Soak Up Some of Patagonia’s Most Spectacular Views at This New Lodge in Argentina

Sometimes a single view can say more than pages of description. At Explora El Chaltén, guests will be able to wake up in one of just 20 rooms, walk straight to the window, and capture jaw-dropping images of the snow-draped peaks of Patagonia’s Los Huemules Natural Reserve—no boots or backpacks required.

That said, staying indoors won’t be very tempting. Scheduled to open in October, this new lodge places travelers deep within a privately owned estate spanning more than 14,000 acres. The setting offers direct access to hiking paths, rock-climbing routes, and guided excursions to nearby glaciers. During certain seasons, the lodge will even organize ice-climbing adventures. Guests can explore 15 miles of marked trails within Los Huemules itself, while also enjoying proximity to Parque Nacional Los Glaciares—Glaciers National Park—a UNESCO World Heritage Site that straddles the border between Argentina and Chile and ranks among South America’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders.

Explora El Chaltén adheres to the same philosophy as the brand’s six other lodges across Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, and Peru. Stays are fully all-inclusive, covering accommodations, meals, drinks, and most guided activities. This approach allows travelers to focus on the experience without worrying about additional charges for everyday excursions. Some specialty outings are offered at an extra cost, such as a full-day journey to Perito Moreno Glacier in El Calafate, which includes transportation, time spent with gauchos, lunch, and a boat excursion in front of the glacier, all led by an expert guide.

Rather than emphasizing luxury amenities alone, the lodge’s atmosphere is designed to highlight immersive outdoor experiences and environmental stewardship. Protecting the surrounding landscape is central to Explora’s mission.

“Explora’s evolution has always been rooted in safeguarding the destinations where we operate,” says Juan Marambio, the brand’s sustainability manager. “Our newest hotel in El Chaltén sits within the Los Huemules Natural Reserve, where Explora is a key stakeholder. This 5,800-hectare area is entirely dedicated to preserving the region’s natural and cultural heritage.”

That commitment guided the construction process as well. According to Marambio, trees located on the building site were carefully relocated and replanted elsewhere in the reserve. The lodge was built using minimally invasive techniques, with many structural elements produced close to the site to reduce environmental impact. Plastic use has been kept to a minimum, and the overall travel philosophy centers on Explora’s signature guided explorations.

Even so, the lodge itself is far from an afterthought. Designed in what Explora describes as the “classical style of ancient Patagonian estancias,” the property features warm blonde woods, dark accents, and expansive picture windows that frame the dramatic scenery of southern Argentina. The lodge will offer three suites and 17 guest rooms, all equipped with Jacuzzi-style tubs. Families are welcome, with rollaway beds and cribs available. Additional amenities include a 1,300-square-foot spa, a bar, and a full-service restaurant serving Argentine cuisine.

Rates begin at $2,190 per person for a three-night stay or $2,883 for four nights. These prices include nearly everything on-site, along with round-trip transfers to El Calafate International Airport and hotels in Calafate. For views that feel priceless, it’s a compelling value.