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EXPLORA PATAGONIA
Patagonia is the southernmost region of the American continent and one of the least populated areas in the world. Millions of years ago, it underwent major geological and glaciological transformations which created mountains, glaciers, lakes and rivers. Today this region is home to an extensive variety of plants and animals, many of which are native to the area.
The Hotel Salto Chico is our base for exploring Patagonia. It is the only lodge at the center of Torres del Paine National Park (51º07'S, 73º10'W), home to diverse and pristine ecosystems.
HOTEL SALTO CHICO
ARCHITECTURE
How can a small work of architecture coexist with a landscape as impressive as Torres del Paine?
Our response to this challenge was to construct a long building to contrast with the vertical form of Macizo del Paine. We painted the outside white to blend in with the snow and ice.
Both the perimeter of the site and the external cladding of the lodge are constructed of cement and wood beams, a combination able to withstand the Patagonian climate's wide-ranging temperatures and strong winds.
The interior is warm and light. We created this lighting effect by combining the warm color in the veins of local lenga wood (nothofagus pumilio) with white walls in certain parts of the lodge.
You can walk around the perimeter of Hotel Salto Chico, following the "orbit" or revolving space built into the design. Thus, the interior and exterior accompany one another and enter into a dialogue at the access to the rooms. The traveler can simultaneously view both the interior of the lodge and the surrounding landscape.
Apart from the main section of the building is the swimming pool area with jacuzzis and sauna - the "Casa de Baños del Ona", or Ona Bath House- which can be reached via sloping wooden walkways. The swimming pool and jacuzzis are at the same level as Lake Pehoé, providing a continuous view of the water. The outside of this building is painted the same emerald green color as the lake.
ROOMS
Our lodge has 50 comfortable rooms, all with captivating views, silence and privacy. The sophisticated design incorporates native lenga wood (nothofagus pumilio) and cypress brought from the Guaitecas Archipelago, while the floor is made of almond wood. Each room has a small living area, hydromassage bath and beds designed for deep, pleasurable sleep after a day of exploration. Finally, we provide you with a unique treat: the rooms are television-free.
Exploradores Suite
6 suites measuring 42 meters² (450 feet²), all with views of Macizo del Paine.
Cordillera Paine Room
37 rooms measuring 28 meters² (300 feet²), all with views of Macizo del Paine.
Salto Chico Room
7 rooms measuring 28 meters² (300 feet²), all with views of the Salto Chico waterfall.
FACILITIES AND SERVICES
Casa de Baños del Ona (Ona Bath House)
Located 100 meters (109 yards) from the lodge and reached by a sloping wooden walkway, this bath house has a heated indoor swimming pool, a sauna and four open-air jacuzzis, all with views of Lago Pehoé and Macizo del Paine. Here you can also enjoy different types of massage with essential oils, such as therapeutic, relaxing or energizing massage.
Estancia 2 de Enero (January 2 Ranch)
Patagonia is more than just pristine landscapes; it is home to the unique and legendary gaucho culture. You can drink "mate" tea with gauchos and watch them shear sheep, drive livestock, break in horses and carry out other typical ranching tasks on this 6,000-hectare (14,826-acre) estancia, which belongs to explora and is located 53 kilometers (33 miles) from the lodge.
STABLES
Hotel Salto Chico is the only lodge in the area with its own horses, which have been bred and trained especially for our travelers to ride.
Our stables are 9 kilometers (5.6 miles) from the lodge in an area of 593 meters² (709 yards²). They are home to 26 horses of different breeds and mixes, especially trained by explora for riding in the area.
The horses were bred at the stud farm belonging to the Ibáñez family in Chile's central valley. A team led by veterinary horse specialist Gaela Hourcq is responsible for feeding and grooming the horses. The horses are constantly cared for by Gaela and her team of two stable managers, a blacksmith and three stable hands.
FOOD AND WINE
Luxury of the essential is the concept behind the food we prepare. We seek to enhance the original flavors of selected ingredients, avoiding excess and alteration.
Our cuisine offers authentic flavors based on the best-quality ingredients, many of which are produced locally. The food is healthy and well-balanced, ideal for people going trekking, horseback riding or on other explorations.
Our menus include some of the best local dishes, such as Magellanic lamb, southern king crab and delicious fish and vegetables.
EXPLORATIONS
TREKS
Trekking makes it possible for you to contemplate your surroundings in an unhurried and meaningful way. When you trek, you can look at things more closely and carefully. In our treks in the park, we cross forests of mature lenga trees (nothofagus pumilio), remote pampas and rivers. We trek alongside glaciers, lakes and enormous, mountainous formations of magma and granite.
At explora Patagonia, we offer almost 20 different treks, some lasting half a day, others a full day.
We take little-used footpaths to arrive at the most isolated corners of this area, which are rich in flora, fauna and adventures. We always seek to adjust to the rhythm of each person, enjoying each step of the journey.
HORSEBACK RIDE
An essential element in the life of a gaucho, the horse has been the traditional way of covering the vast distances in Patagonia, among other things making it possible for the few inhabitants on remote estancias in the pampa to stay in touch with one another.
At explora Patagonia we offer 14 different horseback rides. The rides start at the stables or the quincho and are always accompanied by both a guide and a gaucho.
The horses have been specially trained for explorations by explora. We provide horses, equipment and routes suitable for those who are new to riding as well as children and expert riders. We also offer a basic course for those who wish to learn how to ride horseback.
The equipment we use is of the highest quality: Chilean saddles, hand-made by a master craftsman; British saddles; Argentine leather chaps; and helmets.
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