Glamping & Horsetrekking: Eco-Tourism in Torres del Paine

What is growing at the foot of the largest mountain in this area of the Patagonian desert? (Almost) Everything! Hotel Las Torres, where I am staying for one weekend, runs an organic orchard for its many international guests here, including tomatoes, rhubarb, delicious local Calafate berries, apples, broccoli, cucumbers, salad and many more. After breakfast, I “take a walk on the bright side” including a personal tomato tasting with farmer Mauricio! Que bueno!

These tomatoes are just delicious: also “at the end of the world”!

Local gardener Mauricio explains me about the organic farm of Hotel Las Torres, behind which the mountain range of Las Torres rises. A fascinating spot!

Besides, the hotel provides ample space for recreation with stunning vistas of the surrounding mountains, such as in the bar and reception area.

Horses graze right by the window; altogether there are about 150 of them for excursions (“cabalgatas”) and pack horses to serve nearby huts.

Travelling to Patagonia “Gaucho Style”

On horseback is the way to go. With real “Baqueanos” or “Gauchos”, as the cowboys of Patagonia are called. Of course, I had to do this. “Our horses are used to visitors …” horse whisperer Carlito, a gaucho through and through, explains laughing. Carlito knows every one of this 150 horses by name, some of which are also used as pack horses to cater to the hikers’ huts. My horse on this trek is called “Rebelde” (Rebel) and knows its way around perfectly. Horse trekking in Torres del Paine is complete with stunning mountain vistas and an absolute highlight when experiencing the national park: A must-do if you love horses!

It’s been two years since I last sat on a horse … I am therefore very excited.

Together with a group of adventurous Americans: Off we go! Before we start riding, everything about maintaining the horses and the actual trek is explained to us in detail.

Me! On a horse! In front of Torres del Paine ! I LOVE it 😀

The views from horseback are just stunning … Especially when returning from our 3-hour excursion, we get really great views of Torres del Paine, led by “our” Gaucho Carlito!

100% Ecological: EcoCamp Patagonia

For the first time ever, I experience what’s called “glamping”, or glamourous camping combined with strong care for the environment, such as bio-degradable soap in showers, compost toilets, sustainable and robust wooden tents, cosy fur blankets and delicious local food plus great Chilean wines.

EcoCamp Patagonia spearheads ecotourism in Torres del Paine national park and comes with a price of about € 200 a night (including full board). As a treat that in addition is very environmentally friendly, I can definitely recommend it. Only 10 minutes from Hotel Las Torres, the EcoCamp is located at the foothill of this spectacular mountain range offering wonderful vistas of the famous Torres. “Come and take a walk with me!”

Today, I’m sleeping here: Hut Nr. 5 looking up at Torres del Paine. Wow.!

Very cosy here: Sleeping like a baby inside this glamorous hut / “tent”!

At the heart of EcoCamp: The common area makes for easy encounters with fellow travellers, including excellent Pisco Sour & more popular drinks and food.

A (close-up) look upon Torres del Paine … I really fell in love with these mountains. Can’t wait to start our trekking adventure with my friends Anne-Laure & Julien!

Eating at EcoCamp is fantastic and delicious, too, especially when surrounded by other like-minded, happy travellers.

In addition, we enjoy tasting some very good Chilean wines …

I can truly recommend EcoCamp Patagonia as a more upscale alternative, even for backpackers wishing to treat themselves: If you want to treat yourself, consider doing it here!

Disclaimer: I have been invited by Hotel Las Torres on this trip to Torres del Paine National Park. All opinions are my own.