The Lodge at Valle Chacabuco

The Lodge at Valle Chacabuco, created with stone quarried from the Chacabuco Valley, is nestled in Parque Patagonia, a nature reserve on a former sheep and cattle ranch. The park’s landscapes are classic Patagonia, with steppe grasslands rich in wildlife and the icy peaks of the Andes rising dramatically in the background.

The lodge’s atmospheric rooms have a cosy, colonial feel, dominated by the use of rich local wood, with wooden ceilings and floorboards, thick wooden beams and beautiful hand-carved furniture, with black and white photographs of gauchos and the surrounding landscapes on the walls. Radiant floor heating and hot showers will help keep you toasty during those chilly Patagonian evenings, while the stylish bathrooms feature vintage fixtures and fittings. There’s also Wi-Fi, despite the lodge’s remote location. The rooms overlook the gardens and the wild expanse of the park beyond.

A homely breakfast of home-baked bread, free-range eggs, natural yoghurt, cereals and honey is the perfect way to start the day, with all ingredients sourced from the gardens as well as local farms and producers. At lunch and dinner, it’s classic hearty Patagonian country cuisine: think comforting stews, barbecued meats and zesty salads, all accompanied by the region’s finest wine - just the thing to come home to after a day’s adventuring in the great outdoors. Picnic lunches, including sandwiches, fresh fruit and chocolate, can be prepared for you to take out with you for the day. 

Attractive spaces to curl up in include the grand colonial-style living room, a high-ceilinged space with a cosy fireplace, old maps on the walls and big, comfy sofas and armchairs to relax in. In the lodge’s library you can find fascinating books about the region’s wildlife, geography and culture.

There are a number of ways to explore the unspoilt beauty of the park. Guided hikes and drives will help you get an expert insight into the local wildlife, including pumas, guanacos, vizcachas, Chilean flamingos and Andean condors, or you can set off on your own if you prefer. There are numerous hiking trails through the reserve’s forest, lake and steppe landscapes, with overnight camping trips also on offer for the intrepid. Birdwatching, mountain biking and fishing are all popular activities too. 

Back at the lodge, unwind with a glass of Chilean wine in the bar, looking out over Mount Tamanguito, followed by some stargazing on the patio.