El Calafate, Argentina
Los Ponchos
Antique-filled hideaway with views of Argentina’s largest lake
Los Ponchos sits on a hillside above El Calafate, designed as a small Patagonian lodge inspired by Argentina‘s traditional estancias. The property takes its name from the collection of woven ponchos displayed throughout the lodge, many of which are handmade by artisans from across Argentina and neighbouring Andean regions.
Each room is decorated individually using objects gathered by the owners, Damiana and Fernando, during their years of travel through Patagonia and the northwestern Andes. Large windows look out to either the secluded gardens or the blue expanse of Lago Argentino.
Across the property, there’s a warm, home-like feel with cosy shared lounges, fire-warmed reading nooks, afternoon tea and homemade cakes. In the breakfast area, big windows allow you to take in the lake with your morning coffee. Home-cooked dinners include Argentine specialities and regional wines served in the garden loggias.
Los Ponchos makes a convenient base for exploring Los Glaciares National Park and the wider landscapes around El Calafate. Excursions from here include the Perito Moreno Glacier, boat trips across Lago Argentino, horseback riding on nearby estancias and hikes along various routes around southern Patagonia.
Highlights
Stay in individually styled rooms decorated with handcrafted Argentine textiles and antiques
Enjoy views of Lago Argentino from your room's hillside position above El Calafate
Visit Perito Moreno Glacier and Los Glaciares National Park on excursions from the hotel
Warm up beside an open fireplace after a day of hiking or horseback riding
Have afternoon tea or curl up with a book and enjoy home-baked cakes and treats
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Places to combine Los Ponchos with
Torres del Paine
You wouldn’t think that the spectacular Patagonian region of Torres del Paine could get any better regarding luxurious design-led hotels, but it has, courtesy of the exclusive sibling hotel to Awasi Atacama, and the only lodge in the area to offer tailor-made excursions for each guest. Adding to that, a portion of the proceeds from each guest’s stay helps to support The Awasi Patagonia Conservation Project, which aims to create a natural corridor for wildlife. Awasi guides also help to monitor the puma populations and keep hunters away, increasing the properties, and its guests, positive impact on the region.
14 wooden-clad, shipping crate-style ‘villas’, which were inspired by the old outpost shelters, lie scattered over the wind-protected private reserve, facing the epic Lake Sarmiento and the famous three-tower peaks. Inside, the warming and minimal Scandinavian cabin decor nicely cushions you from the harsh weather outside, with natural wood interiors, large inviting beds, your own living room with log fireplaces, a hot tub and with every modern amenity to hand. The master villa, which has two bedrooms, is perfect for families.
The dispersal of these freestanding villas befits the solitude of your surroundings, giving you a pleasing level of privacy but also a heightened experience of the landscape’s isolation.
The main house, just a short walk from the villas, features a Relais & Chateaux restaurant, terrace and living area. Awasi is renowned not only for its style, but for tailoring its tours to each individual guest and for serving delectable gourmet food. Guests can choose whatever excursions they want to do, without having to compromise for the sake of a group.
