Today we’ll be talking about the best eco-friendly accommodations you can find in South America. If you’re looking for a place to enjoy the beauty of nature while minimizing your environmental impact, you won’t want to miss this guide!
In South America, there are many accommodations that have committed to protecting the environment and promoting sustainable practices. From hotels in the heart of the Amazon rainforest to cabins in Patagonia, you can find a wide variety of options to enjoy a unique and planet-friendly experience. We’ve compiled a list of our favorites for you!
Mashpi Lodge, Ecuador:
This eco-lodge is located in the midst of the Ecuadorian jungle, in the Mashpi Ecological Reserve, about two hours northwest of Quito. It is an eco-friendly accommodation that enjoys a mountainous tropical climate, with cool and humid temperatures throughout the year. The average temperature ranges from 12°C to 22°C, although it can be cooler at night.
The lodge is designed to be as sustainable as possible, using local construction materials and renewable energy sources. It seamlessly blends into the surrounding natural environment, with lush vegetation, rivers, and waterfalls. It offers rooms and suites with large windows that provide spectacular views of the forest. The lodge features an incredible spa, its own boutique, an expedition room, an observation platform, and a laboratory.
The lodge has taken sustainable actions, including reforestation of degraded areas, removal of invasive species, and promoting sustainable practices among the local population. It has a sustainable tourism program that aims to minimize its impact on the area. This includes activities designed to respect the flora and fauna, such as guided hikes by experts and birdwatching.
One of the highlights of Mashpi Lodge is that guests can enjoy birdwatching, waterfall visits, biking excursions, and more. They offer nighttime forest walks with a guide to see luminous insects, frogs, and owls. Tourists also greatly enjoy visiting the scientific research station, where they can learn about the region’s biodiversity and the conservation efforts being made to protect it.
Alto Atacama Desert Lodge & Spa, Chile:
This eco-lodge is located in the heart of the Atacama Desert in northern Chile, at an elevation of about 2,500 meters above sea level. It’s a unique and magical place, surrounded by stunning landscapes and breathtaking views. The climate is one of the driest in the world. Temperatures vary depending on the season and altitude but are generally warm during the day and cold at night.
It is a luxury eco-lodge designed to seamlessly blend into the arid desert landscape. It features rooms and suites adorned with natural materials and a rustic-chic style that reflects the essence of the location. The lodge boasts a world-class spa that offers relaxing treatments and therapies inspired by the desert’s nature.
The Alto Atacama Desert Lodge & Spa is a sustainability leader. Built with local materials and traditional techniques, it relies on solar and wind energy and has water collection and waste treatment systems. It engages in reforestation programs and promotes the conservation of wildlife and flora. It seeks integration with the local population through employment opportunities and support for small businesses and local producers.
Visitors have had the opportunity to take guided tours through the desert to explore the most impressive landscapes of the region. They have also enjoyed natural hot springs in the area and stargazing on clear nights. Guests highlight the kindness and attentiveness of the staff, as well as the beauty and tranquility of the surrounding desert.
Treehouse Lodge, Perú
Experience a unique stay in cabins built amidst the Amazon rainforest, mate. The lodge is located near the city of Iquitos and is situated in a remote location only accessible by boat. It’s constructed with natural materials and designed to seamlessly integrate into the natural environment. The climate in the Amazon rainforest is warm and humid year-round, with an average temperature of 26°C.
The Treehouse Lodge has built the cabins elevated on living trees without the need to cut them, using local and recycled materials to minimize environmental impact. It promotes responsible waste management and continually monitors the tourism’s impact. The lodge features a solar power system that covers a significant portion of its energy needs and utilizes rainwater for non-potable purposes.
Guests at the Treehouse Lodge have had unforgettable experiences, such as spotting wild animals like monkeys, caimans, and exotic birds. There are also options for nighttime excursions to observe the wildlife. Many visitors mention the delicious food served at the lodge, prepared with fresh local ingredients, offering an authentic taste of the region.
Explora Patagonia, Chile
It’s a luxury eco-lodge located in the heart of Torres del Paine National Park, mate. The lodge is built in harmony with nature, with grass roofs and wooden walls that reflect the natural beauty of the landscape. The terrain is diverse, with imposing mountains, glaciers, turquoise rivers, and lakes. The climate in Patagonia is unpredictable and constantly changing, so it’s important to be prepared for any weather conditions.
Among its sustainable actions, the lodge utilizes geothermal and solar energy to reduce its carbon footprint and employs advanced technology to minimize environmental impact. It promotes the use of local and organic products in guest meals. The lodge also emphasizes hiring local staff and acquiring products and services from the surrounding area. They have an environmental education program that includes talks and guided activities.
Guests at Explora Patagonia have a wide variety of excursions available, from hikes along the park’s trails to kayak explorations on nearby rivers and lakes.
Many people mention the experience of getting up close to the famous Grey Glacier, and the Torres del Paine trail is one of the lodge’s most popular and challenging excursions. Visitors also comment on the exquisite and unique food at the lodge, featuring local ingredients and regional dishes that are a delight for the taste buds.
Awasi Iguazú, Argentina:
A luxury eco-friendly hotel nestled in the heart of the Misiones Rainforest in northern Argentina, right next to Iguazu National Park and its famous waterfalls. It is surrounded by lush vegetation and features private villas, each with its own heated pool, and a personalized guide available 24 hours a day to plan tailor-made activities in the region. The climate is subtropical, with an average annual temperature of 24°C.
The hotel is built with local materials and incorporates solar panels, a wastewater treatment system, and heating and ventilation systems that minimize energy consumption. Awasi Iguazu promotes hiring local staff and acquiring products and services from the area. They have a sustainable tourism program that includes guided hikes by experts and visits to local communities.
Among the most incredible experiences you can have is undoubtedly the visit to the Iguazu Falls, one of the most impressive natural wonders in the world. You can enjoy boat rides on the Iguazu River, birdwatching, jungle hikes, visits to local communities, and many other activities. Guests speak highly of the personalized attention and the beauty of the natural surroundings.
La Manigua Lodge, Colombia
A magical place in the heart of Caño Cristales, Colombia, located in the Caño Cristales Natural Reserve, a protected area where the famous “River of Five Colors” is found, considered one of the most beautiful in the world. La Manigua Lodge is built with local and sustainable materials, seamlessly blending into the surrounding landscape, offering a unique and authentic experience of the Colombian jungle.
The climate in Caño Cristales is warm and humid year-round, resulting in spectacular biodiversity. The lodge features a renewable energy system, recycling and composting programs, and utilizes local and organic products in meal preparation. All of this is aimed at minimizing environmental impact and maximizing guest experiences.
The hotel is committed to reducing the use of single-use plastics and promoting environmental education among guests and staff. It has established a collaborative relationship with the indigenous and farming communities in the area, promoting the hiring of local personnel and the purchase of products and services from the region.
As for experiences, La Manigua Lodge offers a variety of activities to discover the natural beauty of the region, such as jungle hikes, canoe trips on the river, visits to waterfalls and crystal-clear pools, among others. Visitor reviews highlight the delicious local cuisine, the opportunity to meet local communities, and the opportunity to learn about their culture and traditions.
Explora Sacred Valley, Perú
It is located in the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, Peru. Surrounded by imposing mountains and lush green valleys, it is built in harmony with the natural landscape of the area. This lodge is the perfect place to enjoy the nature, culture, and history of Peru. The climate is temperate and dry for most of the year. Days are usually sunny and warm, with daytime temperatures ranging between 20°C and 25°C.
The lodge utilizes advanced technology to minimize its environmental impact, such as solar panels for energy generation, water treatment systems, and recycling programs. It works closely with local communities, promoting the preservation of Andean culture and encouraging the sustainable use of natural resources. It supports the conservation of protected natural areas, such as the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
An experience you cannot miss at Explora Sacred Valley is a visit to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, considered one of the wonders of the modern world. The hotel’s guides will take you on a hike along ancient Inca paths to reach this impressive archaeological site.
Additionally, you can enjoy various outdoor activities such as valley hikes, cycling tours, and visits to local communities, all accompanied by delicious Peruvian cuisine. Guests who have visited Explora Sacred Valley highlight the quality of service and attention to detail from the staff, as well as the beauty of the Peruvian natural landscape surrounding the lodge.
Yacutinga Lodge, Comandante Andresito, Argentina
This ecolodge is located in the Misiones Rainforest of Argentina, near the border with Brazil. It is surrounded by the lush vegetation of the Yabotí Biosphere Reserve, a place declared a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site. The climate is subtropical, warm, and humid year-round, with an average temperature of around 25°C.
The lodge features bungalows constructed with natural materials, designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding natural environment. It has its own forest and gardens, with trails that lead to marvelous spots. Yacutinga Lodge is deeply committed to sustainability and environmental conservation.
It is a pioneer in sustainable tourism development in the Misiones Rainforest, supporting the conservation of protected natural areas such as the Iguazu National Park and the Yabotí Biosphere Reserve. The lodge promotes sustainable practices in its daily operations, including the use of biodegradable cleaning products and the reduction of water and energy consumption. It operates under wastewater treatment systems and utilizes renewable energies.
Various activities can be enjoyed at the ecolodge, including jungle hikes, birdwatching, and canoe trips on the river. Guests of Yacutinga Lodge praise the beauty of the place and the spectacular nature of the excursions. Some have even been fortunate enough to spot jaguars or rare animals, making the experience truly unique and unforgettable.
Pikaia Lodge, Ecuador
Pikaia Lodge combines comfort and luxury with sustainable commitment. Its location is unique, offering breathtaking views of Santa Cruz Island and the Pacific Ocean. The property is surrounded by the lush nature of the Galapagos and is the perfect place to relax and disconnect from the outside world. Visitors can indulge in the world-class spa and enjoy delicious cuisine at the restaurant and bar.
The climate in the Galapagos is tropical and dry, with warm temperatures throughout the year. The best time to visit is from June to December when temperatures are cooler, and the local wildlife is more active. Pikaia Lodge adopts environmentally friendly practices in everything they do, from the design of the lodge to the activities they offer.
Notable sustainable initiatives include the use of renewable energy, water recycling, and organic farming. The lodge works closely with the Pikaia Foundation, dedicated to the conservation and restoration of Galapagos ecosystems. They have implemented a giant tortoise conservation program, which includes protecting natural habitats and providing environmental education for guests.
In terms of experiences, visitors can enjoy a wide range of exciting activities in the Galapagos, such as snorkeling with sea turtles. Exploring Santa Cruz Island, visiting the Tortuga Bay Nature Reserve, enjoying a private yacht tour, and more. Guests often comment on the personalized and warm attention from the staff, as well as the quality of the facilities and services provided.
After exploring some of the best eco-lodges in South America, it’s clear that these places offer unique and sustainable experiences for travelers seeking an environmentally conscious approach. From the natural beauty of Patagonia and the Amazon to the rich biodiversity of the rainforests, there is much to discover.
there are many advantages to visiting this region of the world. South America is rich in culture, with a wide variety of traditions, music, cuisine, and arts that offer a unique and unforgettable experience for any traveler. The diversity of natural landscapes and the strong commitment to environmental sustainability make South America an attractive and exciting tourist destination for any traveler.
