Bringing adventures together at the heart of Torres del Paine National Park
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Welcome to the EcoCamp Experience Dear Travelers; Since we f irst opened our doors to adventurous travelers in 2000, we have had the satisfaction of enriching the lives of thousands of people who have visited us from all over the world. Guests have enjoyed our guided treks and wildlife excursions by day and good food & wine in our Community domes at night, before falling asleep gazing up at star-filled skies in their cozy lodgings. Although we pride ourselves on our high-quality, high-comfort accommodation, we acknowledge that we are not a ‘luxury’ hotel, nor do we claim
to be one. We will always prioritise environmental stewardship over any practices which could be detrimental to our surroundings. In this edition, we proudly present an exciting revamp of our facilities. Continuing our commitment to sustainability, we have invested in a series of green upgrades aiming to impro ve guests’ comfort, better the hotel’s carbon footprint, and strengthen our pledge to remain 100% carbon neutral - all while maintaining the intimate atmosphere we are known for.
This challenging revamp has been developed in response to travelers’ increased interest in eco-friendly accommodation. EcoCamp now has a new total of: • • • •
13 Suites, double/single bed. 4 Superior, double/single bed. 3 Suite Lofts, triple/quadruple bed. and 13 Standard Domes, double/single bed.
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“I am typically a loner when it comes to hiking. I have found that mindless chatter to fill the space when in nature can become a huge detractor, so I shy away from groups. Therefore I was unsure of the group aspect of the trip. However, what I came to realize is that a destination like this attracts people with a common sense of adventure, a healthy respect for nature and a zest for life that only other hikers understand. Our group shared too many laughs to count, and so many experiences that will be unforgettable. We laughed at each other, ourselves, fell along the way, complained together and sometimes we hiked in silence together just taking it all in. I could not have experienced this adventure with a more perfect group of people.” - Keta Banks, United States: “My Patagonian Adventure that turned into Our Adventure”; www.patagonia.travel - Stories we at EcoCamp Patagonia love most.
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Location At the tip of the South American continent, EcoCamp Patagonia is located at the foot of las Torres del Paine, with a spectacular view of the formidable granite peaks. The uniqueness of EcoCamp’s location, right in the heart of the, allows the park’s mountain formations, forests glaciers, rivers, fjords, flora and fauna to be enjoyed on its doorstep. No journey time is needed - guests wake up with the view of las Torres everyday and begin hiking, biking or exploring nature from their front door. EcoCamp is a pioneer in the domain of tourism and ecology. It seeks to contribute ideas and values for the preservation of the Earth’s natural reserves. With our minimal environmental impact and successful implementation of eco-policies, we hope not only to inspire travelers, but also to shape the future of an evergrowing tourism industry.
Perú
Main unpaved road Route in vehicle Paine Circuit W trek Horse riding route Ferry Route Zodiac Boats Camping Site
EcoCamp Patagonia, Torres del Paine National Park, Chile is located: Latitude: 50°57’46.95”S Longitude: 72°51’49.80”O Elevation: 175m 1,984 km / 1,233 mi south from Santiago. 4,241 km / 2,635 mi south from Rio de Janeiro. 10,212 km / 6,346 mi from New York. 13,300 km / 8,264 mi from London. 16,897 km / 10,500 mi from Tokyo. 9,625 km / 5,980 mi from Sydney.
Bolivia
Argentina
Chile
Camping (no facilities) Hotel
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Refugio (Shelter) Ranger Station Look-out point
Torres del Paine NP EcoCamp Patagonia
Punta Arenas
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Creating EcoCamp Patagonia In 2000, we first opened the doors of our Eco-Domes to guests from all over the world. Our low-impact design worked in our favor when we decided to relocate within the Torres del Paine National Park in 2005. By 2008, we were confident that our sustainable design could withstand further development and expansion. We therefore increased the size and the comfort quality of our accommodation
by introducing Suite Domes. Two-storey Quadruple Family Suite Domes were then added in 2010. Since 2015, more guests are able to live the EcoCamp experience: Five new “Suite Domes”, two new “Superior Domes”, and one new “Suite Dome Loft” have been constructed.
EcoCamp Bar Staff Domes
Standard Domes
Welcome Dome
Community Domes
Yoga Dome
Suite Domes Lofts
Suite Domes
EcoCam Patagonia | 5 2000 - 2004
2005 - 2007
Now
Superior Domes
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Patagonian Heritage At the heart of the designing of the EcoCamp Domes, was the desire to maintain the nomadic spirit of Patagonia’s indigenous community: the Kaweskar people. The Kaweskar, a nomadic, indigenous group, were the original dwellers of Patagonia. The name Kaweskar means ‘human being’ in their native language. Their nomadic way of life meant that they had a minimal effect on their surroundings. They would leave no trace behind as they travelled from place to place, erecting and dismantling their semi-circular huts which were made from natural materials. In order to keep warm, they lit fires inside their domes Kaweskar communities had no hierarchy and were formed by self-sufficient, independent families who
married for love and practiced monogamy. They had an established moral and ethical code which involved a deep, spiritual relationship with God. Happiness was not determined by material goods but the freedom of movement and nature’s well-being. Sadly, according to a well-known Latin American tale: in 1880, European settlers, on a quest for gold, furs and wool, displaced , slaughtered and brought disease to the Kaweskar people, who became almost completely extinct by the 1920s. EcoCamp is a tribute to the Kaweskar way of life. We have kept the essence of the Kaweskar people alive with our simple dome structures located in the midst of natural surroundings.
EcoCamp is a tribute to the kaweskar way of life. 6 | EcoCam Patagonia
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EcoCamp Patagonia is recommended by
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Dining and relaxing at EcoCamp
Community Domes Our Community Domes provide a meeting space and social area for our guests. Here, the day starts with a hearty breakfast to prepare our adventurers for their trekking adventures or wildlife explorations, and finishes with a tasty cocktail and a delicious Chilean meal shared with fellow travelers.
“If you are looking for a unique, authentic experience then stay at Eco Camp and let it all go! In one way the feeling is similar to staying at someone’s home, everyone dines together, shares stories..., you feel part of a community...” Baldemar F, Laguna Beach, California, in Tripadvisor Review: “Authentic and appropriate for a National Park”
8 | EcoCam Patagonia Community dome interior
Excursion briefing in community dome
Community dome terrace
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EcoCamp proudly prepares and serves Chilean cuisine each night, against the panoramic backdrop of the granite towers. All food is locally sourced and prepared by chefs who were born and raised in Patagonia. Vegetarian, gluten and lactose free dietary options are available. Carefully selected Chilean wine is served every night to accompany dishes.
EcoCamp Cuisine
In 2015 we built the latest of four inter-connected Community Domes, all equipped with a low-emission wood stove and connected to sleeping quarters and reception by raised wooden walkways. Dinner is served in the two larger domes (each 9m/30ft in diameter and 4.5m/14.8ft in height) and in the slightly smaller dome (6m/19.5ft in diameter). The domes are well-lit and airy with large windows. Our new dome features an excellent view of Lake Norsdenjolk, a bar and resting space inside which to converse and share drinks before and after dinner. It’s also home to a small library, providing a peaceful corner where guests can take time out to read and relax. Our Community Domes are also used for briefings opportunities for guides to run-through trekking routes and wildlife watching spots with the guests. All of the Community Domes are surrounded by terraces, with ample space to sit, read, talk and enjoy an aperitif. In summer, briefings are sometimes held outside on the terrace.
EcoCamp Social Bar
There is No Wifi, But I promise you will find a better connection
EcoCamp’s bar has been causing quite a stir since it opened at the start of our 2012/13 season! Cozy, comfortable and welcoming, the EcoCamp bar is the perfect place for post-dinner socializing. A variety of events are organised and held there, including: after-dinner talks by Wildlife Safari guides, wildlife film screenings, and pisco/wine-tasting sessions. Come together in the wonderful EcoCamp bar to chat, relax and soak up the EcoCamp ambiance whilst enjoying a glass of world-famous Chilean wine, before making the short walk back to your dome at the end of the night with a beautiful view of the stars!
EcoCam Patagonia | 9 EcoCamp Social Bar
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Suite Domes
“It was so nice to come back “home” to a wonderful room and fabulous dinners. I can’t say enough. Very professional. I would recommend spending the extra for the domes with the ensuite woodstoves and showers” — Lavakids2003, Kailua Kona, Hawaii, in Tripadvisor Review: “Paradise in Paradise”.
10 | EcoCam Patagonia Heated en-suite bathroom
Private Terrace
Wooden walkways connect domes
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EcoCamp Suite Domes cater perfectly to those who seek to combine adventurous nature- immersion in the wilderness, with all the creature comforts of high-quality accommodation. Suite Domes represent the perfect balance of high-quality comfort and sustainability. Suite Domes are comfortable 28m2 / 300 ft2 tented igloo-type rooms built in the same shape as the ancient Kaweskar tribe dwellings. Their structure produces minimal environmental impact while providing an effif icient thermal and wind resistant unit. Guests can enjoy the stunning views of the sun setting behind the Torres from the comfort of their own private terrace, before they fall asleep gazing at the starry skies through their ceiling windows. Each Suite Dome has comfortable double or twin beds, a private bathroom with a state of the art composting toilet and a modern low-emission wood stove. Electricity is very limited inside the domes, meaning hairdryers are not permitted, but laptops and cameras can be charged.
Inside Suite Domes • • • • Stargazing through dome ceiling
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Generous space of 28m2 / 300 ft2 Open terrace to sit, relax and admire the view Two single beds (1.05 x 2m / 3’9’’ x 6’6’’ beds) or a king size bed (2 x 2 m/ 6’2’’ x 6’6’’) Decoration made of natural fif ibers and other elements from Chilean and Patagonian cultures Comfortable sofas for reading and resting Enclosed porch to hang heavy and wet clothing Modern low-emission wood stove Fully equipped bathroom with composting toilet chamber Propane heater in bathroom
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Suite Domes Loft We strongly believe in the rich benefits that come from exploring nature as a family: bonds are strengthened between family members through healthy outdoor activities and children’s minds are exposed to the immense wonders of nature. The flora and fauna of the Torres del Paine National Park are be hos enjoyed by adults and children alike. EcoCamp has tree double-storey 3.7 m/12ft tall and 28m2/300ft2 quadruple domes that can be adapted to ďŹ a family of up to 4 members. Alternatively, parents can enjoy spacious Suite Domes while teen are kids sleep nearby in their own Standard Dome.
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Second floor
Second floor room
Dome exterior
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Superior Domes Spacious, comfortable and equipped with private bathrooms, Superior Domes are the optimum choice for trekkers wanting that extra comfort at the end of a long day’s trek. Guests can fall asleep looking up at the star-lit sky from their cozy beds and they listen to the symphony of the whistling wind. Each Superior Dome has comfortable queen-size or twin beds, a propane heater and a private bathroom with a sophisticated composting toilet. Electricity is very limited inside the domes, meaning hairdryers are not permitted, but laptops and cameras can be charged.
“Last year we did the famous W trek with EcoCamp, and were so happy to find it was the perfect mix of being as close to nature as possible, just like camping, but with added warmth, privacy and the comfort of our own bathroom. The location was unbeatable and we enjoyed stepping out of our dome and immediately picking up the trail to las torres.”
Superior Domes have everything clients need for a comfortable stay: • • • • • •
Spacious 23 m2 / 250 ft2 area Comfortable queen-size or twin beds Decoration made of natural fif ibers Propane heater in bedroom Private fully-equipped bathroom State of the art composting toilet
Charlotte Harris & James Green, from London, UK
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Bathroom interior
Dome exterior
14 | EcoCamp Patagonia The 10m2/108ft2 Standard Dome is the world’s fif irst geodesic hotel room, It’s innovative design became the blueprint for other Dome Hotels that later emerged in Europe, Argentina and other locations in Chile.
Standard Domes
Without heating but cozy and snug with fleece blankets, Standard Domes are the choice of most of our guests joining trekking programs and whose days are mostly spent outdoors. Standard domes have a 3.6m/12ft diameter wooden flfloor, and are 2.4m/8ft tall, allowing two people to sleep and stand comfortably inside. They are weather-resistant and come equipped with two single beds (doubles on request), all accessories are made of organic products, from the wall hangings and decorations, to the feather quilts. All Standard Domes are fitted with circular ceiling windows for the purpose of stargazing.
“I had an excellent time at Ecocamp. I stayed in one of the standard domes and was surprised at how warm and comfortable they are. The ablution facilities are more than adequate and convenient... Thank you for the holiday of a lifetime and memories to take with me for years to come!”
Guests staying in Standard Domes use a shared bathroom, for several environmental reasons – to ensure that construction is kept to a minimum in the National Park, to minimize water and heat consumption and to facilitate efficient waste collection and disposal. Standard domes do not have electricity.
— Esté G, Newcastle, South Africa, in Tripadvisor Review: “Torres Del Paine adventure!”.
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Bathroom Interior
Standard Dome Exterior
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Yoga Dome The 2013/2014 season brought along with it an exciting new addition the EcoCamp Yoga Dome! We are very happy to welcome our yoga instructor who will be leading yoga sessions each evening as well as stretching classes and fusion dance! Like all of EcoCamp’s domes, the yoga dome is constructed in an eco-friendly way. Its shape reminiscent of sacred and ritual places of many ancients cultures around the world, also ensures minimum temperature exchange through walls, while skylight windows ensure natural lighting. As with all of EcoCamp’s domes it blends into the surrounding environment with its lovely green exterior! Yoga dome exterior
“I just did Yoga for the first time. It was fantastic! The experience is quite hard to express with words, but Yoga helped me to completely feel the gratefulness of being here, now, in that incredible place” Henrika, Radolfzell, Germany
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Awe-inspiring view of Grey glacier on the fourth day of the Paine Circuit.
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EcoCamp Adventures Guided walking & hiking, wildlife encounters, yoga, multi sport trips and more.
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18 | EcoCamp Patagonia Wildlife Encounters Program:
Patagonia Puma tracking It’s an exhilarating exploration of the Torres del Paine’s unique wildlife, led by photo & wildlife professionals and supported by a special team of fauna trackers. Each day you “walk the walk” of Patagonia’s most elusive animals, enjoying close contact with the enigmatic Andean puma (mountain lion) and endangered South Andean deer. The trail also offers stunning nature photography opportunities as you will discover the unique geology, meteorology and native wildlife of the National Park. Evenings are spent EcoCamp Patagonia in its sustainable geodesic Suite Domes.
Patagonia’s Big Five: • • • • •
“This trip was above and beyond my expectations. My guides (Claudio and Diego) were amazing...so full of knowledge plus kind, funny, helpful...I could go on and on. The staff was also so accommodating..any request was met as well as they could.”
Puma Andean Condor South Andean Deer (Huemul) Ñandú Guanaco
Other interesting species • • •
Susan Gearan, USA
Patagonian Skunk Dwarf Armadillo Chilean Flamingo
18 | EcoCam Patagonia Andean Condor
Huemul
Ñandú
Guanaco
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The Torres del Paine, crowning the park’s landscape, were formed by the remains of a huge granite cirque that was sheared away by the forces of glacial ice some 12 million years ago. This spectacular region, lined with eight beautiful lakes, three glacial rivers, two giant waterfalls, fields of flflowers and ancient forests, is home to EcoCamp’s very own Wildlife Safari, taking guests on a once-in-a-lifetime experience through spectacular natural panoramas, exquisite ffl lora and fauna including migrating geese, herds of guanacos, ffl locks of rheas and soaring condors. Wildlife Encounters Program:
EcoCamp Wildlife Safari This multi-day trip takes guests through the park’s diverse flflora and fauna by day and gives them the opportunity to enjoy EcoCamp’s Suite Domes or Standard Domes by night. The Wildlife Safari is perfect for families, individuals and couples of all ages, who can opt for an easy or more challenging excursion, depending on their personal preference. Easy excursions include trips to Blue Lagoon, Condor viewpoint, sailing to Grey Glacier, walking along the Fauna Trail and the Botanical Safari Trail, while active excursions include hiking the Pingo Trail, French Valley and the Towers. There are 15 species of mammal at the Torres del Paine National Park. The most commonly-seen species are the guanaco (Lama Guanicoe), the Chilla and Culpeo foxes and the Patgonian skunk. The huemul (Andean deer) and the puma (cougar) are rarely spotted. Birdlife is abundant, with over 115 species recorded including the blackbird, coot, dotterel, duck, finch, goose, grebe, hawk, sparrow, swan, teal, woodpecker, wren and the Andean condor with its wingspan of up to 3.2 metres. The vegetation of the pampa mainly consists of small spiky bushes and shrubs like the edible calafate. Bunch grasses, housing small delicate flowers and fragile plants, also cover the land while dense lenga beech forests line the park’s gorges.
Self-Guided :
Micro Safari Small is beautiful! The Micro Safari is a selfguided educational trail designed by EcoCamp, inviting guests to learn more about the park’s flflora and fauna right next to their domes. No guide is needed on this micro exploration and guests can freely wander along the trail and take note of the diverse vegetation and fauna.
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Trekking at the world´s end EcoCamp treks have gained international recognition thanks to our guides’ in-depth knowledge and high-quality adventure services in the Patagonian wilderness. Our guides take guests on an unforgettable experience through the prime locations in Torres del Paine National Park, exploring the park’s nooks and crannies leading to pristine forests, lakes, rivers, breathtaking views of glaciers and exquisite wildlife.
Hiking Program:
W Trek Dic
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Lak
Ascencio Valley
r
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John Gardner Pass
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Pai
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No
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French Valley
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Arrival & departure
Puerto Natales
Los Cuernos Pass
Sarmiento Lake
Pehoe Lake
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R ey Gr
Legend W Trek Paine Circuit Route in vehicle
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Trail to Las Torres: 10.5 km EcoCamp: 175mts above sea level
EcoCamp’s team of specialist guides take trekkers on an unforgettable experience along one of the world’s most classic trekking routes. Groups head from EcoCamp along Los Cuernos Pass and through French Valley in the heart of the Paine massif before reaching the impressive Grey Lake and Grey Glacier. Back at EcoCamp, trekkers are in the perfect place to join the path leading through Ascensio Valley up towards the Towers themselves, for an unbeatable view. EcoCamp hosts travelers for the majority of their 5 day (60km/37mi) or 7 day (76/47mi) trek, with mountain huts providing good quality food and comfortable beds the other nights. Hiking Program:
Paine Circuit EcoCamp runs its own separate operation just for the co-ordination of the challenging 9 day Circuit. On one of the most awe-inspiring hiking routes in the world, trekkers are led from EcoCamp to Dickson Lake and onto the famous John Gardner Pass with its striking view of Grey Glacier and the immense Southern Patagonian Ice fiField. The 115 kms/72 mile anti-clockwise circuit is the perfect adventure for trekkers who crave the ultimate challenge in Torres del Paine. Guides accompany trekkers through the ever-changing terrain, while luggage is transported by porters who cook and pitch tents for the group at campsites, leaving trekkers free to unwind and prepare for the next day’s challenge.
EcoCamp Patagonia | 21 Multi Sport Program:
Epic Patagonia Enjoy all the highlights of Torres del Paine on this Multi-Sport Adventure. This action-packed trip allows you to experience the very best of Chilean Patagonia by hiking up to the Torres Base (21km / 13mi), a mountain bike trip, kayaking alongside glacial icebergs and Patagonia horse-riding. The evenings are spent in the company of fellow adventurers in the rich community atmosphere of EcoCamp, where you can wine and dine peacefully at the end of a day’s trip.
EcoCamp Extensions Additional experiences to your EcoCamp stay: • • • •
Patagonia Fly Fishing (1 Day) Patagonia Yoga Private Class (1 Hour) Patagonia Horse Riding (1/2 or 1 Day) Magellan Strait Penguin Adventure (1/2 Day)
Trips taking you through Argentine Patagonia, are a perfect complement to your EcoCamp tour: • • • • •
Torres del Paine to Perito Moreno (1 Day) Perito Moreno Glacier Hiking (1 Day) Fitz Roy & Cerro Torre Trek (4 Day) Perito Moreno and Upsala Glacier (4 Day) Tierra del Fuego and Ushuaia (4 Day)
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EcoCamp´s commitment to sustainability EcoCamp has created and designed domes which are 100% sustainable and leave no trace when moved. Portable - Mounted over platforms that can be renewed.
Renewable materials - Pinewood from plantations. - Furniture made of wicker. - All ben linen, rugs and curtains made from natural fibres.
Skylight Windows - Allows guests to follow natural light patterns. - Star gazing potential at night. - Utilize natural light, saving electricity.
Energy source - EcoCamp uses Solar panels to obtain 40% of its energy and a micro-hydro turbine to obtain 60%. - In summer Patagonia receives up to 17 hours of sunlight making solar energy a powerful source.
Propane Heater - Used for heating water. - Used for heating interior of superior domes and suite dome bathrooms.
Composting chamber - World’s southern-most public use composting device, and the first in the hotel industry in the whole of Patagonia and Chile. - Heated to ensure bacteria remains active. - Liquids and solids separated and solid waste composted.
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Wooden stove - Prevents use of diesel fuels for heating and recycles fallen wood.
Semi-spherical structure - Minimizes external surface area and temperature exchange through walls. - Ensures uniform distribution of wind stress. - Maximum internal space for given outer surface area.
Thick, Insulated Walls - Outer PVC waterproof layer and thick polyester insulation cushion. - Organic fiber fire-treated interior walls. - Galvanized iron geodesic structure to withstand wind stress.
Fusion with the environment - Green exterior to blend into environment. - Limited height to ensure natural fusion.
Raised Platform & open Walkways - Minimizes foundations and excavations and further terrain disruption. - Animals can roam around freely and walk underneath. - Winds circulate underneath clearing humidity. - Guests exposed to the elements as they walk between domes.
Sketch By EcoCamp Founder Javier Lopez
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EcoCamp’s commitment to environmental sustainability has been internationally recognised and its reputation as an innovator of green technology is well-known. Guests can learn about EcoCamp’s sustainability practices by: talking to staff, reading the information available in the various domes and observing the eco-friendly practice whilst on-site. “Making EcoCamp environmentally sustainable was our unwavering priority. As kayakists, Javier Lopez and I had seen the beauty and fragility of nature as our beloved Bío Bío river was dammed. In addition my wife Nani Astorga is very protective of nature and a lover of the earth, animals and all things organic. The combination ensured we were committed to green technology and sustainable design from the outset”. — Yerko Ivelic, EcoCamp Founder
Local Involvement
At EcoCamp, most of our staff are from neighbouring town Puerto Natales or closest city Punta Arenas. All of our food is locally sourced and bought from nearby farm suppliers and vegetables are purchased from local greenhouses. Our general manager is an active member of the Local Commerce Chamber.
Wildlife Protection
EcoCamp Patagonia supports Refugio Animal Cascada, a nature sanctuary in Cajon del Maipo mountain valley close to Santiago. The sanctuary’s founder and coordinator is environmental steward Nani Astorga, co-founder of EcoCamp Patagonia. http://www.refugioanimalcascada.cl
Responsible Touristm
EcoCamp was one of the first Chilean companies to support the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism, an agreement drawn up by the World Tourism Organization and backed by hundreds of eco-conscious tourism companies across the world. In signing this vital agreement, we have promised to work alongside businesses, governments, tourists and local communities to safeguard the flora and fauna of our environments and to protect the culture, heritage and human rights of inhabitants of local communities.
Green Awards and Certification ISO 14001 & ISO 9001 EcoCamp’s Environmental Management System has been certifif ied by SGS as complying with ISO 14001 standards & ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems . We are the ffi irst hotel in Chile and the only hotel in Patagonia to have received both recognition. Sernatur’s Quality & Sustainability certifications In 2013, EcoCamp was recognized for its sustainable tourism practices by Chile Sustainable Travel and was granted Quality Tourism status by Sernatur, the Chilean ministry of economy, development, and tourism. Chile’s Most Sustainable Tourism Company EcoCamp is recognized in Chile as having the best ecotouristic practices in an area of pure wilderness. Chile’s Federation of Tourism Businesses awarded EcoCamp Patagonia as Chile’s Most Sustainable Tourism Company prize for 2012. The Torres del Paine Legacy fund Enables travellers to have positive economic and ecological impacts in Patagonia, by facilitating actions between organizations and individuals towards the restoration of the health of the National Park.
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Robinson Crusoe Family Adventure
The sheer beauty of this distant Pacific island and its rich biodiversity, combined with an enchanting history of exploration and pirates, will capture the imagination of the entire family.
“Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth” (National Geographic Adventure Magazine) Cascada Expediciones is a Chilean owned adventure tour operator, based in Santiago. We run the award-winning EcoCamp Patagonia in Torres del Paine National Park. Furthermore, we offer eco-friendly tours and custom trips across Chile and Argentina. In the last 24 years over 50,000 people visiting Chile have enjoyed Cascada-operated tours!
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Here is a selection of our latest adventure tours from the Atacama Desert to Robinson Crusoe, and much more inbetween:
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Epic Atacama - Multi Sport Adventure
Epic Atacama - Multi Sport Adventure The severity of the driest desert on Earth make it an inspiring place to explore under your own steam. This active adventure makes the most of what this unique landscape has to offer. • • • •
Mountain biking to the Atacama salt flats Hiking through the Moon Valley and Gatchi Gorge Horse riding in Death Valley Ascend to the summit of Zoquete Mountain
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Capture Atacama - Photo Tour
A photography tour of one of the most stunning and severe landscapes on Earth. The Atacama Desert is the driest place in the world and boasts some truly spectacular photo opportunities. • • • •
Hiking through Moon Valley and sunset at Death Valley Salt mountains, Salt flats Bizarre rock formations and peaceful lagoons Sunrise at the Tatio Geysers
Ride horses and trek in the footsteps of Robinson Crusoe! Scuba diving at Pangal bay Observe the exciting marine life whilst sailing and snorkelling Delicious traditional seafood
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Santiago de Chile & Surroundings Tours The Chilean Lake District is the perfect place to experience nature together with the family. Ancient forests, volcanoes, rivers and of course the translucent lakes provide a wonderful backdrop to this collective experience. • • • • •
Accommodation at the boutique Hotel Casa Kalfu in Puerto Varas, Patagonia. Trekking by Todos Los Santos Lake Cycling excursion to Frutillar Adrenaline fuelled rafting on Petrohue river! Gorgeous scenery of northern Patagonia
Lake District - Family Adventure
Easter Island - Hiking Adventure
The Chilean Lake District is the perfect place to experience nature together with the family. Ancient forests, volcanoes, rivers and of course the translucent lakes provide a wonderful backdrop to this collective experience.
Easter Island is a mythical place in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, 3,500km off the coast of Chile. Ancient Moai statues, secluded beaches and caves can all be seen whilst hiking around the dramatic coast of the island.
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Accommodation at the boutique Hotel in Puerto Varas, Patagonia. Trekking by Todos Los Santos Lake Cycling excursion to Frutillar Adrenaline fuelled rafting on Petrohue river! Gorgeous scenery of northern Patagonia
Moai stone statues Southern Pacific beaches Volcanoes, craters and lakes Ancient culture, petroglyphs Option to explore magical caves
Need expert travel advice? We are here to help you! E-Mail: info@cascada.travel www.cascada.travel
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Welcome to our humble home! Our Ecocamp team is an energetic mix of guides, cooks, assistants, maintenance staff, drivers, housekeepers and administrators, mainly from the neighbouring town of Puerto Natales (180km) or Punta Arenas (330km). Their hardworking and positive attitude ensures service levels for both guests and the environment are of the highest quality.
José Luis Varela
General Manager of EcoCamp and Cascada “Thanks to our team, the company has reached such varied markets and been able to invite so many guests to live unforgettable and memorable experiences in Chile,” he says. “I believe making people happy and building truth from dreams are key.” As General Manager, José is dedicated to doing everything within his reach to continually improve sustainable practices and dedication to people.
Office Santiago:
Our headquarters are located in the heart of Santiago’s business district El Golf. We have been dedicated to sustainable travel since 1991. Today, this houses a dedicated sales team; travel experts attending to direct clients; marketing team; tourism operations and a committed 24/7 Customer Service team.
Office Puerto Natales:
Our office in Puerto Natales, 120km/74mi from Torres del Paine, supports EcoCamp with administration and logistics. Our operations team is available 24/7 to ensure that your trip to Torres del Paine and EcoCamp runs as smoothly as possible.
“Our vocation is rooted in the great Outdoors. It all started in 1991 when Nani, Yerko and Javier created a kayaking school and rafting company to share their passion for the white waters of Chile - in particular the majestic Bio Bio river. By the end of the 90s, we were also offering horse riding trips in the Andes, mountain ascents, desert trekking and our famous Patagonia hikes. Nowadays, we offer even more eco-friendly and custom tours across Chile, Argentina and Bolivia” Javier Lopéz, Co-Founder Cascada expediciones & EcoCamp Patagonia
Behind the Scenes:
We have a fantastic back of house team which works tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that our guests have as pleasant a stay as possible at EcoCamp. Our housekeepers and maintenance staff make sure that the domes are in tip-top shape at all times.Our friendly welcoming staff in Puerto Natales and our experienced drivers work to ensure that our guests’ arrival and departure is seamless and stress-free.
26 | EcoCam Patagonia EcoCamp founders in front of Mount Fitzroy
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International Awards EcoCamp team
Cascada office team
National Geographic Stay List EcoCamp Patagonia featured in National Geographic’s 2011 Stay List for the most authentic and sustainable hotels in South America. National Geographic Best Outfitter Cascada Expediciones, owners of EcoCamp Patagonia, was rated as one of the Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth in 2008 and again in 2009
Happy Wildlife Safari Traveler
“I wanted to get away from everything familiar and give my head an opportunity to clear itself. I didn’t know just how effective this would be. Not having data or voice communications, taking myself out of familiar environments, away from familiar faces –both providing comfort but also contributing to poisonous routines– spending so much time alone and with the new friends I had made, the physical challenges taking away any opportunity for stray thoughts 9 days, I lost track of time, thoughts about nothing but the here-and-now in the purest environment I have ever experienced. I returned back home with an entirely different perspective beyond the usual “vacation mode.” — Sea Eun, New York City, USA
Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards In 2009 & 2012 EcoCamp was highly commended in Responsible Tourism Awards. The judges praised EcoCamp for “sitting at the cutting edge of environmental practice with the design and creation of their innovative 4 star geodesic dome tented hotel...”. Rough Guides EcoCamp Patagonia was recommended by Rough Guides, leading publisher of travel information and accommodation Trip Advisor EcoCamp Patagonia was awarded a certicfiate of excellence by Trip Advisor in 2011, 2012, 2013 & 2014. Check out our reviews online.
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EcoCamp is Proud Member of:
Give us a call, we are here to help you! USA/Canada | 1-800-901-6987 UK | 0-800-051-7095 Brasil | 0-800-892-1291 World | 0056-2-2923-5950
The International Ecotourism Society TIES is a non- profit organization, founded in 1990, committed to promoting responsible tourism practices that benefit conservation and communities. www.ecotourism.org
Reservations: info@cascada.travel Download Media Kit: www.cascada.travel/Media-Kit
Acknowledgments We wish to thank the Kusanovic family from Estancia Cerro Paine (www.lastorres.com) for their support in making the EcoCamp project possible from the very beginning. We also wish to thank our photographers Luis Hernan Herreros (www.visnu.cl), Leon Werdinger (www.ottertrack.com) and Kay Walsh (Kaywalshphotography.com) who captured timeless photos of Ecocamp and the Torres del Paine landscape. We want to thank all the EcoCamp staff in Patagonia, especially our hardworking guides, and our off ice staff in Puerto Natales and Santiago. And, of course, we extend our thanks to all the guests who have visited us over the years and gone back home flying the EcoCamp flag.
PEFC Certified This product is from sustainably managed forests, recycled and controlled sources
www.ecocamp.travel
PEFC/24-31-1200
Zeitz Foundation - The Long Run Long Run supporters such as EcoCamp share the Zeitz Foundation’s philosophy and endeavour to uphold the Long Run charter in every aspect of their business, prioritising the 4Cs (Conservation, Community, Culture, Commerce) to keep the future for The Long Run. www.zeitzfoundation.org
www.pefc.org
Adventure Travel Trade Association AT TA is a global network of responsible, profitable businesses, destinations & media who transform customers into advocates for sustainability and justice worldwide. www.adventuretravel.biz PURE PURE Life Experiences carefully selects and gathers the world’s best Private Travel Designers and Selected Suppliers from the exploding industry of Experiential Travel. www.purelifeexperiences.com Latin American Travel Association LATA was founded to promote travel to Latin America. The association brings together over 200 companies, including tourist boards, tour operators, hotels, wholesalers, media, airlines and overseas members. www.lata.org Active Travel Latin America Specialists ATLAS is an association of reputable, experienced active-travel companies serving clients looking for high-energy fun on their Latin America getaway www.atlasadventure.travel Turismo Chile Turismo Chile joins the public and private sectors in the promotion of Chile as a tourism destination in international markets. www.chile.travel