Glamping? These domes (igloos) linked to sustainable tourism are increasingly in demand in South America. 

Their name is a revelation: glamping combines glamour in the first four letters with camping in the last four. Basically, it's the best of both worlds!

Its philosophy is based on basic premises, such as care for the environment, efficient use of energy and water, control of guests' garbage and environmentally friendly architecture. In fact, they are specifically designed not to alter the landscape.

 

The classic lodging model in this type of places is the dome: a sort of large tent, with comfortable beds and other comforts / Photo: Canva Pro

 

If you are planning an outdoor getaway, but still can't decide where to go, here we recommend several glamping sites for you to enjoy a different and pleasant stay in Chile:

 

1) Lodge Punta de Domos. Punta de Choros

It is located in a village of artisanal fishermen located in the north of the Coquimbo region.

Geodesic domes right in the middle of the beach, perfectly located to wake up and take a boat to go to see dolphins, whales and shorebirds in marine reserve cliffs.

From the domes you can hear the sound of the waves at night and all visitors agree that it is like sleeping in the middle of the beach, but with the comforts of a hotel room. All rooms are equipped with refrigerator, microwave, full set of dishes and dishwasher. 

Outside, in the common area, there are grills and a shared kitchen. In addition, the lodging is located a few meters from excellent restaurants and stores.

 

A view of the sky is a key requirement when "glamping" / Source

 

2) Elqui Domos, Elqui Valley

For astronomy lovers this will be the perfect glamping! This small complex was built a decade ago in the heart of the Elqui Valley, epicenter of international astronomical observation.

It is a narrow valley that stretches between the Andes Mountains, famous for its clear, cloudless skies and pleasant climate, as well as its excellent potential for viticulture and astronomy.

Elqui Domos is located 110 Kilometers from the center of the city of La Serena and 580 kilometers from Santiago. In this complex there are seven geodesic domes for lodging, located on wooden platforms: they are metal structures, covered by a PVC tent, with air conditioning and heating.

 

Elqui Domos has a great atmosphere, where the mysticism of astronomy is mixed with restful relaxation / Source

 

3) Patagonia Camp. Torres del Paine.

It is located on the shores of Lake Toro, with privileged views of the Torres del Paine Massif, recently named the Eighth Wonder of the World.

This complex in Chilean Patagonia has 20 yurts, luxurious Mongolian-style tents equipped with central heating and all the comforts of a hotel, but in intimate contact with nature and in the middle of the native forest.

All are decorated with handcrafted furniture made from local wood and have a private terrace with panoramic views of the lake and the Cuernos del Paine.

Patagonia Camp is located within a private reserve of 34,000 hectares, 15 kilometers from Torres del Paine National Park, 74 kilometers from Puerto Natales.

 

The yurts are tents of Mongolian origin, circular in shape and light-colored, which maximizes energy efficiency in terms of both light and heat./ Source

4) Ecocamp Patagonia. Magallanes

It is the first completely sustainable lodging in southern Chile and the first hotel built with geodesic domes in the world. The proposal is based on developing and promoting ecological tourism that is 100% sustainable.

 

Ecocamp Patagonia has been certified under ISO14.001 because it became a carbon neutral company to minimize its CO2 emissions  / Source

 

This camp is located in the heart of Torres del Paine National Park, and is inspired by the traditional Kawésqar, igloos where the nomadic and indigenous tribes of this region used to live.

 

5) "Los Baqueanos", Cajón de Maipo.

It is a mountain refuge located in the Cajón del Maipo, made up of a geodesic dome of 6 meters in diameter and a house invented by its owners. 

The central camp, located at 1,200 meters above sea level, in El Canelo, has four of these domes fully equipped to ensure the comfort of its visitors. It has beds, tables, living room, terraces, Creole lunches and bathrooms, as well as activities such as hiking and horseback riding expeditions in the surroundings of the Cajón del Maipo.

The refuge has focused on sustainable development and that is why they use solar panels for electricity and you can see recycled materials such as bottles from restaurants, doors from former offices or factory roofs that collapsed in the earthquake of February 27 and are now part of the walls of this complex.

 

 In Los Baqueanos, hot water is generated by a wood stove that has a coil and allows you to enjoy the spring water that comes directly from the mountain range / Source

 

6) Altos de Quitor. San Pedro de Atacama

"There are places where you stay, and places that stay in you". This phrase identifies the glamping Altos de Quitor. 

Immersed in a magical natural environment, between the Cordillera de La Sal - Pukara de Quitor and the Death Valley, this camping emerged as a family venture in 2015.

This glamping is located 1 km from Pukará de Quitor and 2.2 km from San Pedro Church. It offers an outdoor pool, a restaurant and free WiFi.

The accommodations feature a private bathroom with free toiletries and mountain views.

Staying with your family in a glamping in the driest desert in the world in San Pedro de Atacama is an unforgettable experience. 

Travel Tip: Altos de Quitor Glamping is ideal for stargazing with the Astronomical tour that this place offers.

 

A campsite and thousands of stars 

Glamping is a trend that combines outdoor recreation activities, rest and contact with nature, with the comforts of a four or five star hotel.

Many say that glamping is the new way of camping, a balanced combination of glamour and nature. An environment that is well cared for and harmonious with nature.

The option of glamping in southern Chile is highly recommended to enjoy nature, starry skies and experience something different. It offers you gourmet and quality gastronomy, unique landscapes and nice people. You will see that you don't need anything else. 

 

Plan your next adventure in Chile and take home the best memories of this wonderful experience in South America! 

 

By: Nathaly Bosch, social communicator by profession and curious traveler by choice. Spanish editor for Daytours4u.