From cozy hostels to luxurious eco-resorts, Patagonia has an incredibly wide range of accommodations. In this beautiful mountainous landscape, most hotels and resorts take advantage of the outdoors and create experiences that highlight the scenery or allow you to feel immersed in nature. In Patagonia’s high season, it is definitely recommended to book accommodations in advance.
Budget:
Although Patagonia might not be the number one place for traveling on a budget, finding accommodations that will not cost a fortune is not as difficult as you might imagine.
Some of the best ways to stay in Patagonia on a budget are in hostels, or if you’re really immersing yourself in the great nature, camping.
Campsites in Patagonia vary in cost. In some areas where wild camping is permitted, you may be able to camp for free, though other areas require a reservation to be made in advance. Many people camp along the major treks, like the W trek in Torres del Paine, and either camp at the registered sites or reserve a refugio.
Refugios are similar to hostels, but for hikers and in the backcountry. Since they are huts along the track, it’s a great option for those who do not want to lug their camping equipment around. They tend to be shared dorm style, include food, and even have hot showers! In Torres del Paine, a refugio can range between $60-$100 per night per person.
Hostels are a great budget-friendly option when looking for accommodations in the bigger towns of Patagonia, like El Chaltén, Puerto Natales, and more. Here are some recommendations:
Check out the highly rated America del Sur Hostel in El Calafate. Dorms start at $17/night and include breakfast. Hostelgoers rave of the social common area and its cozy atmosphere. Enjoy the on-site restaurant or nightly live music at this hostel close to the city center.
Cruz del Sur Hostel in Ushuaia also includes free breakfast, a shared kitchen, and a computer for all of your planning needs. Dorms start at $34/night in this centrally located hostel. Or, check out the Antarctica hostel as another option in Ushuaia. While dorms start at $36/night, it includes breakfast and access to a shared kitchen. Enjoy the on-site bar after your long day of hiking or pick up one of the communal instruments to unwind.
If you are in El Chaltén, take a look at Rancho Grande hostel. Dorms start at $18/night. There is a shared kitchen and restaurant, making it a great place to stop in at before or after you head out on a big adventure!
Midrange:
If hostels aren’t your thing, local guesthouses and estancias have beautiful accommodations. These also may be more available in remote areas, while hostels may be concentrated in more populated regions. Some estancias are more geared toward tourists, with shows, fine dining, and activities. However, some still allow you to experience a piece of life on a working ranch in Patagonia.
Located in Los Glaciares National Park, Estancia Nibepo Aike is a beautiful accommodation. Catch a glimpse of the only working ranch with livestock in Los Glaciares. Enjoy observing the gauchos at work in the countryside, or try your hand at horseback riding with a trek to the glacier. The estancia offers multiple packages tailored for your desires of activities, and includes all room and board. Single rooms start at 274 USD/night.
Check out the beautiful Hosteria Pehoe in Torres del Paine National Park. This cozy inn offers stunning views, a delicious restaurant, and is incredibly close to the W trek. Single rooms start at just 160 USD/night, a great deal for this lovely accommodation.
Enjoy a lovely stay at Kau Yatún Hotel Boutique. This accommodation, located centrally in El Calafate but with its own garden and outdoor space to feel peaceful, includes a buffet breakfast. The staff can arrange activities for you, like horseback riding or mountain biking. Double rooms start at $207 USD/night.
Luxury:
Luxurious accommodation options in Patagonia are truly unparalleled in their beauty, range of activities available, and food. Most luxury accommodations really take advantage of the jaw-dropping natural environment and create an experience that you will forever be dreaming of.
Luxury options in Patagonia often include fully-inclusive options, which may include food or guided tours, and therefore be nestled right into the national parks or near major attractions. Think: glamping, eco-lodges and resorts, or relaxing spas.
Another great option in Puerto Natales, close to Torres del Paine, is Estancia Cerro Guido. The Estancia highlights traditional activities and shares them with guests, like sheep shearing, rides with the gauchos, and preserving its heritage buildings. Experience a slice of the real Patagonia and a working ranch with Estancia Cerro Guido. Cerro Guido also hosts its own conservation foundation focused on preserving both the natural and cultural heritage of Patagonia, with a portion of proceeds from every reservation going towards the cause. This accommodation is a great option for travelers interested in staying in an absolutely breathtaking area and being part of conservation. An all-inclusive program, complete with meals, excursions, and transfers for a single classic room, starts at 1,105 USD/night.
Love camping but hate the cold? Enjoy glamping with luxuries in Chalten Camp with private “domes” in El Chaltén. In your own space, you can sleep under the stars and among the scenery with views of Mount Fitzroy, but have your own private bathroom, Wi-Fi, or fireplace. The accommodation has a larger shared “dome” as a meeting place for dining, where you may meet other like-minded travelers. This accommodation offers an experience like no other. Double room “domes” start at 915 USD/night.
Located just 12 kms from the town of El Chaltén, see the rural peaceful way of life at Estancia Bonanza. Take advantage of all the outdoor activities the region has to offer with included excursions of horseback riding, rock climbing, trekking, mountain biking, and more. This stunning location is the perfect place to get cozy in the lodge, feel off-the-grid, and enjoy the Patagonian pace under views of Mount Fitz Roy. Double rooms start at 1,069 USD/night.