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ABOUT CHILEAN PATAGONIA
Chilean Patagonia: a place where fantasy movie-like peaks dominate the sky, winds sweep through golden grasslands, and glaciers spill into milky blue lakes. It’s one of those rare corners of the world that still feels truly untamed. And at the heart of it all, deep inside Torres del Paine National Park—yes, literally inside the park, (one of the few!) we found our base to explore the end of the world: EcoCamp Patagonia. It is
Waking up every day in a dome with a front-row view of the iconic Paine peaks, sipping coffee while guanacos grazed all around, and falling asleep under a sky with stars… this is not your average getaway. It was raw, remote, unforgettable.
In this blog, we’ll take you through our Patagonian adventure, highlighting the must-see trails, epic viewpoints, and daily life in one of the world’s most spectacular national parks.
Day 1 – Arrival & first impressions
After a scenic drive from Puerto Natales, passing the pampas, glacial rivers, and distant peaks, we entered Torres del Paine National Park and arrived at our base for the coming days: EcoCamp Patagonia. And wow, what a place. The drive towards the camp made us so excited already. Painting after painting, everywhere we looked.
Right in the heart of the park, EcoCamp’s domes feel like something from another planet; sustainably built, super cozy, and with views for days, right outside your door. That first evening we settled into our dome, met the guides, and shared dinner with fellow travelers in the main geodesic dome, all super excited for the days ahead.
Day 2 – Valle del Francés adventure
We kicked off our hiking days with a big one: Valle del Francés, one of the most stunning sections of the famous W Trek. To get there, we first crossed Lago Pehoé by boat. This boat trip gives a little tease of what to expect from the hike, which will hype you up for sure. From the dock, we began the hike toward the French Valley: an ever-changing landscape of forests, suspension bridges, and glacial rivers.
The views were jaw-dropping in every direction. We paused for lunch, and after a morning of wind and grey skies, that same sky opened up for us and the sun came through. Typical Patagonian, although we were very lucky for this time of the year. We continued our hike and went back before dark.
Back at EcoCamp, tired but satisfied, we shared stories and red wine with new friends in the dining area of the camp. The food as amazing as the views. Can you imagine.
Day 3 – The guides’ favorite hike
For our final full day in the park, we opted for a lesser-known but absolutely breathtaking trail that led us to a panoramic viewpoint over Lago del Toro and Cuernos del Paine, one of the largest lakes in the area. The hike itself was long, just as the one we did yesterday, but you don’t really notice this because of the constant beautiful sights around you.
When we reached the top, we were blown away, physically and mentally (strong winds ;). A full 360-degree panorama around us: the Lago del Toro right below us, and Cuernos del Paine on the other side, stretching toward the horizon. A very nice reward for the hours of hiking. It was one of those rare moments where you feel like you are in a movie. We even saw puma’s. Pinch me!
The view on the one side, Cuernos del Paine
The view on the other side, Lago del ToroBest time to visit
The main season in Torres del Paine runs from October to April, which is spring to autumn in the Southern Hemisphere. Expect all four seasons in a day, seriously. We visited the end of March, and had a bit of everything: sun, wind, clouds, and an occasional snowflake. Summer (Dec–Feb) has longer daylight hours and slightly warmer temps, but also more wind. We recommend autumn for the color of the leaves, but spring is better for wildlife.
Staying at EcoCamp Patagonia
EcoCamp isn’t just a place to stay. It’s part of the experience. Located inside the national park, the domes are eco-friendly, cozy, and surprisingly comfortable. You can choose from different dome types (Standard, Superior, Suite), but all have access to great food, a warm common area, and expert guides.
What’s included:
Accommodation in domes (some heated, depending on type)
All meals (delicious and mostly locally sourced)
Daily guided excursions with bilingual guides
Transfers to/from Puerto Natales
Tip: Book early. Spots at EcoCamp fill up fast, especially during peak season.
What to pack
The weather changes fast in Patagonia, so layering is key. Here’s what we recommend bringing:
Waterproof & windproof jacket (a must!)
Thermal base layers
Fleece or down jacket
Hiking boots
Hat, gloves & buff (for wind protection)
Daypack with water bottle
Sunglasses & sunscreen (the sun is strong here)
EcoCamp provides walking sticks for hikes, and you can fill your water bottle with glacier water straight from the streams. Yes, really..
Getting there
Most travelers fly into Puerto Natales or Punta Arenas in southern Chile. From Puerto Natales, it’s about a 4–5 hour drive to EcoCamp (transfer included in most packages). You can also arrive via bus via the Argentinian side of Patagonia. Make sure to arrive the day before your EcoCamp start date, to get the most out of your stay here.
What to expect from the excursions
Each evening, you choose from a few guided hikes or scenic tours for the next day—ranging from challenging full-day treks (like Valle del Francés) to easier nature walks and viewpoints. The guides are passionate, patient, and know the park like the back of their hand. There’s so much to choose from, you could stay here for weeks.
And if you’re not up for hiking every day? No worries. There are also wildlife tours, photography walks, and even yoga sessions back at camp.
Our days in Chilean Patagonia were simply unforgettable. Hiking through the heart of Torres del Paine, waking up excited for the day, and standing face-to-face with some of the most dramatic landscapes on earth, it’s the kind of trip that stays with you long after you’ve left.
But Patagonia doesn’t stop at the border. After our time in Chile, we crossed over into Argentinian Patagonia, where more epic trails awaited us. Curious? In our other blog, we’ll take you with us to El Calafate and El Chaltén, which you can find here.
Hi, we are Bren and Tess! We travel to the most beautiful places in the world, and with our video's, we hope you feel inspired to do the same.
