Visit This Brand New Argentine Lodge for Unparalleled Patagonia Views

Coming soon at Explora El Chaltén, visitors will have the opportunity to start their day in one of twenty rooms, climb to their windows, and capture enviable (and jealously-inspiring) images of the snow-capped peaks of Patagonia’s Los Huemules Natural Reserve—all without leaving their rooms. 

They probably won't feel like staying inside, though. Opening in October, this new lodge will immerse guests in a more than 14,000-acre privately owned parcel of property complete with rock climbing routes, hiking paths, and treks to neighboring glaciers. (During certain seasons, participants can even do ice climbing.) Within Los Huemules, guests have access to fifteen miles of defined trails; nearby, at the Chilean border and in Glaciers National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, guests can find trails leading to massive ice floes. Undoubtedly, it ranks among the most spectacular tourist destinations in South America. 

Delve into El Chaltén is one of seven lodges in Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina that follow the Explora model: You won't have to worry about being "nickel and dimed" for certain hikes or experiences because your stay covers everything, including lodging, food and drink, and the majority of activities. (“A full-day exploration to Perito Moreno Glacier in El Calafate. [Which] includes transfers, time spent with gauchos, lunch, and navigating by vessel in front of the Perito Moreno glacier, all in the company of an expert guide," Explora says of one of the available expeditions at El Chaltén that does cost extra.) In general, the emphasis is on the activities outside the lodge rather than its facilities, and on protecting this delicate ecosystem. 

"The preservation of the places where we do business has always been the starting point for Explora's evolution," remarks Juan Marambio, sustainability manager for the brand. The Los Huemules Natural Reserve is home to our newest El Chaltén hotel, and Explora has a large financial and political interest in the reserve. All of the 5,800-hectare property is set aside for the purpose of protecting the region's cultural and environmental history. 

According to Marambio, that encompasses the whole building procedure. Explora took down every tree on the construction site and planted new ones in a different part of the reserve. Having building components made close to the site ensures that the construction itself is as inconspicuous as possible. It should come as no surprise that Explora uses very little plastic. Last but not least, the company's signature explorations form the basis of our travel philosophy. 

Having said that, the lodge is noteworthy in and of itself. According to Explora, "the classical style of ancient Patagonian estancias" will be the architectural style chosen for the property. Stunning views of this region of southern Argentina may be seen through the picture windows, which feature a lot of black accents and blonde wood. Every one of the seventeen guestrooms and three suites will include a Jacuzzi tub; the lodge will gladly accommodate families with children by providing cribs and rollaway beds. The facilities are completed with a full-service restaurant serving Argentinean cuisine, a bar, and a spa that spans 1,300 square feet.