Explora El Chaltén: Experience the Beauty of Patagonia

Sometimes, a picture really is worth a thousand words. At the forthcoming Explora El Chaltén, guests will be able to wake up in one of 20 rooms, step up to their windows, and take absolutely breathtaking (and jealousy-inducing) photos of the snow-covered peaks of Patagonia’s Los Huemules Natural Reserve without even stepping outside.

However, staying indoors is not the ideal option. This new lodge, slated to open in October, will place travelers in the heart of a more than 14,000-acre privately held tract of land, equipped with hiking trails, rock climbing routes, and expeditions to nearby glaciers. Moreover, in some seasons, they will even offer ice climbing. Guests will have access to 15 miles of marked trails within Los Huemules and will also be close to the monumental ice floes of Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, or Glaciers National Park, located on the border with Chile and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Consequently, it is undoubtedly one of South America’s most epic attractions.

All-Inclusive Luxury

Explora El Chaltén follows the model of six other Explora lodges across Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, and Peru, offering fully all-inclusive stays. Accommodations, all food and drinks, as well as most activities are included, so guests do not have to worry about unexpected costs during their adventures. However, a few of the available expeditions at El Chaltén may incur additional charges, such as 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 glacier, all led by an expert guide. The overall atmosphere is designed to focus on the experiences outside the lodge rather than the amenities within — not to mention prioritizing the preservation of this fragile environment.

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“Explora’s evolution has always originated in the protection of the destinations in which we operate,” says Juan Marambio, the brand’s sustainability manager. “Our newest hotel in El Chaltén is located in the Los Huemules Natural Reserve, and Explora is a significant stakeholder in the reserve. The 5,800-hectare area is exclusively dedicated to the conservation of the natural and cultural heritage of the region.”

Moreover, the construction process reflects this commitment. Explora relocated all the trees from the building site and replanted them in another section of the reserve. The construction itself is minimally invasive, with building materials sourced nearby. Consequently, Explora minimizes the use of plastic throughout the lodge. The company’s travel ethos revolves around their signature explorations and sustainable practices.

Accommodation and Amenities

The lodge will be built in what Explora refers to as “the classical style of ancient Patagonian estancias.” Renderings showcase plenty of blonde wood and dark accents, with picture windows highlighting the stunning landscapes of this corner of Southern Argentina. There will be three suites and 17 guest rooms, each equipped with Jacuzzi-style tubs; families with children will feel welcomed as rollaway beds and cribs will be available. Additionally, a 1,300-square-foot spa, a bar, and a full-service restaurant featuring an Argentinean menu round out the amenities.

Pricing

Rates will start at $2,190 per person for a three-night stay or $2,883 for four nights. This price includes nearly everything on site, plus round-trip transfers to El Calafate International Airport as well as hotels in Calafate, making it an attractive option for those seeking extraordinary views and unique experiences in Patagonia.