El Chalten, Argentina
Explora El Chaltén
Modular expedition lodge
El Chalten, Argentina
Opened
2021
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Design Local LuxeOutside the door
The house
ExploraModular expedition lodge
The lodge runs as a dedicated wilderness outpost, pairing guided glacier treks with evening debriefs over trail maps and local gin.
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Architect José Cruz Ovalle lined the dark modular steel lodge with pale pine interiors.
Remarkable
Guided treks through Los Huemules reserve meet Patagonian lamb roasted over open fire.
Notable
All-inclusive stays include private park transfers, guided glacier explorations, and open-bar evening debriefs.
What they say
UK Readers' Choice Awards – The best hotels in South America
Condé Nast Traveler
2025
Constructed in the wine region of Mendoza, the hotel was literally trucked down to Patagonia in 117 pieces and assembled on stilts to reduce its environmental impact.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
The private Los Huemules reserve surrounds the grounds, with uncrowded trails leading along the Eléctrico River toward Andean lagoons.
The rooms
Pale pine lines the stripped-back rooms, where large picture windows look straight toward Marconi Glacier and the surrounding forest.
The hot tubs
Five open-air hot tubs sit on wooden decks among the trees, looking straight out toward Cerro 30 Aniversario.
The spa
Massages in the two wood-lined rooms draw on wild Patagonian paramela, and two indoor saunas complete the spa.
At the table
The dining room looks onto the forest, serving clay-oven empanadas and seasonal multi-course menus designed by Pablo Jesús Rivero.
How it began
Opened in 2021 within a private conservation reserve, the low-impact outpost was engineered by architect José Cruz Ovalle to leave the landscape untouched.
El Chalten
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.