Sustainability and Luxury: Why Argentina is an Ideal Place for a High-End Eco-friendly Trip

Spaces that do not jeopardise the environment, destinations enhancing it and creating unique experiences, moments in which nature plays a key role. What are the maxims of these sustainable accommodations? Reducing as much as possible any impact on the natural environment that Planet Earth gives us, generating awareness and giving travellers the possibility of responsibly enjoying the benefits of their surroundings. And all this without abandoning luxury for a minute. Therefore, far from simplicity and without skimping on experiences, these lodgings manage to reduce plastic use, appeal to regional cuisine, use solar panels, use recycled materials for its construction, train their employees in green management and much more. 

Now, what are they and where can you spend some of the best nights in Argentina? There are plenty of locations, read on: 

1. Glampings 

The perfect fusion between the adrenaline of connecting with nature while camping, and the comfort that only luxury can offer. If you split up the word, you can find that it is made up of parts of two words: glamorous + camping. It’s a perfect match and a sustainable look is added to this dynamic. Not to mention the natural wonders that Argentina offers to its visitors and that double the bet. Well, the scenery is what really makes the experience of living a night under the starlight. 

Incredible as it sounds, the third largest salt flat in South America can be your next lodging. Indeed, sleeping in one of Argentina’s seven natural wonders is possible and so is being surrounded by 12,000 hectares of white colour. We are talking about Pristine Camps, an immersive experience enabling a unique night without resigning commitment to the environment and local communities, which are also part of this great project. 

On the other hand, 23 km from Esquel, Huemules preaches the example of sustainable luxury. A Patagonian secret letting you into nature contemplation with forests and mountains, with superb services and gastronomy. Why is it a true master of sustainable practices? Among others, it uses materials such as 100% recycled wood, geodesic domes to house its guests, organic waste composted and then used as fertiliser for its vegetable gardens, glass, recyclable and biodegradable containers, and even cloth napkins to avoid single-use items. 

El Chaltén Camp also with ecological practices has privileged views at the foot of Mount Fitz Roy in Santa Cruz. An unforgettable postcard if we are talking about southern Argentina. On the other hand, Mallin Alto is distinguished by its height of 1700 metres above sea level and a setting dying the panorama of the purest white during the winter in Bariloche. Las Ramblas offers views of Lake Nahuel Huapi and the beaches of Bahía Manzano in Villa La Angostura. Los Llanos Ecolodge is at the very End of the World and a few kilometres from iconic must-sees such as Laguna Esmeralda, Cero Krunf, Cerro Alvear and more. It is a place offering a night among forests or mountains, depending on the tourist preference.

If we go to Mendoza, the mountain postcards remain intact, but this time among grapes and vineyards. Sleeping among the best wines in the world is not bad at all, right? Entre Cielos, at the foot of the Andes Mountains, proposes a stay with the premise of renewal and relaxation with alternative treatments such as wine therapy as well. Alpasion Lodge, with tents among grapes and sustainable wooden whirlpools, is also committed to absolute relaxation.  

And if we change settings, In Córdoba, the pure air of the sierras welcomes its guests in an unreachable peace. Here, horse riding will create Córdoba’s spirit. In Valle de Calamuchita, Agua de Lunas is placed in the middle of the sierras and, as its name in Spanish suggests —“Moon Water” in English—, its natural pool is a gem with which several travellers fell in love. Geo Glamping was one of the first national glamping proposals and Cerro Uritorco is its main guest.

2. Ecolodges 

Responsible tourism in every sense. What is an ecolodge? An ecological lodging interwoven in nature. What are usually the bases to be an eco hotel? Applying principles of sustainable architecture; favouring natural environment conservation; promoting the use of solar panels and renewable energy, intelligent management of laundry, water treatment and waste; using LED lighting in all facilities, programmable air conditioning and good thermal insulation, biodegradable cleaning products and amenities; and offering privileged access to products from local communities.  

So where would an avid tourist, fan of luxury and sustainability stay? First, the traveller might want to cross out accommodations that don’t have the Rainforest Alliance seal (a green frog medal certifying which touristic places meet rigorous environmental and social standards). Argentina has six sealed lodgings. Fun fact? They are all in Misiones. Such is the case of Iguazú Jungle Lodge, located in the middle of Misiones jungle and a few steps away from one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Or the Saint George Hotel, La Aldea de la Selva Lodge, Moconá Virgin Lodge, Amerian Portal de Uguazú and the Pueblito Iguazú Hotel Temático.