Best hotels in Patagonia

Patagonia is a land of vast open spaces covering the southern reaches of Argentina and Chile. Promising silence and solitude, it’s a region of isolation and epic wilderness.

Be awestruck standing at the base of the mighty towers in Torres del Paine National Park, or witness the immense Perito Moreno glacier calving into Lago Argentino’s pristine waters with a shuddering thunder.

The range of accommodation options in this region is as diverse as the local experiences. Choose from traditional working estancias or world-class lodges with the finest dining and wine. One common thread is a sense of seclusion, hidden away from the world, at the core of your adventure and it’s important to choose the remote location to suit in Patagonia.

For a once-in-a-lifetime experience at the ends of the earth, Far & Wild expert Amanda has selected her favourite 'far' and very much 'wild' luxury hideaways.

El Chalten- Aguas Arriba

Lakeside Aguas Arriba is a remote gem accessible only by a 15-minute boat ride or a scenic hike. With no mobile signal or Wi-Fi, it offers a rare chance to disconnect and immerse in the natural beauty of the region. Hosting a maximum of 12 guests, Aguas Arriba ensures personalised attention from its equally numbered staff in a cosy, wooden chalet-style lodge.

The lodge provides breathtaking views of Fitz Roy Mountain and Vespignani Glacier. The all-inclusive program covers all meals and wine with meals, but the real highlight is the hiking. Unlike the busy trails near El Chaltén, the remote location of Aguas Arriba offers solitude on its scenic paths. Expert guides, familiar with the area, are available to accompany you on trails tailored to your interests and fitness levels, including hikes to hanging glaciers.

Far & Wild loves Aguas Arriba’s warm, inviting atmosphere and exceptional hospitality. It's a true slice of lakeside paradise you won't want to leave.

El Calafate - Estancia Cristina

Estancia Cristina is a remote, wild lodge nestled in Los Glaciares National Park. Surrounded by a landscape of glaciers, lakes, snowcapped peaks, rivers, and plains, access to the lodge is only available by catamaran, making the journey part of the adventure. Estancia Cristina offers a true sense of disconnection and immersion in the Patagonian wilderness.

Far & Wild loves Estancia Cristina for its authentic experience in the rugged, mountainous terrain of its 22,000-hectare estate. Despite its distance from El Calafate, guests will not be roughing it here. Estancia Cristina exudes a homely, charming atmosphere with true Patagonian style, having been run by the same family for over 100 years.

One of the lodge's highlights is its delicious à la carte dining. Guests can enjoy hearty Patagonian dishes, such as local Patagonia lamb, paired with smooth red wines from Argentina's renowned wine regions like Mendoza.

The range of excursions available directly from the estancia is the highlight of any stay. Guests can enjoy gentle horse riding along meandering rivers into the mountains, scale the rugged terrain in a 4x4 vehicle for breathtaking hikes, or simply marvel at the imposing Upsala Glacier. Estancia Cristina offers an unforgettable escape into the heart of Patagonian wilderness.

Puerto Natales - Singular Patagonia

Once a cold storage plant, this iconic building operated for over 50 years from its inauguration in 1915. The town of Puerto Natales was created to house the local workers, and the area was booming. Chilean Patagonia put itself on the map with a blend of Chileans and foreign workers.

After the Second World War, the plant ceased operations and lay derelict until Johnny MacLean Frasier, grandson of one of the original workers, bought the building and saved it from demolition. It was subsequently declared a national monument in 1996 and then transformed into a luxury hotel.

The result was the super luxurious Singular Patagonia, which opened in 2011. To date, this is perhaps my favourite hotel in the world... yes, it’s that amazing. Every detail has been carefully considered to enhance the guest experience, and you couldn’t want for better. Rooms are spacious, with elegant timeless design and the comfiest beds to ensure a deep, peaceful rest after the fresh air and adventures in Patagonia.

Top-notch food, such as the most tender guanaco steak or king crab, is served in the stylish restaurant, accompanied by Chilean wines like Casa Silva. I also have fond memories of the dulce de leche ‘mille-feuille’.

Aside from the food, the activities pack a punch as well. My personal favourite in this region will always be the trek to the base of the towers in the nearby Torres del Paine National Park. It’s a full day of walking, but the views are incomparable, alongside the sense of achievement from completing a world-class trek. Another special trip takes in Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers. The hotel operates its own boat, allowing the trip to be completed in half a day (most excursions to this area take a full day), meaning lunch back at the amazing restaurant and a full afternoon to explore more or indulge in a spa treatment.

Far & Wild simply loves this hotel and its true Patagonia experience, complete with traditional machinery crafted in Yorkshire!

Chiloe Island – Tierra Chiloe

Escape the popular lakefront hotels of Lake Llanquihue in the Chilean Lake District with a retreat to Chiloe Island. LATAM has daily flights to the island from Santiago, with another main hub in Puerto Montt on the mainland. The transfer via road and boat from Puerto Montt takes around three hours. Technically not super remote, but once settled in, you will feel miles from anywhere!

Tierra Chiloe is architecturally unique, with its entire design based on the island's ‘palafitos’, the traditional stilt houses famous on Chiloe Island. In a land of Mapuche culture, still deeply rooted in timeless traditions, you will be transported back in time. Moored outside the hotel is Willichue, Tierra’s private wooden boat used for many of the excursions.

Highlights of a stay on Chiloe Island include the vibrant capital of Castro with its traditional stilt houses, grand churches, and bustling craft markets. Immerse yourself in the local community, the cornerstone of life on the island. For a more isolated, wild experience, head to the Pacific Coast and Tepuhueico National Park. This rugged, wave-battered coast offers the kind of epic scenery you expect in Patagonia, almost reminiscent of Reynisfjara black sand beach in the south of Iceland, made famous by Game of Thrones.

Far & Wild loves this region of Chile as not many visitors make the effort to discover Chiloe Island but those that do are rewarded with a unique experience. Oh, and all the luxury and special touches offered by Tierra.

Pucon, Lake District - &Beyond Vira Vira

The most northerly of our featured hotels, &Beyond Vira Vira is a spectacular riverside property in Northern Patagonia, close to the lakeside town of Pucon and a short distance from the main airport in the region, Temuco.

Escape into this lush region and stay in the height of luxury, complemented by the service you would expect at a &Beyond property, along with exquisite cuisine and fine wines. We highly recommend the Villa Suites located along the river for an intimate experience, offering complete privacy and seclusion. These suites are perfect for couples or honeymooners, romantic in every aspect. Sit outside under clear starlit skies in your private hot tub.

Days are for adventure, and there is plenty to discover. A personal favourite is the snowshoe trek at Villarica Volcano. Experiencing this at the start of the season meant a decent snow coverage, even though the ski season had definitely ended. Complete seclusion and the sound of silence while soaking up the endless views. On the road to the border with Argentina, visit the curious monkey puzzle forest, another gem still covered in a blanket of snow. The guide knew the area intimately, and we dined out in the snow surrounded by nature.

Finally, the gentler option of floating along the Liucura River under beautiful blue skies, surrounded by the native forest. Bliss!

Far & Wild loves this peaceful retreat with its stunning location, fine cuisine, and endless options to discover the local area. Enjoy the exclusivity of this small lodge, bursting with local charm and its very own cheese factory, which the owner is very proud of!

Conclusion

Patagonia offers an unparalleled blend of rugged wilderness and luxurious seclusion, making it a destination like no other. From the remote, lakeside beauty of Aguas Arriba to the historically rich elegance of Singular Patagonia, and the culturally immersive experience at Tierra Chiloe, every corner of this vast region promises an unforgettable adventure. Whether you seek the thrill of exploring glaciers, the serenity of floating down a river, or the warmth of Chilean hospitality, Patagonia delivers in abundance. To make your dream Patagonia experience a reality, contact Far & Wild today and let us guide you to the perfect luxury hideaway.