Torres del Paine Lodges: A Travel Designer's Insider Guide (2024)
My passion for Patagonia is twofold: as a travel designer, I have spent the past eight years sending people all over the world, and perhaps no destination has a higher satisfaction rate amongst my clients than Torres del Paine. Yet my relationship with Patagonia began long before my days at Craft. My parents are both Chilean, and my siblings and I spent our childhoods incredibly connected to this breathtaking part of the world. I had always known how it made me feel, but I attributed that largely to the fact that the destination held special significance for my family and me. Interestingly enough, it wasn’t until I started my career in travel that I grasped just how exceptional this southernmost corner of South America was on an objective, global level.
The exceptionality of Patagonia, combined with the likelihood of travelers falling in love with it, makes it an “easy” destination to sell. But the reality is that it’s not a particularly easy destination for planning. To get started, you have to consider two countries -Argentina and Chile- and determine which one to focus on, or how to optimize a combination of both. You then have to pick the specific regions, most of which are separated by hundreds to thousands of miles, glaciers, the Andes or all of the above. As the season is relatively short, availability is always a challenge. And then you must determine which Patagonia lodge is right for you.
Today I’ll focus strictly on luxury lodges in Torres del Paine National Park on the Chilean side of Patagonia for several reasons. First off, Torres del Paine is -or should be, in my opinion- the cornerstone of any first timer’s true immersion into Patagonia. It’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, especially hikers. This breathtaking region is home to granite peaks, enormous glaciers, and vibrant blue lakes—landscapes so stunning they feel otherworldly. Despite dealing with overcrowding in recent years, with the correct choice of accommodation you can insulate yourself a bit from the crowds (hence why the lodge you select is crucial!).
Secondly, I recently spent several weeks in Chilean Patagonia, taking my young children for their first visit to Torres del Paine. With fresh intel from this trip, I have a somewhat evolved perspective on what works best and for whom. Our goal is to provide our clients with insightful guidance to help align them with the “right” experience. In the case of Torres del Paine, choosing the right lodge is essential, as it will dictate everything from the types of excursions you do, to the distances you have to travel, to the style (and quality) of food you’ll be eating. The right one will elevate your experience, and while there is no “wrong” one per se, choosing a lodge that simply isn’t your style will have implications. All of the lodges I explored are located in or near Torres del Paine, and each has its strengths and quirks, which I have outlined further below.
Explora Lodge
Explora was the first luxury lodge to open in Torres del Paine in 1993, so it rightly deserves the first mention in this post. **It’s important to note that with the recent opening of Explora Lodge in Patagonia National Park (a result of the generous donation of land by North Face founder and trailblazing conservationist Douglas Tompkins), the nomenclature can now get a bit confusing. The following review is strictly for the original Explora Torres del Paine, which had previously always been referred to as “Explora Patagonia”.
The lodge is located in the heart of the national park on the shores of Lake Pehoe. The higher category Cordillera del Paine rooms offer some of the region’s most iconic, postcard-like views. Explora has always been known for its stellar excursions (their lodge in Peru’s Sacred Valley has redefined experiential travel to the region) and their flagship Torres del Paine property is no exception: the lodge offers the most varied excursions of any hotels in the region. Along with some of the region’s most innovative single-day hikes, they also have a private catamaran that takes you directly to the French Valley trailhead and towards Grey Glacier.
What I enjoyed:
Unbeatable location inside the park minimizes driving time versus lodges outside, making it a great fit for people focused on the iconic W-circuit hikes.
For families that have children that are active and love exploring together, this is the right choice, as some lodges do not accept children over a certain age.
The private catamaran simplifies logistics for hikes to French Valley and Grey Glacier, which is harder to coordinate at other lodges.
What I wished were different:
The lobby area can be busy and noisy during peak hours, especially around dining times, which may not suit privacy seekers.
Room views vary, and the more striking Cordillera del Paine category comes with a higher price tag.
Food quality has declined in recent years.
The spa is detached from the main building, which can make it uncomfortable to access in cold weather while wearing a robe.
Tierra Patagonia
Nothing is quite as architecturally stunning as Tierra Patagonia. Located on the shore of Lake Sarmiento - the largest lake in the area - this rain-fed lake stands out with its striking deep blue color. The area around the lake is rich in wildlife, including guanacos, rheas, and the occasional pumas.
With Lake Sarmiento as its backdrop, Tierra Patagonia is beautifully crafted from native lenga wood that is native to southern Patagonia. Every space, from the rooms to the dining areas and spa, offers breathtaking views of the Paine Massif. With its calming ambiance, Tierra Patagonia presents a balance of adventure and relaxation, making it ideal for those who occasionally want to skip a hike for some indulgent downtime at their spa.
What I enjoyed:
The lodge offers the best amenities in the region, including an indoor pool, outdoor Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room for post hike relaxation.
Stunning views from every room
The hotel’s design offers spaces for both socializing and privacy, accommodating a range of guest preferences.
What I wished were different:
Being located outside the park means longer drives to the main trailheads.
Recent ownership changes after Covid may impact the traditionally Chilean feel of the lodge, an evolving aspect that would be good to keep an eye on.
The meals aren’t as impressive as they used to be.
Awasi
If I’m being fully transparent, I have a favorite Patagonian child and her name is Awasi. 😄 You simply cannot beat the experience, with essentially impeccable hard and soft product. Awasi’s defining characteristic is personalized luxury: each villa is paired with a private guide and 4x4 vehicle, providing unmatched freedom to explore the vastness of Torres del Paine at your own pace.
While it’s true that other lodges can arrange private excursions, the experience is neither as elevated nor as well-designed as Awasi’s. Beyond hiking, they provide a dynamic array of activities—such as horseback riding, biking, and photographic safaris—all included within the nightly rate. Each villa features breathtaking views, framing Los Torres, Lake Sarmiento, and the Patagonian Steppe.
Awasi also offers an exclusive outing to Sierra Baguales, which goes beyond the typical Torres del Paine visit. Baguales is rich with fossils and dotted with herds of guanacos, while gauchos carry out their daily routines on horseback. The scenery is absolutely incredible.
What I enjoyed:
Each villa is assigned its own private guide and vehicle, making exploration flexible and tailored to your interests.
All villas have stunning views of Los Torres, Lake Sarmiento and the steppe.
The service is impeccable and the range of activities beyond hiking offer a truly dynamic Patagonian experience.
What I wished were different:
Expect longer drives to reach Torres del Paine National Park due to the lodge’s remote location.
Being a Relais & Chateaux hotel, the evening meals are sophisticated, which may not suit those eager for simpler, more robust food after a hike.
Traditional spas are not offered, which is a deliberate decision by Awasi, but instead, in villa therapies can be offered.
Booking in advance is highly recommended, as availability is challenging due to very high demand.
Patagonia Camp
Set on the shores of Lake Toro and outside Torres del Paine National Park, Patagonia Camp continues to shine year after year. The lodge stands out with its luxury yurts, offering comfort and closeness to nature in a peaceful setting. Although it is located approximately one hour from the National Park, there are hiking trails right from the lodge, where nobody in sight is seen. The guides are passionate and very knowledgeable, with clear knowledge about the flora, fauna and history of Torres del Paine.
What I enjoyed:
The setting is very peaceful, and offers the option for both social interaction in communal spaces or privacy in your individual yurts.
The guides’ knowledge and passion will enhance your connection to the region.
The food is wholesome and delicious, adding to the cozy camp experience.
What I wished were different:
The lodge is outside the park, requiring longer drives.
Patagonia’s famous wind can make the canvas yurts noisy, so it may not be best suited for light sleepers.
Availability is challenging here due to high demand, so it is best to book well in advance.
Estancia Cerro Guido
If there is a lodge with a soul, this is it. Over 100 years old, this historic estancia makes you wonder how the gauchos were able to live in such a remote part of the world. There is a sense of authenticity when you stay here, since you are sleeping in houses that were once for the estancia workers. From the dining area, you can see the gauchos herding the sheep and there are horses roaming around the property. You feel right at home at Estancia Cerro Guido and the staff are so warm and friendly. It is a wonderful choice for families, offering insight into Patagonian ranch life, encounters with gauchos and opportunities to engage in conservation projects to promote the coexistence of wildlife and livestock.
What I enjoyed:
This is a great place for families, especially with children, to connect with Chilean culture and history through ranching activities like sheep herding.
The estancia is committed to conservation, to promote the coexistence between wildlife and the farmers.
The food is exceptionally good, offering lots of variety, even for a long term stay of 5 to 7 nights.
This lodge feels the most ‘Chilean’, with Chilean staff and historical character.
What I wished were different:
Expect long drives to and from the national park.
Fewer active excursion options make it less appealing for those focused on hiking. Some trips to Torres del Paine may not be offered daily.
Final Thoughts
Which lodge do you feel aligns best with your travel style?
For adults, I would return to Awasi time and time again. The privacy of my own villa, paired with hours spent soaking in the outdoor hot tub while admiring the views, and our own private guide and vehicle, made it worth the price tag. It exudes understated luxury—elegant yet unpretentious. I also love the flexibility of hopping on and off the private vehicle to capture photos, pivot plans on a whim, and search for pumas along the way. And while the price tag isn’t low, the value is objectively quite high, particularly when booked as part of a combination with Awasi’s other properties in Atacama and/or Iguazu Falls (on the Argentinean side), unlocking some very appealing offers.
When traveling with young children, as I did on this most recent trip, Estancia Cerro Guido is an ideal choice, particularly from a value standpoint. My kids had the freedom to explore the property, visit the horse stables to feed the horses, and even befriend the working gauchos, joining them in their daily tasks. These immersive, hands-on experiences made us feel right at home. Ultimately, Estancia Cerro Guido is more than a place to stay and hike in Torres del Paine; it is an experience rooted in the soul of Patagonia.
For highly active couples, friends or families with adult children who aren’t necessarily interested in traditional “luxury” and enjoy the camaraderie of small group excursions with other lodge guests, it is hard to beat Patagonia Camp. There is something about those iconic yurts and the idyllic lakeside setting that sticks with virtually everyone who visits. As with everything these days it’s certainly no bargain, but compared to Awasi it is more affordable.
I think that Tierra Patagonia is a fantastic option for honeymooners, or those looking to really utilize the facilities and relax while taking in breathtaking views, rather than strictly focus on excursions. If you are a spa person, Tierra Patagonia is the place for you.
To fuly immerse yourself in the experiences this region offers, I recommend staying for at least four nights. This destination pairs seamlessly with other regions in Chile, such as the Atacama Desert or Easter Island, and even with nearby Argentinian highlights like El Calafate and El Chalten. If you are nterested in learning more how Torres del Paine can fit into your next adventure, I would be delighted to speak with you!
