Chile Eco Lodges

Uncover the wild beauty of South America with Chile Eco Lodges, your gateway to unforgettable eco-adventures. From the arid Atacama Desert to the icy peaks of Patagonia, Chile offers ecotourists an incredible diversity of landscapes and wildlife. Hike through ancient forests, explore dramatic coastlines, and spot rare species—all while staying in sustainable lodges that protect nature and empower local communities. Whether you’re a nature lover or adventure seeker, Chile invites you to explore responsibly and connect deeply with its natural wonders.

Chile Eco Lodges and Tours

Ecotourism in Chile

Thanks to its enormous geographical diversity – from the arid Atacama Desert in the north to the glaciers of Patagonia in the south – Chile offers countless opportunities for sustainable travel and nature experiences. Chile has wild rivers, as well as thousands of miles of Pacific coastline and desert ecosystems. One of the parks worth a visit is Torres del Paine National Park in the Patagonia region. Another one of the national reserves is Los Flamencos National Reserve. As well as Islotes de Puñihuil National Monument, which is home to two species of penguins found in Chile. You can choose between many Chile Eco Lodges, visit indigenous communities and participate in nature restoration projects. Many of these projects protect endangered species and ecosystems.

Flora and Fauna in Chile

Chile has incredibly diverse flora and fauna thanks to its unique geographic location; each ecosystem is home to special plants and animals, many of which are endemic.

Flora of Chile: From Desert to Rainforest

Atacama Desert (North)
– Driest desert in the world, but still surprisingly rich in life.
– Llareta: a mossy plant that can live for hundreds of years.
– Tamarugo trees survive on minimum water quantity.  
– In the rare case of rain, it creates the “Desierto Florido,” a spectacular flowering desert!  

Central region (central Chile)
– Valdivian temperate rainforest: one of the oldest ecosystems in the world.
– Araucaria tree (Monkey Puzzle Tree): lives for thousands of years and is a national symbol.
– Vineyards: the unique climate of Chile makes it a perfect place for the famous Chilean wines!  

Patagonia (South)
– Lenga beech and Coihue trees: resistance to extreme cold and wind.
– Torres del Paine National Park: glacial valleys filled with wildflowers such as the Notro (fire flower).
– Peat and peatlands: essential for holding CO2 and water.

Chiloé Islands and Rapa Nui (Easter Island)
– Chiloé’s Magellan rainforest: moss-covered trees and bamboo-like plants.
– Easter Island’s Toromiro tree: sadly, extinct in the wild, but is being restored through reforestation.

Fauna of Chile: From Penguins to Pumas

Desert and Northern Chile
– Vicuña and Guanaco: wild cousins of the alpaca living in the Andes.
– Vizcacha: an adorable rodent that resembles a rabbit with a long tail.
– Andescondor: one of the largest flying birds in the world with a wingspan of up to 3 meters or almost 10 feet!

Central Chile and Andes Mountains
– Huemul: a rare and endangered deer, national symbol of Chile.
– Chinchilla: a gentle, wild rodent that lives in mountainous areas.
– Colibrí (Hummingbirds): many species, including the rare Chilean forest hummingbird.

Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego
– Puma (Chilean Puma): the king of the Patagonian wilderness.
– Giant Anteater: occurs in southern Chile and feeds on termites.
– Magellanic and Humboldt penguins: found on islands along the coast.

Marine Fauna
– Blue whale and humpback whale: often spotted off Chiloé and along the Patagonian fjords.
– Dolphins: such as the Peale’s dolphin and Chile’s black and white dolphin (Tonina).
– Seals and catfish: large colonies all along the Chilean coast.

The Best EcoTourism Destinations in Chile

Patagonia (Torres del Paine & Carretera Austral).
This is one of the most beautiful natural areas in the world, with towering mountains, glaciers and turquoise lakes. Patagonia has a well-developed ecotourism infrastructure with Chile Eco Lodges and trekking routes. Some highlights:
*Trekking on the famous W-Trek or O-Trek.
*Kayaking among the fjords and glaciers.
*Spot pumas with nature guides.
*Stay at Chile Eco Lodges.
Best travel time: November – March (summer, best weather for hiking).

Atacama Desert (San Pedro de Atacama)
This is the driest desert in the world with other worldly landscapes. Visit Salt flats, hot spring, volcanoes, geysers and flamingo-rich lagoons without disturbing the ecosystem. Atacama is one of the best places in the world for stargazing. Some highlights:
*Visit Valle de la Luna and Valle de la Muerte on a sustainable tour.
*Astronomy eco-tours without light pollution.
*Stay at Chile Eco Lodges.
Best travel time: March – November (milder temperatures and fewer crowds).

Chiloé Islands
These islands offer a unique mix of nature, culture and mythology. Dense rainforests and coastlines with many sea lions and penguins. The local communities maintain ancient traditions and sustainable fishing. Some highlights:
*Hikes in Chiloé National Park to spot pygmy blue whales, humpbacks, and finbacks.
*Visit traditional wooden churches (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
*Spot Magellanic and Humboldt penguins at Puñihuil.
Best time to visit: December – March (drier and warmer).

Rapa Nui (Easter Island)
Rapa Nui is world famous for its mysterious Moai statues. Note that limited tourism is allowed to protect the fragile ecosystem and heritage site. Some highlights:
*Visit Rapa Nui National Park with local guides.
*Sustainable snorkeling and diving in the clear waters.
*Bike or walk instead of motorized transport.
*Respect the cultural traditions of the Rapa Nui community.
*Stay at Chile Eco Resorts.
Best time to visit: September – April (less rain, milder temperatures).

Carretera Austral (Aysén and Queulat National Park)
This is one of the most remote and pristine areas of Chile with mountains, glaciers, rainforests and fjords. Perfect for adventurous travelers who want to get away from the crowds. Some highlights:
*Visit the spectacular Hanging Glacier (Ventisquero Colgante).
*Hike through temperate rainforests in Pumalín Park.
*Kayak through the fjords and lagoons.
*Stay at Chile Eco Hotels.
Best time to travel: December – March (summer, best roads and access).

Suggested Ecotravel itinerary (2 weeks in Chile)

Here is a 2-week sustainable itinerary in Chile that will take you to some of the most beautiful eco-tourism destinations! This itinerary focuses on conservation, ecotourism, and minimal impact on the environment.

Day 1-3: Santiago and Cajón del Maipo
Arrive in Santiago by air. Take an eco-friendly transfer (e.g. electric public transport) to your sustainable accommodation.
• Visit Cerro San Cristóbal by bike or on foot for panoramic views of the city.
• Take a day trip to Cajón del Maipo, a beautiful valley with rivers and thermal baths. Choose a local eco-guide!
Sustainable transportation: Take a bus or shared shuttle to your next destination.

Day 4-6: Chiloé Islands
Take a flight to Castro (Chiloé). Distances are so great that it makes sense to fly. It is famous for its magical forests, penguin colonies, and palafitos (stilt houses).
• Visit Chiloé National Park, with its ancient forests and pristine beaches.
• Join a responsible whale or dolphin watching tour that doesn’t disturb the animals.
• Learn about local traditions and eat in an eco-friendly restaurant with fresh seafood and organic ingredients.
*Stay at Chile Sustainable Lodge.
Sustainable transportation: take a local ferry to the mainland and continue your journey by bus.

Day 7-9: Pumalín Douglas Tompkins National Park
Taka a Bus to Pumalín Park (Patagonia), one of the largest private nature reserves in the world. Founded by the founder of The North Face (outdoor clothing and gear).
• Hike past volcanoes, waterfalls and dense forests.
• Visit local communities that promote sustainable agriculture and ecotourism.
*Stay at Chile Eco Lodges.
Sustainable transport: take an overnight bus or boat to your next destination.

Day 10-12: Torres del Paine National Park
Travel by bus to Puerto Natales and Torres del Paine; A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and one of the most beautiful national parks in the world!
• Choose a multi-day trek such as the famous W-trek (sustainable overnight stays in eco-campsites).
• Spot guanacos, condors and maybe even a puma!
• Eat in sustainable refuges and drink filtered water from the streams.
*Stay at Chile Eco Hotels.
Sustainable transport: take a shared shuttle or bus to Punta Arenas.

Day 13-14: Punta Arenas
Take a day trip to Isla Magdalena. This island is home to thousands of Magellanic penguins and is strictly protected.
• Go on an eco-certified tour to minimize the impact on the penguins.
• Explore the historic town of Punta Arenas and taste local Patagonian cuisine.
Take a Flight back to Santiago to go home.

DO you want to reduce your ecological footprint while traveling in Chile? Check our Sustainable travel page with 40+ Tips!

Ecological threats in Chile

Chile is a country with a rich biodiversity, but it is threatened by several ecological challenges. Fortunately, there are also many small-scale conservation projects that are committed to preserving these unique ecosystems.   

• Habitat loss and fragmentation: activities such as mining, agriculture and fishing lead to the destruction and fragmentation of natural habitats. This threatens many plant and animal species.
• Overexploitation of natural resources: intensive exploitation of resources such as timber, fish and wildlife has led to depletion of populations and disruption of ecosystems.
• Invasive species: the introduction of non-native species can displace native flora and fauna. This leads to a disruption of the ecological balance. Some well-known invasive species in Chile include the American beaver, rabbit, and wild boar. As well as Invasive plants like blackberry and ulex. Other notable non-native species include the red deer, American mink, and various insects.
• Pollution: water and air pollution, often caused by industrial activities. These have harmful effects on both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.
• Climate change: changes in temperature and precipitation patterns affect habitats and can lead to the extinction of sensitive species.

Chiles policy on ecotourism

The government is involved in conservation. NGO’s, grass roots community members, and other groups are also involved in conservation. Environmental conservation efforts are building momentum in Chile. A strong commitment to sustainability and ecotourism is evident in several policies and initiatives:

Renewable Energy and Sustainability: Chile is a leader in Latin America in renewable energy. The country’s geographical diversity, such as the sun-drenched Atacama Desert, provides ideal conditions for solar energy projects. The government aims to generate 70% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2050, as set out in the National Energy Policy 2050. This policy supports sustainable tourism infrastructure by promoting green energy sources. 

Protection of Biodiversity and Natural Areas: Chile has an extensive network of national parks and reserves that protect diverse ecosystems. Collaborations between the government and NGOs, such as Tompkins Conservation, have led to the creation of large, protected areas, including Patagonia Park. These efforts promote sustainable ecotourism and contribute to the conservation of the country’s natural resources. 

Climate Change Policy and Legislation: with the Climate Change Framework Law, Chile has created a legal framework aimed at achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. This includes measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote a low-carbon economy. This legislation supports sustainable tourism practices by encouraging environmentally friendly initiatives.

Promotion of Ecotourism: the Chilean government recognizes the potential of ecotourism as a tool for sustainable development and conservation. Through investment in infrastructure, promotion of environmentally friendly accommodations and the involvement of local communities, ecotourism is encouraged. This ensures economic growth while preserving the environment.

Greenhouse Gas Management Initiatives: The Huella Chile program, initiated by the Ministry of the Environment, encourages public and private organizations to manage and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. This initiative contributes to the country’s overall sustainability goals and supports ecotourism businesses in minimizing their environmental footprint.
Through these combined efforts, the Chilean government demonstrates its commitment to sustainability and promoting ecotourism. This benefits both the environment and the economy.

Examples of Small-Scale Conservation Projects in Chile

Futangue Park –  located in the Los Ríos region, this family-run nature reserve covers more than 13,500 hectares (or 33,359 acres). The park opened its doors to tourists a few years ago and offers controlled access so as to minimize environmental impact. Visitors can enjoy approximately 100 km (over 62 miles) of hiking trails through native forests and mountains.

Sustainable Forestry Initiatives Projects are being implemented in regions such as Maule, Ñuble, Biobío, La Araucanía, Los Ríos and Los Lagos to promote sustainable forestry practices. These initiatives focus on reducing forest fires, droughts and desertification, and include models for sharing benefits with local communities.

Native Forest Restoration Small-scale projects are working to restore native forests that have been converted to agricultural lands or exotic tree plantations in the past. These projects focus on combating soil degradation and conserving biodiversity. These projects illustrate the commitment of local communities and organizations to address Chile’s ecological challenges and conserve the country’s rich biodiversity.

*Use public transportation: long-distance buses and trains reduce your carbon footprint.
*Stay in Chile sustainable lodges: many accommodations in Chile invest in sustainability and conservation.
*Eat locally and seasonally: avoid imported foods and support local farmers and markets.
*Choose eco-friendly activities: hike, bike, and take tours that support conservation.
*Respect natural areas: stay on trails, take your trash out with you, and respect wildlife.

Chile Eco Lodges and Travel safety

It is highly recommended that you research the safety situation in the country you want to visit. Be careful with information you find online. Not everything you read on social media channels is true.

You can also consult your country’s official government website. For American citizens, this is the Chile page on the US Dept. of State:
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Chile.html