Patagonia – remote, wild and inspiring – a unique destination at the end of South America for the perfect adventurous honeymoon between October and May.
In her poem “Patagonia”, Kate Clanchy begins:
I said perhaps Patagonia, and pictured
a peninsula, wide enough
for a couple of ladderback chairs
to wobble on at high tide. I thought……
Here are some of our top picks of poetic Patagonian destinations for you to picture yourself on your honeymoon.
EOLO:
This magnificent hotel is located just outside El Calafate in Argentina on a 10,000 acre estancia. There are 17 rooms creating an intimate atmosphere. The hotel has a dry sauna, a steam sauna, outdoor Jacuzzi and a massage room. There are no tvs in the rooms but there is free wifi.
Included activities at the hotel in the estancia grounds include horse riding, zip-line, 4×4 excursion, trekking, mountain biking and bird watching.
Other tours are to the Perito Moreno Glacier, trekking on the glacier, kayak on Lake Argentino and sailing to visit glaciers.
ESTANCIA CRISTINA:
From El Calafate sail across Lake Argentino amongst the spectacular ice floes calved off the Uspala Glacier. The estancia was founded in 1914 and although it is no longer a working Estancia it conserves the essence and history of its original inhabitants.
Surrounded by the lake, snow-capped mountains, rivers and hanging glaciers you certainly feel the majesty of Patagonia.
The Estancia has 20 rooms which are distributed in 5 cabins, with 4 rooms. There is no tv or wifi in the rooms but you are guaranteed stunning views.
There is a common bar and dinning / sitting are where there is free wifi.
Activities at the lodge include a visit to the Upsala Glacier view point, fossil canyon trek, different trekking options, horse riding and fly fishing.
SKORPIOS III
Sail Chile’s Patagonian fjords on board the Skorpios III on a 3 night round trip cruise out of Puerto Natales on the Kaweskar route. The ship carries 90 passengers in 45 cabins with private toilet facilities. The boat has two comfortable bar lounges as well as a panoramic dining room. All meals and drinks are included.
The route will take you to the most important glaciers of the region including the Amalia, El Brujo, Bernal and Herman, and those located in the area of Fiordo Calvo.
There will also be shore excursions where you will have the opportunity to walk up to some of the glacier fronts and moraines.
ESTANCIA PEUMA HUE:
Only a 25 minute drive from Bariloche in Argentina located on the shore of Lake Gutierrez and surrounded by stunning mountain scenery is Estancia Peuma Hue. Set in an area of 500 acres of wilderness, the lodge is a family run concern with an emphasis on personalized service.
There are 8 rooms split between two buildings as well three private villas. Facilities include 2 miles of coastline on Lake Gutierrez, 25 miles of hiking trails, wood fire heated hot tub and sauna, massage room and wifi.
Activities include guided treks, guided horseback riding, massages and yoga.
AWASI PATAGONIA :
Located in a private reserve next to the Torres del Paine National park in Chile, the Awasi experience includes a private guide and 4 wheel drive vehicle for each room providing a truly personalized experience.
Each room is a private cabin inspired by old Patagonian shelters offering views of the forest, Lake Sarmiento, the pampas and Torres del Paine.
Excursions are tailored to your needs and can include treks, horse riding, mountain bike or by vehicle.
TIERRA PATAGONIA:
This striking hotel on the edge of the Torres del Paine National park in Chile is certainly something special. Its stunning architecture integrates it beautifully into the landscape and provides guests with incredible views of the surrounding countryside.
As well as 40 comfortable rooms the hotel has steam rooms, a sauna, heated indoor infinity pool, hydromassage, outdoor Jacuzzi and spa treatments.
Excursions include a choice of guided treks, horse rides, wildlife spotting, bicycle rides and scenic tours.
PUYUHUAPI LODGE:
Hidden on a remote fjord in Chile’s northern Patagonia this lodge is truly a gem. Away from it all, perched on the edge of cold rain-forest looking out to sea, the lodge gives one the opportunity to disconnect and devote time to oneself.
Natural hot springs complement the lodge’s infrastructure. The Puyuhuapi Spa is constructed in native wood and the pool facilities include jets, waterfalls and a cold shower. There are also three outdoor naturally hot pools, next to the fjord, ideal for contemplating the surrounding scenery, the night stars and even the rain!
Other activities include several treks, one which includes views of a hanging glacier. There are also kayaking options.
AWA:
A short drive from Puerto Varas, on the shore of Llanquihue, facing the Osorno Volcano, is the Awa hotel.
Its style is a modern twist on local architecture and has 16 rooms, all with views across the lake and the Osorno Volcano in the distance. The hotel also has an outdoor pool, spa, beach, jetty and organic garden.
Activities that can be organized form the hotel include hiking, bird watching, mountain biking, white-water rafting, kayaking and more.
FUTANGUE:
The Hotel Futange is located in the heart of Chile’s Lake District on the shore of Lake Ranco within its own private park. This is a 3 hour drive from either Puerto Montt or Temuco airports.
The hotel has a 450 m² spa which is surrounded by mountains and has great views of the surrounding countryside. As well as different treatments there is a heated indoor pool which is also partly outdoors. There is also an outdoor pool for use in summer.
The park has over 100 Km of hiking trails and a great attraction is the local flora with more than 254 native and 58 endemic species.
In her poem “Patgonia”, Kate Clanchy finishes:
When I spoke of Patagonia, I meant
skies all empty aching blue. I meant
years. I meant all of them with you.
