A CHARACTERFUL BOUTIQUE HOTEL
A characterful boutique hotel in the heart of Punta Arenas. The gateway to Torres del Paine National Park as well as the fjords, penguin colonies and glaciers of Tierra del Fuego. The name ‘Yegua Loca’ means ‘Crazy mare’ and it is the quirks of the building which give the boutique hotel its name.
The building dates back to 1929 and maintains many of its original features. Wooden balconies and a colourful painted exterior have been beautifully preserved by the hotel’s owners, Paola Milosevic and Sergio Solar. There are just eight guest rooms all of which are individually decorated, but subtly capture the essence of Patagonia. Sheepskin rugs, recycled antique furniture and machinery once used in the region, decorate the hotel.
Perched on a hill, La Yegua Loca has views towards the Strait of Magellan and is only a short walk from the main plaza. Punta Arenas’ importance can be seen in many of the city’s museums and buildings. It was once a penal colony, but in the late 19th century saw a huge wave of Europeans arrive as the sheep farming industry grew. Nowadays it is the gateway to the famous Torres del Paine National Park and the penguin colony at Isla Magdalena. Cruises through the fjords of Tierra del Fuego and to Antarctica are also possible from Punta Arenas.
The hotel’s restaurant, La Cocina de la Nonna, serves traditional Patagonian cuisine, with some Croatian influence (where the owners descend from). There is also a bar, which has been styled to reflect the Patagonian pulperías, used by gauchos a century ago. It’s the perfect place to have an aperitif before lunch or dinner and somewhere you can purchase any local ingredients to take home.
La Yegua Loca
La Yegua Loca, at a glance
- One of the only boutique hotels in Punta Arenas
- Excellent position, 5 blocks form the plaza and with views of the Strait of Magellan
- Owner-run
- Only 8 rooms, all styled to reflect the region
- Restaurant and characterful bar
- Only 20 minute drive from Punta Arenas airport
For leisure and pleasure
- Explore the museums and historic buildings of Punta Arenas
- Visit the Muñoz Gamero plaza
- Spend an afternoon at the Nao Victoria museum, which has an exact replica of Ferdinand Magellan’s ship
- Take a day-trip to the penguin colony at Isla Magdalena
- Use Punta Arenas as stop-off when visiting Torres del Paine National Park or taking a cruise of Tierra del Fuego
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.
