What It’s Like to Stay at EcoCamp Patagonia: An Honest Review

Post summary: A review of staying at EcoCamp Patagonia in Torres del Paine, Chile

If you’ve looked into the best places to stay in Torres del Paine National Park, then you’ve probably come across EcoCamp Patagonia – the most unique and sustainable lodging option in Chilean Patagonia.

At about to $500 per night for the cheapest option, I was definitely hesitant to stay here. We don’t usually splurge that much on a one night stay, but since we were traveling all the way to Patagonia, we figured we might as well go all in.

With its epic location, eco-friendly design, and immersive nature experience (no cell service or WiFi here!), this place seemed like a stay worth experiencing at least once.

But is it really worth the splurge?

It was for us. I first saw EcoCamp on Instagram years ago and immediately added it to my wishlist. So when we were planning our trip and saw there was just one dome left for the exact night we needed, I knew we had to book it.

In the end, I’m really glad we stayed here, but there are a few things you should know before booking.

Here’s everything you need to know about staying at EcoCamp Patagonia, including what to expect from the domes, the food, nearby activities, and what to pack.

Let’s get into it!

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Sunset at EcoCamp Patagonia with Las Torres in the background

At a Glance: My Overall Ratings 

Before we dive into this EcoCamp Patagonia review, these are my overall ratings based on our one night stay in January 2025:

  • Location ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5): Unreal views in the heart of Torres del Paine and walking distance to the Base Torres hike
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  • Food ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5): Good variety and quality, but recipes are very creative and might not be the best if you’re a picky eater.
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  • Sustainability ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5): One of the most eco-friendly lodges in the world
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  • Comfort ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5): Cozy, but standard domes are very basic for the price
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  • Service ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5): Friendly staff
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  • Value ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5): Pricey but worth it for the experience

Where is EcoCamp Patagonia?

EcoCamp Patagonia is perched on a mountain in Torres del Paine National Park in Chile and is one of the closest hotels to the start of the famous Mirador Las Torres Hike (Base of the Towers).

If you’re driving there, it’s about 2 hours from Puerto Natales via the Laguna Amarga entrance to Torres del Paine. Make sure you have your park pass with you to check in at the entrance.

From there, continue for another 3 miles to the Torres del Paine Welcome Center, where you’ll show proof of your reservation at the gate and follow the signs up the hill to EcoCamp.

Tip: There’s no service in Torres del Paine so download offline Google Maps before you get there

Most people stay here because it’s so close to the Mirador Las Torres Hike. You can actually start the hike directly from the camp, which makes it an ideal base camp if this hike is on your Patagonia bucket list.

In fact, Mirador Las Torres seemed to be the hottest topic around the camp. Most of the guests we saw were either preparing for or coming back from the hike, and many were part of guided group tours arranged through the property.

Mirador Las Torres hike at sunriseMirador Las Torres hike at sunrise

About EcoCamp’s Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Design

One of the coolest things about EcoCamp is how committed they are to sustainability, which is great considering how remote and fragile this environment is. They’re super aware of their impact and have designed everything to leave as little trace as possible.

The entire camp is carbon neutral and runs on solar, wind, and hydro power. All of the domes and walkways are built to be low-impact and easily removable. It almost feels like the whole thing could be packed up and moved in a moments notice.

All the bathrooms are stocked with biodegradable soaps, and all toilets are composting toilets to reduce water waste. Even the food scraps get composted on-site, which gets used in their small gardens.

For a place that sits right in the middle of a national park known for its pristine landscapes, it’s refreshing to see a lodge that actually takes sustainability seriously.

Walkways at Ecocamp Patagonia

The Domes at Ecocamp Patagonia: Suites vs. Standard Domes

EcoCamp Patagonia has a total of 33 geodesic domes of various sizes and amenities. They’re inspired by the traditional dwellings of the Indigenous Kawésqar people and designed to withstand Patagonia’s extreme weather while minimizing environmental impact.

There are four dome options at EcoCamp that all have epic views of the towers:

  • Standard Domes – No electricity, shared bathroom, best for budget-conscious travelers.
  • Superior Domes – A step up from standard domes with private bathrooms and electricity.
  • Suite Domes – Spacious domes with larger beds, terraces and private bathroom.
  • Suite Loft Domes – Most expensive option that’s best for families or groups.

Below is a quick comparison of the Suite Dome vs. Standard Dome.

Suite Domes

We stayed in Suite Dome 5, which was right next to the yoga deck. The suite domes are the most comfortable option, with private bathrooms, heating, and power outlets, so you can actually charge your stuff inside your dome. They’re also bigger and feel more like a cozy cabin than a tent.

Ecocamp Patagonia review of the Suite Dome

Our dome came with a heater in the bathroom and a small wood stove next to the bed. And while temperatures dropped into the 40s F at night, we never got cold enough to turn the heat on.

But with that extra comfort comes a higher price. Suite domes start at around $800+ per night, depending on the season. Definitely a splurge, but if you want a little luxury in the middle of Torres del Paine, I think it’s worth it.

Sunset over the towers in Torres del Paine National Park, Chile - Review of Ecocamp Patagonia Suite Dome

Standard Domes

If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option (but still not exactly cheap), the standard domes start at around $500 per night. These domes are a bit more rustic – no outlets, no private bathroom, and you’ll be using the shared bathhouses.

They’re still super cozy, so you won’t be freezing, but you’ll have to head to the communal areas if you need to charge anything. If you’re cool with roughing it a little, this is a great way to stay at EcoCamp without paying the premium for a suite.

We splurged on a suite because it was the only room available, but next time I’d opt for the more budget friendly standard dome.

Dining at EcoCamp

There’s a restaurant on site which is nice considering there aren’t any other restaurant options around. Meals are included in your stay if you book an inclusive package, otherwise they are an extra cost.

Something I really loved was that they do a great job at covering all the bases for all kinds of diets, including vegan, vegetarian, and GF. Everything is prepared using locally sourced ingredients, from seafood caught off the coast of Patagonia to vegetables grown using on site compost.

Dinner is always a creative, gourmet three course experience (so come hungry!).

Communal dining area at the restaurant at EcoCamp Patagonia

Breakfast is a diverse buffet with eggs, bacon, granola, fresh fruit, charcuterie, and plenty of coffee and loose-leaf tea.

There are also daily cocktails and snacks available that you can enjoy at the bar, in the other communal domes, or outside on the deck. At about $17 USD for one cocktail, drinks are very pricey. But I guess that’s to be expected in such a remote area.

For meals, you’re assigned a table in the communal dining dome. Since most guests are there for hiking, conversations naturally revolve around things like trail conditions, wildlife sightings, and upcoming treks.

Something we weren’t prepared for was how HOT the dining dome gets if the sun is shining on it. If you’ve had a particularly hot or sunny day, you’ll want to wear short sleeves or even a tank top to dinner until it cools down.

Do You Need a Guided Tour to Stay at EcoCamp Patagonia?

A lot of guests were part of guided tours, but you do NOT need to book a tour to stay at EcoCamp Patagonia. You can reserve a dome as an independent traveler and explore at your own pace, like we did!

You can easily hike Mirador Las Torres (Base of the Towers) and explore Torres del Paine on your own without a guide. It’s easiest to have a car, but there are also buses and transfers you can take to get around with a bit of planning.

However, EcoCamp does offer multi-day guided tours and trekking packages if you prefer a structured experience and don’t want to worry about any of the planning. These tours include your stay at EcoCamp, meals, and guided hikes.

How to Book Your Stay

If you’re interested in staying at EcoCamp Patagonia as an independent traveler, you can easily book your stay here.

Be sure to plan ahead though – rooms fill up quickly!

You can book guided experiences and tours through EcoCamp’s website, by emailing their reservations team, or through third-party tour companies that bundle EcoCamp stays with hiking itineraries.

If you’re already at EcoCamp and decide you want to join a guided hike, I recommend checking with the front desk to see if they have any last minute availability.

What it's like to stay at Ecocamp Patagonia: Travelers relaxing at the communal domes after a full day of hiking

Onsite Activities

If you’re not out trekking, there’s plenty to do right at EcoCamp to make the most of your stay:

  • Hang Out in the Community Domes – The community domes have cozy seating areas, a bar, and a dining space. We saw lots of guests hanging out, relaxing, reading, and chatting with other travelers.

Communal space at Ecocamp Patagonia

  • Grab a Drink at the Bar – The bar serves Patagonian wines, pisco sours, and craft cocktails. But they’re pretty pricey and not included in the price of your stay.
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  • Explore Nearby Walking Trails – There are several shorter trails near EcoCamp where you can take a relaxed walk and soak in the scenery. You might even see guanacos, condors, pumas, or foxes wandering through the area.
  • Unplug and Recharge – With no WiFi in the domes, it’s the perfect excuse to disconnect, read a book, or just take in the views and silence of Patagonia.
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  • Take a Yoga Class – EcoCamp has free daily yoga and meditation sessions in their yoga dome. The dome is open 24 hours and they have mats, props, and everything else you need so you can also do your own thing outside of class hours

Doing a headstand in the yoga dome

Things to do Nearby

Besides the famous Base of the Towers hike, there are plenty of other outdoor activities nearby.

  • Boat tour on Lago Grey to see glaciers up close
  • Horseback riding tours through the park’s most beautiful landscapes
  • Wildlife watching (we saw so many guanacos and condors!)
  • Guided trekking tours to explore lesser-known trails

You’ll need a car to explore off site on your own. If you don’t plan on renting a car, then you’ll want to book a guided tour. You can book multi-day wildlife and trekking tours directly through EcoCamp’s website.

Horseback riding tours in Torres del Paine

What to pack for your stay

Torres del Paine is known for its unpredictable weather and the temperature fluctuates throughout the day. We were glad we packed layers, especially since we didn’t use the heat in the domes.

Here’s what we found most useful:

  • A warm base layer for chilly evenings
  • A windproof and waterproof jacket (Patagonia’s winds are no joke!)
  • Headlamp for walking around at night or for sunrise/sunset hikes in the park
  • Comfortable hiking shoes
  • Power bank if you’re staying in a standard dome without outlets

The dress code at EcoCamp is very casual and outdoorsy, so you can leave your fancy clothes at home!

Who Should Stay at EcoCamp Patagonia?

This stay is perfect for: ✅ Travelers looking for a unique, immersive, and totally off-grid experience in nature ✅ Eco-conscious travelers who want to minimize their environmental footprint ✅ Hikers who want a comfortable yet adventurous base for exploring Torres del Paine ✅ Couples looking for a romantic, off-grid getaway with incredible views

However, it may not be the best fit for: ❌ Travelers who prefer ultra-modern amenities, cell service, or traditional hotels  ❌ Those on a very tight budget (this is definitely a splurge stay)

FAQs About Staying at EcoCamp Patagonia

Is EcoCamp Patagonia Worth It?

Honestly, if it’s within your budget, then staying at EcoCamp Patagonia is definitely worth it. Especially if you’re looking for something beyond just another hotel or lodge.

While the suite domes are pricey, the standard domes are actually pretty comparable to other lodges in the park. Patagonia isn’t a budget-friendly destination to begin with, so if you’re already planning to stay inside Torres del Paine, then EcoCamp gives you a way more unique experience for a similar price.

Between its sustainability, comfort, and amazing location, staying here is definitely a unique experience. If you’re looking for an unforgettable stay in Torres del Paine, it’s well worth the price.

How many days should you stay at EcoCamp?

How long to stay at EcoCamp Patagonia depends on what you want to do. For most people 2-4 nights would be perfect.

While we only stayed one night, a lot of guests stay multiple nights to take advantage of EcoCamp’s guided hikes, which leave right from the property.

  • 1-2 Nights – If you just want to experience staying in the domes and hike Mirador Las Torres (Base of the Towers), a short stay is perfect. However, you may feel rushed, especially if the weather isn’t ideal on your hiking day.
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  • 3-4 Nights – This is the best option for most people. It gives you time to hike to the Base of the Towers, explore other trails, and explore the park. You also get to fully enjoy EcoCamp without feeling like you’re constantly on the move.

Since the weather in Torres del Paine can be unpredictable, staying at least 2-3 nights gives you a better chance of catching clear skies for hiking. If you’re coming all the way to Patagonia, it’s worth slowing down and making the most of it!

Hiker standing at the Mirador Las Torres Base hike at sunriseBase of Torres hike at sunrise

Our Experience at EcoCamp

We only spent one night at EcoCamp – mainly because that’s all that was available – but it ended up fitting perfectly into our Patagonia itinerary.

We checked in the day before our Base Torres hike and reserved the entire day to just hang out at the camp. Check-in was at 4:00 PM, but since we wanted to make the most of our time, they let us drop our bags off early and explore the nearby trails while we waited for our dome to be ready.

The actual check-in process was quick and easy. The front desk had us fill out some paperwork, scanned our passports and PDI paper, gave us a quick rundown of the property, and then walked us to our dome.

First Impressions

My first impression of our suite dome was that it was way bigger than I expected. The space was warm and inviting, and the bed was ridiculously comfortable. I’m convinced they made it someone’s job to get the mattress and blanket combo down to a science.

Shortly after, we went to the bar for our complimentary welcome drink, where we had the choice of beer, wine, or a mocktail. We also grabbed some snacks from the snack bar and spent the next few hours hanging out in the community space, chatting with other travelers, and soaking in the views before dinner at 7:00 PM.

We went to bed early that night after a hot shower and a warm cup of tea. The wind was howling outside, but the inside of our dome was warm and cozy.

The Next Morning

We were up early for the 7:00 AM breakfast buffet before packing up for our hike. Check-out is at 10:00 AM, which feels early, but if you’re hiking that day then you’re probably going to be leaving much earlier than that anyway.

Since we planned to camp halfway up Base Torres that night, we didn’t have a long hike and requested late checkout at 11:00 AM so we could take our time organizing gear and packing the car.

Even though we weren’t part of a tour, the staff was incredibly helpful, giving us weather updates and trail advice before we checked out.

They also told us that despite EcoCamp’s hiking tours departing straight from the camp, it’s actually closer to the Base Torres trailhead for us to drive back down the mountain and park at the Welcome Center parking lot, which cut about 1 km each way off the trip. A little tip to keep in mind for your visit!

EcoCamp Patagonia Review: Final Thoughts

EcoCamp Patagonia is definitely a bucket list experience if you want to immerse yourself in nature in one of the most beautiful parks in the world – and reduce your environmental footprint at the same time. I also liked that there was no cell service or WiFi because it really forces you to live in the moment and appreciate where you are.

Whether you’re using it as a base for hiking or just want to soak in the incredible surroundings, it’s a stay that feels truly special. If you’re considering booking, then you want to plan ahead because rooms fill up quickly, and it’s easy to see why.

Did you find this review of EcoCamp Patagonia helpful? Let me know in the comments!

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