Regenerative travel is quickly reshaping the future of tourism, and in Patagonia, Las Torres Patagonia has spent more than 30 years quietly building a model that goes far beyond sustainability. Here, every aspect of the estancia experience—from food and culture to conservation and community—is designed not just to preserve the land, but to actively restore it.
A symbol of that innovation can be found behind the bar. Federico Gil, often described as a “liquid conservationist,” leads the Pionero Bar with a philosophy rooted in zero waste and local sourcing. His cocktails incorporate native ingredients like Magellan barberry, ñirre, and rhubarb, using techniques such as fermentation and herb smoking to reflect the flavors of the region. Even the presentation aligns with the mission: drinks are served in repurposed glassware or edible cups, while beer and gin are distilled on-site using glacial water.
Beyond the bar, Las Torres Patagonia invites guests into the traditions of the Baqueanos, the region’s historic horsemen. These cultural stewards, whose families have worked the land for generations, guide visitors through remote trails while sharing stories, music, and rituals like yerba mate. The experience offers something increasingly rare—an authentic connection to a living culture shaped by resilience and deep environmental knowledge.
Sustainability is equally rooted in the soil. The estancia’s biointensive garden, first established decades ago by Don Tito Quintero and now overseen by Catalina Rojas, continues to thrive as a working example of organic farming in extreme conditions. Using compost derived from kitchen scraps, coffee grounds, and even beer residue, the garden supplies up to 30 percent of the lodge’s produce during peak season. Techniques like natural pest deterrents and compost-based fertilizers demonstrate how agriculture can adapt to even the harshest climates.
Local craftsmanship also plays a central role. Artisans from southern Chile contribute everything from woven goods to hand-forged knives used in the lodge’s kitchen, ensuring that regional traditions remain embedded in the guest experience.
Las Torres Patagonia’s commitment extends into hands-on conservation. Through its “10 Volunteers for 10 Days” initiative, participants work alongside local communities to restore sections of the Base Torres Trail within Torres del Paine National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. These efforts are supported by the Las Torres Patagonia Conservancy, which leads projects ranging from wildlife monitoring to environmental education.
As CEO Josian Yaksic Kusanovic puts it, regenerative tourism begins with how guests sleep, eat, and explore. At Las Torres Patagonia, that philosophy isn’t just an idea—it’s a fully realized ecosystem where travel becomes a force for renewal.