Bahia Bustamante

An unusual and rewarding chance to stay in an oceanfront house within a tiny eco-village in Argentina's desolately beautiful wilderness of northern Patagonia, an area rich in marine wildlife.

The remote settlement of Bahia Bustamante clings to the shoreline in the desolately beautiful wilderness of Argentina's northern Patagonia. This is among our favourite secret spots in Patagonia. If you're seeking privileged access to coastal Patagonia's richly diverse wildlife, accompanied by superb hospitality on a working Patagonian estancia, we think Bahia Bustamante more than rewards the effort it takes to get here.

Accommodation ranges from standalone cabins to loft rooms within the main lodge. Some of the cottages were originally built for the estancia's working community, lending a certain authenticity to a stay here. Oceanfront houses overlook the beach and the wide bay and you may glimpse the odd swimming penguin from your terrace. All meals are included, prepared with fresh, locally grown produce.

A number of activities can be organised, including bird and sea lion spotting, observing Magellanic penguin colonies, horse riding, trekking, mountain biking, or visits to a petrified forest or Patagonian ranch. The schedule is decided on a day-to-day basis, depending on the tides and the weather. Summer days in this part of Patagonia can be surprisingly warm and sunny and there are secluded sandy beaches and coves to enjoy nearby.

Owing to its structure and the abundant wildlife to be seen, Bahia Bustamante makes for a great and unusual stay, both educational and adventurous, particularly well-suited to families with older children.

Bahia Bustamente is a small, self-sufficient eco-village with a school, boatyard, garage and church, focused on welcoming visitors while conserving the area’s marine wildlife. The lodge’s biodynamic garden supplies the restaurant with fruit, vegetables and herbs, while salt and samphire are harvested from the sea. The lodge’s drinking water is sourced from natural springs and electricity is entirely solar-powered.