Hidden Charms of Caleta Tortel
At the mouth of the impressive Baker River, sitting between the northern and southern ice-fields lies the unique and charming town of Caleta Tortel, home to the simple but characterful Entre Hielos.
In the depths of Patagonia, Entre Hielos is a cosy lodge, built using local Guaitecas Cypress and surrounded by native forest. It has six simple, but comfortable rooms, each with private bathroom, central heating and goose feather duvets. Rooms look out towards the surrounding forest and fjords and are decorated with local fabrics and sheepskin rugs.
Meals are eaten around the communal dining table and feature a range of fresh produce, which owner Marie Paz serves up each day. Homemade breads and jams are available for breakfast and freshly caught fish, including hake and salmon, is often available for lunch and dinner.
Caleta Tortel is very unique, in the sense the interior of the village can only be accessed by a series of wooden walkways (7km in total). Guests arriving by car must leave their vehicle in a carpark at the entrance to the village and then walk down a series of steps and pedestrian walkways which take you through the village and eventually to Entre Hielos. For guests staying overnight, we recommend taking just an overnight bag and leaving your main luggage securely locked in your car, as it’s approximately a 2.5km walk from the carpark to the lodge.
The region has been visited since prehistoric times, by the Kawesqar (nomadic seafaring people, now virtually extinct). Europeans discovered the area in the early 16th Century when Ferdinand Magellan first came across it. The village of Caleta Tortel was formerly founded in 1955 though and until 2003, it was only accessible by water. Nowadays guests can enjoy the stunning drive along the Carretera Austral to the village, taking in the forests, glaciers and mountains along the way.
Whether you’re looking to just explore and enjoy the peaceful village, break-up a journey along the Carretera Austral or explore the nearby attractions including Steffen Glacier and the ‘Isla de los Muertos’ (Island of the Dead), Entre Hielos is the perfect (and really the only!) place to stay.
ENTRE HIELOS
Entre Hielos, at a glance
- Charming privately owned lodge
- Only six rooms, each with en suite
- Locally sourced and freshly prepared cuisine
- Beautiful views of the surrounding forests and fjord
- Personal and attentive service
- The only place to stay in Caleta Tortel
For leisure and pleasure
- Explore the 7.5km of wooden walkways in the village
- Take a boat trip to the Isla de los Muertos (Island of the Dead)
- Discover the impressive Baker River
- See the huge Steffen Glacier
- Make a stay part of a longer trip along the Carretera Austral, visiting Villa O’Higgins or the Patagonia National Park
A hugely enjoyable nine-day trip, expertly organised from start to finish. The itinerary covered everything we wanted to see and do, with excellent guides, drivers and seamless logistics throughout. The documentation was clear and helpful, and the London office was consistently responsive, knowledgeable and efficient.
Excellent service throughout, with helpful and kind staff at every stage. When our return flight from Australia via the Middle East was cancelled, the team stepped in quickly to resolve everything, making what could have been a stressful situation feel straightforward and well handled.
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