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What are the accommodations?

  • EcoCamp Patagonia (5 Nights): We will be staying in double-occupancy Suite Domes.

    • Suite Domes are comfortable 28 m² / 300 ft² geodesic domes built in the same shape as ancient Kawéskar tribe dwellings. Their structure produces minimal environmental impact while providing an efficient thermal and wind-resistant unit with great exposure to nature in the most magnificent Patagonian setting. Guests can gaze at the stars through ceiling windows while falling asleep each night, after enjoying a spectacular sunset from their private terrace.

    • Each Suite Dome has comfortable double or twin beds, a private bathroom with a state-of-the-art composting toilet and a modern low-emission wood stove. Electricity is limited inside the domes (meaning hairdryers are not permitted, but laptops and cameras can easily be charged).

    • Inside Suite Domes:

      • Spacious 28 m² / 300 ft² area

      • Open terrace to read, relax, and admire the view

      • Enclosed porch to hang wet clothing

      • Comfortable King-size or twin beds

      • Low-emission wood stove

      • Patagonian decoration

      • Propane heater in bathroom

      • Private fully-equipped bathroom

      • State-of-the-art composting toilet

  • Hotel Vendaval (3 Nights): Located in Puerto Natales, offering comfortable boutique rooms and cozy amenities as we land and start our adventure.
  • Single Room Upgrade: Single Suite Dome upgrades are available (on a first-come basis) for an additional $2,161 for the week. Email colleen@womensquest.com for more information and to reserve.

What will the food be like?

Throughout the retreat, we will experience authentic Patagonian cuisine. A lot of effort goes into developing a menu of fresh, hearty meals using locally-sourced ingredients, fusing Chilean, Altiplanic, Patagonian, and international culinary traditions.

  • BREAKFAST: A hearty breakfast is the key to enjoying a day’s trek or nature walk, and we encourage guests to fill up on our tasty buffet selection each morning. Breakfast is served in the community domes from 7:00 AM to 9:30 AM and consists of a plentiful buffet with hot and cold beverages:

    • Beverages: Selection of Ceylon teas, coffee (decaf on request), milk (semi-skimmed, whole, and lactose-free on request), and fruit juices (orange, apricot, pineapple, apple).

    • Buffet Selection: Fresh fruit, cereals (muesli, oats, cornflakes), yogurt, cheeses, ham, butter, jam, honey, and fresh breads (white, whole wheat, pita). Fresh scrambled eggs with sausages are also served to order.

  • BOX LUNCH: After breakfast, you will select ingredients from a dedicated lunch buffet to pack in your daypack to enjoy at scenic viewpoints en route. Mix it up with whole wheat breads, wraps, and pita, filled with cheese, tuna, salmon, chicken, turkey, ham, or hard-boiled eggs, alongside cereal bars, chocolates, fruits, and nuts.
  • DINNER: Dinner is one of the highlights at EcoCamp, where everyone comes together to enjoy delicious food and Chilean wine.

    • The evening begins with a cocktail hour in the bar featuring appetizers and iconic Pisco Sours (flavored with local Calafate berry, ginger, or chili).

    • Dinners are innovative 3-course meals fusing Chilean dishes (beef, pork, or fresh fish accompanied by locally grown vegetables, quinoa, or potatoes) with starters and desserts. We will also enjoy a traditional Patagonian Asado (lamb barbecue)!

    • Quality Chilean wine is served with dinner (one bottle allocated per two people).

  • Note on Meals: All meals are included except for lunch on Day 2 in Puerto Natales, which is on your own so you can explore the town freely. Please let us know if you have any dietary restrictions—we make sure the food is VERY GOOD and well catered to everyone!

What is Patagonia Like?

Patagonia is a sparsely populated region located at the southern end of South America, shared by Argentina and Chile. The region comprises the southern section of the Andes Mountains as well as the deserts, pampas, and grasslands east of the Andes.

The Women’s Quest Patagonia Retreat takes place in the southern tip of the Andes in Chile at Torres del Paine National Park, one of the most impressive sights in the Southern Hemisphere. The park encompasses ancient forests, glaciers, lakes, rivers, fjords, and fauna including guanacos, foxes, and a diverse array of birds.

The landscape is dominated by the huge Paine Massif (Cordillera del Paine). Valleys running between the mountains include French Valley (Valle del Francés), Valle Ascencio, and Valle del Silencio. EcoCamp is situated right in the heart of Torres del Paine National Park, perfectly placed right at the start of the hiking trails!

What weather can I expect?

In Torres del Paine in autumn (April), days are crisp and golden with lighter winds. However, Patagonian weather can change rapidly. Temperatures typically range from 35°F to 55°F (2°C to 13°C), with cooler evenings. Dressing in layers allows you to stay comfortable no matter what nature brings!

What is the average age on this retreat?

We have a wide range of women who attend our retreats, from 15 to 70+ years young! This is a retreat everyone can enjoy, but you will love it even more if you prepare your physical fitness ahead of time. Feel free to call Colleen at +1 720-951-0762 if you would like guidance on training!

What if I am coming alone?

The majority of women who attend our retreats come by themselves. Patagonia is a safe and welcoming destination for female travelers. While you may arrive solo, you will leave with a sisterhood of lifelong friends!

Do I have to participate in everything on the schedule?

No! All activities and outings are 100% optional. This is YOUR retreat. We encourage you to do what feels most nurturing and right for you. You will be fully supported by our staff in doing as much or as little as you choose.

What will the hikes and activities be like?

Our hikes accommodate all experience levels, with small guide-to-guest ratios.

  • Tower Base Trek: A full-day, rewarding trek (14 miles / 22 km) through lenga forests and boulder terrain up to the iconic granite towers lagoon.
  • French Valley Trek: A scenic 11.8-mile (19 km) hike past Lake Skottsberg into French Valley to view hanging glaciers and granite peaks.
  • Mountain Biking: An enjoyable 6.7-mile (10.8 km) ride along gravel roads through the Patagonian steppe toward Lake Sarmiento.
  • Horseback Riding: A spectacular ~2-hour guided ride across open pampas with 360-degree views, perfect for all riding abilities!

All excursions are led by Women’s Quest staff and expert local EcoCamp guides who are knowledgeable, reliable, and deeply passionate about sharing the Patagonian wilderness.

Women’s Quest Cancellation & Travel Insurance Policy

Cancellation Policy

Because our vendors and partners require advance commitments we must adhere to the following cancellation terms.  If you have to cance your retreat

• 91 or more days before the retreat start date
You will receive a refund of all payments minus your deposit which is non-refundable.

• 90 days or fewer before the retreat start date
All payments are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Women’s Quest reserves the right to cancel a retreat due to insufficient enrollment. In such cases, all retreat payments will be refunded. In the event a retreat is cancelled due to a natural disaster or other unforeseen event Women’s Quest will return all payments less any fees required to be paid by Women’s Quest to its vendors or other parties for the cancelled retreat.  In the event a retreat is cancelled for either of the foregoing reasons, Women’s Quest is not responsible for any additional expenses you may have incurred, including (but not limited to) airfare, lodging, or other travel costs.

Travel Insurance

To protect your investment, Women’s Quest strongly recommneds all participants purchase travel insurance. This ensures you are covered if something unexpected arises before or during your retreat.

Travel insurance is especially important if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to:

• Illness or injury (including testing positive for COVID-19)
• Family or personal emergencies
• Travel delays or interruptions
• Medical treatment while traveling
• Emergency evacuation or trip interruption

We recommend a policy that includes coverage for:
• Trip cancellation and interruption
• Medical expenses
• Emergency evacuation

For maximum peace of mind, consider a “Cancel For Any Reason” (CFAR) policy. While more expensive, this option offers the greatest flexibility if your plans change.

For all trips to Iceland involving horses (riding or otherwise), it is mandatory you secure travel insurnce that includes coverage for emergency evacuation and return to your home country.  

To compare policies, we suggest using Squaremouth, the travel insurance comparison platform:
https://www.squaremouth.com/22393

Before purchasing, please review your policy carefully and consult a travel insurance agent if you have any questions about coverage