South America - Clean Breaks: 500 New Ways to See the World - page 255

Green PataGonia

In the southernmost region of South America (in both Chile and Argentina), Patagonia
is one of the world's most epic locations. It is a land of extremes, ranging from the vast,
steppe-like plains in the east to the fringes of the Northern Patagonia Icecap and the
high peaks of the Fitzroy Massif in the Argentinean Andes. The high season runs from
December to February, but go in March and early April and you'll avoid the crowds, the
persistent winds will have dropped and the magnificent autumnal colours of Patagonia's
native forests will be on display. Below are four ways to get the most out of this
magnificent wilderness.

Ecocamp's spectacular
accommodation; fleece sheets
and blankets keep you warm
at night

335 Dome sweet dome
A remote, futuristic camp in Chile's Parque
Nacional Torres del Paine. Tucked up in an
igloo-like geodesic dome (made from sturdy
galvanized iron and raised above the ground
on a wooden base), guests can enjoy all the
creature comforts of a hotel yet still have the
wind-whistling-against-the-canvas experience
of camping. Inside, the domes are high enough
for you to stand upright; there are double or
twin beds with fleece sheets and blankets, and
the “suite” versions have a private bathroom.
Heating comes from a wood stove and each
dome has its own hydro-turbine and solar
panels to provide electricity.
Ecocamp's owner, Cascada Expediciones,
organizes a circular seven-day trek in the
Torres del Paine that begins and ends at the