We were lucky to be hosted by Remota Patagonia Lodge for the first week of our trip. Remota is located in the town of Puerto Natales, sandwiched between Punta Arenas (3 hours to the south) and Torres del Paine National Park (1.5 hours to the north). Located on the water with snow-capped mountains in the background, it's certainly a serene setting and exactly the kind of quintessential Patagonia postcard view you're wanting to come home to after a long day of excursions.
The lodge itself is architecturally beautiful, with simple decor and funky angles to give it a unique style. There are great common areas with quiet nooks and crannies around every corner. The above photo was taken right from our dinner table! This was also probably around 9:30pm - such long days!
Including the pool and hot tub in our evening routine became one of our favorite parts of the lodge. Champagne was always offered (and always accepted, because....vacation!) and we could never tire of the view.
Remota is an excellent option for travelers who:
1) Are looking for something a bit more economical compared a lodge within Torres del Paine National Park
2) Are having trouble finding space in Torres del Paine National Park
3) Want a great variety of excursions, including all of the Torres del Paine highlights, but so much more! Rock climbing, fly fishing, kayaking, great local hikes, you name it.
4) Are looking for excellent service and top-notch dining. See my separate post on the FOOD!
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.