Eolo, Southern Patagonia

rooms

The lodge has been designed to feel open and spacious and to make the most of the stunning natural setting. The luxurious but minimally furnished rooms are very much in keeping with this ethos, with relaxing neutral colour schemes and charming living areas displaying a thoughtful mix of antique and modern fittings. All 12 Superior Suites, the 3 Premium Suites and 2 beautifully furnished Corner Suites feel light and spacious and of course have stunning views. All have wonderfully comfortable beds, telephone, radio and stylish en-suite bathrooms, with a full set of amenities including power shower, generous bath, hair dryer, slippers and bath robes.

facilities & activities

The perfect base from which to enjoy this stunning region, Eolo offers relaxing common areas including a library, sitting room, TV room and bar as well as a sauna and swimming pool. Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel. If you want to curl up and read a book, there are some perfect spots on the outdoor terraces or inner courtyard.

On arrival, staff will explain the daily activity programme and optional tours, as well as giving an overview of the area- the glaciology, the wildlife you can expect to see, local customs and traditions, suggested reading etc. Within the lodge grounds, guests can trek, mountain-bike and bird-watch.

There are plentiful options for riding to suit all ages and abilities (additional cost). If you would like to explore further afield, the hotel can book glacier and ice-trekking tours, 4WD adventures, boat trips, fly fishing etc. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Perito Moreno and Upsala glaciers- there are various treks available, from easy (mostly along walkways) to more off the beaten track if you want to see sink-holes, ice caves and glacial rivers. Crampons can usually be provided by the tour operator.

dining

Guests stay on a full board basis, with all meals and soft drinks included. Local ingredients are used wherever possible and food is fresh and imaginative. Most dietary requirements can be catered for and room service is available.

You can opt for breakfast in bed, but the immense floor-to-ceiling windows in the dining room make breakfast there an experience in itself. Tea lovers will be in heaven as the lodge considers tea-making a serious business and only uses the highest quality loose leaf teas. Excellent quality coffee, delicious fresh fruit juices and of course an abundance of tasty home-made pastries and fresh fruit, as well as eggs prepared to order, ensure you will be well set up for the day ahead.

Lunch is often spent out and about in which case, the hotel will prepare a gourmet picnic for you.

For dinner, expect a sophisticated menu, designed with flair, cooked to perfection and beautifully presented. Don’t miss the weekly asado- something to emulate on your return maybe!

family

Eolo welcomes children aged 12 yrs+ and most rooms can accommodate an extra bed and possibly two if required. Many activities can be tailored to suit younger teens.

location

Eolo is about a 25 minute drive from El Calafate in Southern Patagonia. If you are travelling from the Torres del Paine in Chile, expect the journey to take about 5 hours overland. El Chalten is approx. 2.5 hours away. El Calafate is well connected in terms of air travel- the flight to Buenos Aires is 3 hours, to Ushuaia 1 hour, Bariloche 1.5 hours and Trelew also about 1.5 hours.

Due to the extremes of weather in this region, Eolo is usually open from early October to late April only. September, October and March are the best months to visit as they are out of season so there are fewer people but the weather is still usually mild. The Patagonian autumn in particular is truly breath-taking. Whenever you decide to visit, it’s always a good idea to come equipped with waterproofs, good hiking shoes/ boots and warm clothing as the weather is often unpredictable.