Aquas Arriba Lodge

Aguas Arriba Lodge — Patagonia’s Hidden Wilderness Sanctuary

A Wilderness Beyond Reach

If you are looking for the distractions of the world to vanish, leaving only the rhythm of nature, the warmth of hospitality, and the quiet luxury of being far, far away, Aguas Arriba Lodge is Patagonia’s most secluded sanctuary. Accessible only by boat or a rugged forest trail, this intimate retreat rests on the turquoise shores of Lago del Desierto, surrounded by glaciers, native lenga forests, and the snow-dusted silhouette of Mt. Fitz Roy.

Hand-built from local stone and timber, the lodge feels both timeless and intentional — a refuge where the modern world dissolves into the hum of wind and water. Each of its five suites offers panoramic views so stunning they seem painted onto the glass: glacier-fed rivers, forested ridges, and mountain peaks glowing gold at sunset. Here, the luxury is not found in excess but in the deep, deliberate quiet of the Patagonian wild.

The Soul of Aguas Arriba

Every stay at Aguas Arriba Lodge feels like an immersion into Patagonia’s untouched spirit. From the moment you arrive by boat, a sense of reverence takes over — for the landscape, for the craftsmanship, and for the people who protect this fragile ecosystem.

Electricity hums softly from hydropower, the cuisine celebrates regional ingredients, and the atmosphere encourages stillness. Guests can curl up beside a roaring stone fireplace, sip Argentine Malbec as clouds drift across the lake, or wander down to the shore where trout flash beneath the crystalline surface.

It’s a place that asks you to slow down — to hike, to read, to breathe — and rewards you with the kind of peace that can’t be found anywhere else on earth.

Adventures Nearby

Adventure here feels unmanufactured — it begins the moment you step outside the door. Guests can hike through old-growth forests to hidden waterfalls, fish for wild trout in the river that flows past the lodge, or venture out with expert guides to explore the glaciers and peaks of the Fitz Roy range.

Nearby, the trails leading toward the Huemul Glacier offer dramatic views and a chance to experience the solitude that defines this region. Photographers will find no shortage of inspiration — from misty mornings rising over Lago del Desierto to condors circling high above.

Those seeking something more meditative can paddle a kayak across still waters, hearing only the rhythmic dip of their oar. And when evening falls, stargazing from the deck becomes its own quiet adventure — galaxies spilling across the sky, unpolluted and infinite.

Why We Love It

At Atlas + Wild, we’re drawn to places that redefine connection — to nature, to stillness, and to wonder. Aguas Arriba Lodge captures our brand’s essence perfectly. It’s not just luxury for luxury’s sake; it’s intentional luxury that leaves space for awe.

Here, architecture doesn’t compete with the landscape — it listens to it. Every stay feels like a dialogue between design and wilderness, crafted for those who crave something beyond the ordinary. This is where curated travel meets the wild, and where adventure becomes art.

Design Rooted in Nature

What makes Aguas Arriba Lodge so compelling is its harmony with its surroundings. The lodge’s structure is built entirely from native wood and stone, blending seamlessly into the forest. Interiors glow with natural light, soft wool textiles, and handcrafted details that echo Patagonia’s rugged soul.

There are no televisions, no crowds, no digital noise — only the dance of firelight and the sound of wind through the trees. The lodge’s off-grid ethos and commitment to sustainability make it a model for responsible, regenerative travel.

Quick Facts

Location: Lago del Desierto, Patagonia, Argentina
Elevation: Approximately 1,500 feet above sea level
Accommodations: Five handcrafted suites with lake and mountain views
Property Size: 1,700 acres of private wilderness
Amenities: Hydropower, wood-burning fireplaces, organic meals, guided hikes, private lake access
Nearby Adventures: Mt. Fitz Roy hikes, Huemul Glacier trekking, fly fishing, kayaking, birdwatching, photography
Seasonal Operation: October – April
Website: aguasarribalodge.com

In a world that moves too fast, Aguas Arriba Lodge offers something rare — stillness. It’s a place for travelers who don’t just want to see Patagonia but to feel it — in their lungs, in their spirit, in their bones. Whether you come to hike beneath Fitz Roy, drift across the turquoise lake, or simply sit beside the fire as snow falls outside, this is where time softens and nature speaks.

Aguas Arriba Lodge is not just a destination. It’s an invitation to return — to yourself, to the wild, to wonder.

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