react to the wind. You will be perfectly comfortable on bed but aware that nature is outside knocking at the door
• The skies in Patagonia can be spectacular at night; allow guests to fall asleep looking at the stars above
• Days in Patagonia are long from 5:30AM to 11PM and the best light for photographs is at dusk and down. The domes let the light flood the interior warning you that day is on. Grab your camera and get out to catch the first lights striking the mountains
• We came this far to be outdoors, make the indoor amenities as little as possible
• Maximum capacity will be 56 guests so the feeling of intimacy, the idea of being in a Nomadic convoy will be kept even if the EcoCamp is full.
Patagonia EcoCamp design was inspired on the traditional Kawesqar hut resembling and igloo and a dome at the same time. The semi-hemispherical structure of the EcoCamp domes is formed by a number of isosceles triangles that provides uniform distribution of the stress caused by severe wind loads. Wind speed in Patagonia often surpasses 160-180km per hour which makes traditional straight and flat walls extremely vulnerable if the structure is meant to be light. Other significant aspect is that rounded bodies minimize the external surface in contact with the cold environment allowing less exchange of temperature with the warm interiors. Finally, semi-hemisphere gave Kawesqars the maximum internal space in relation to the surface they had to cover with valuable and sometimes scarce animal skins. Patagonia EcoCamp is a tribute to Kawesqar dwellings and way of life.
Additional Excursions at EcoCamp Patagonia
Patagonia fly-fishing and a day trip to the famous Perito Moreno glacier near El Calafate, Argentina, are two new EcoCamp Extras that you can book as an extension to your stay at EcoCamp. 1- or 2-day fly-fishing prices start at $497 per person and include EcoCamp Suite Dome accommodation, evening meal, fly-fishing equipment and practical lessons with an expert. Book the 24-hour Torres del Paine to Perito Moreno excursion, starting at $410 per person, for a boat ride to the 230-foot glacier wall as well as an EcoCamp Suite Dome accommodation and evening meal.
Accommodations at EcoCamp Patagonia
Suite Domes - are comfortable 28mt2/ 300 ft2 tented igloo-type double domes. Each dome has a private bathroom, comfortable double or twin beds, and it is heated by a modern low-emission wood stove. In addition, every dome has its own composting device to process waste. Electricity is generated with a micro hydro turbine and solar panels. EcoCamp's Suite domes are located in a Lenga (beech) forest next to the existing standard domes but allowing enough distance so as to create a separate and independent atmosphere with more refinement and comfort. The domes are set up with enough space between them to provide adequate intimacy and introspection.
Superior Domes - are 23mt² / 250 ft² semispherical tented domes equipped with private bathrooms and a comfortable queen size bed. They also have an innovative compost device for generated waste and electric stove for heating the interior.
Core Domes – are where you go for meals and gatherings. There are three Core Domes interconnected with dormitory domes via raised wooden walkways. Dining takes place at two connected Giant Domes, 9m/ 30ft in diameter and 4.5m/13.5ft tall. The space inside is bright and airy with large windows offering a panoramic view of the Paine granite towers. Each of the Core Domes has a low-emission wood stove. There is a bar, three different resting areas, and a small shop.
Meals at EcoCamp Patagonia
One of the most popular features of EcoCamp is its delicious and plentiful food! Following is a short description of the meals served:
Breakfast
All that you will find at home: fruits, whole grain and white bread toast, cheese, scrambled eggs, butter, peanut butter, jam, cereals, granola, yogurt, milk, juice, honey, ham, coffee, tea, herb teas, and much more.
Box Lunch
Called a buffet box lunch - it is prepared after breakfast by each client before starting the excursion. Find a pretty big table full of tasty elements to prepare a great sandwich: whole grain and white bread, cheeses, tuna, chicken, turkey ham, beef, salami, sauces, variety of vegetables, hard boiled eggs, and more; additionally find chocolate and granola bars, nuts and fruits.
Lunch or Dinner
It starts with a cocktail consisting of our famous pisco sour and different small appetizers. Then the meal starts with a local soup and is followed by a piece of white or red meat with rice, potatoes or vegetables, everything accompanied by good Chilean wine - we provide a bottle per each 3 persons. Finally a cup of coffee or herb teas with a delicious dessert will crown the meal. The meals often vary to make client experience different flavors and local preparations.
*We also serve vegetarian and gluten-free meals if indicated with anticipation when booking.
Clients can also buy: juices, sodas, beers, wines and alcoholic drinks.
After-Dinner Bar Activities
There are a number of social activities offered each night, such as Chilean wine tasting, pisco sour making classes, film showings, live music and wildlife talks.