Regenerative travel is shaping the future of tourism, and at Las Torres Patagonia more than 30 years of family-led stewardship have shaped every aspect of this estancia experience in Chilean Patagonia. From inviting guests to share the heritage and traditions of Baqueano cowboy culture and sample their multifaceted zero-waste mixology program, to their long-term conservation, volunteer, community partnership and NGO-led initiatives. Importantly, Las Torres Patagonia also celebrates the people who have brought these endeavours to life. 

The Alchemist of Patagonia: A symbol of Las Torres Patagonia's innovative spirit is Federico Gil who has been dubbed a 'liquid conservationist' and leads the team at the newly reimagined Pionero Bar. Drawing on ingredients such as Magellan barberry, ñirre (Nothofagus antarctica) and rhubarb, his cocktails celebrate Patagonian flavours through seasonal fermentations, smoking techniques using native herbs and house-made bitters. Beer and gin are distilled on site using glacial water, while a zero-waste cocktail, Andiperla, is served in an edible white-chocolate cookie cup. Even the glassware reflects the ethos - Federico transforms discarded bottles into bespoke glasses using his own glass cutting machine.

Custodians of Culture: The Baqueano experience offers guests privileged access to Patagonia's living cowboy culture. Led by horsemen whose families have worked this land for over a century, Baqueanos are custodians of traditional horsemanship and deep territorial knowledge passed down through generations. The region's original trailblazers, they once carved routes through snowbound steppes and mountains. Today, they guide guests along these paths and invite them to join their yerba mate ritual, music and storytelling round the campfire. “Being a Baqueano means being strong,” says Baqueano Jorge Gallardo, “but also finding peace in the stillness. Working with animals. Disconnecting from all the noise.”

The legacy of Quintero Don Tito: Half a century ago, Don Tito redefined what sustainable agriculture could look like at the edge of the world. The half-hectare biointensive garden he established at Las Torres Patagonia - now overseen by Catalina Rojas - remains a living laboratory for organic farming in extreme conditions. On guided tours, guests discover compost made from kitchen waste, coffee grounds and beer residue; natural fertilisers brewed from compost-and-dandelion tea and horse manure; cinnamon used as a natural plant antiseptic; and natural pest deterrents like distraction planting. Today, the garden supplies around 20% of the lodge's fresh fruit and vegetables, rising to 30% during peak season. Produce includes 'traveller's tomatoes', a naturally segmented tomato that's an ideal hiking snack.

Artisan Revivalists: Each season, Las Torres Patagonia spotlights local artisans whose work reflects the cultural and natural heritage of southern Chile. Recent additions include woven placemats and bread baskets by Chiloé craftswomen Patricia Catrilef and María Navarrete, whose practice celebrates traditional vegetable-fibre weaving techniques. Local blacksmith, Victor Riquelme, crafts the knives used by Chef Joaquín Pitta in Coirón restaurant. These feature handles made from regional woods and are designed to pay tribute to traditional Baqueano knives. In the spa, essential oils are sourced from Puenta Arnas-based aromatherapy and skincare venture AMMA who use 100% natural ingredients (including mint, eucalyptus, rosemary and maritime pine) with a focus on those from Chilean Patagonia.  

'10 Volunteers for 10 Days': Las Torres Patagonia has just welcomed the winners of the 3rd edition of this successful global voluntourism campaign to the reserve. The participants will work alongside local communities to restore Patagonia's critical Base Torres Trail. With the first 1.5km section now complete as a sustainable trail, work begins on the second of three sections of the trail located in the heart of Torres del Paine National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. More details about the campaign can be found here.

“Regenerative tourism starts where guests sleep, eat and explore,” says Josian Yaksic Kusanovic, CEO of Las Torres Patagonia. “Our Reserve becomes an experiential classroom, showing how hospitality can strengthen ecosystems, culture and climate resilience. This, together with our Climate Action Plan guiding us toward carbon neutrality by 2034, helps preserve the genuine quality of our estancia experience and our surroundings.”

Supporting these efforts is Las Torres Patagonia Conservancy, their affiliated NGO. Dedicated to protecting Torres del Paine's fragile ecosystems, it delivers conservation, research, education and sustainable tourism programs. Recent projects include Geoffrey's Cat protection, Andean condor flight monitoring and educational outreach focused around the orchids of Torres del Paine.

Las Torres Patagonia is open for the season until 18th April, reopening on 1st October 2026. Rates start from £1,755pp for a two night all-inclusive package, based on two people sharing a double room.

For more information visit www.lastorres.com/en

-ENDS-

About Las Torres Patagonia
We are Las Torres Patagonia, a natural and cultural reserve located in the heart of Torres del Paine National Park in the southernmost region of Chile. We are a family-owned business in Chilean Patagonia with more than 30 years in the tourism industry. Our focus is the conservation of Patagonian nature and culture, as well as promoting sustainable tourism. In our hotel, mountain stays, camps, and mountain cabins, we share unique experiences, preserving traditions from our ranching roots and captivating guests with stories from our local guides and collaborators. Our commitment is to be a world-class sustainable destination in Chilean Patagonia, serving as the starting point for magical adventures and a connection with nature. www.lastorres.com/en