EcoCamp Patagonia has received the gold award in the “Managing Waste” category at the LATA Responsible Tourism Awards, held during the LATA Expo in London. The Latin American Travel Association (LATA) praised EcoCamp for its commitment to reducing, reusing, and recycling waste. “Awarding the gold award, the judges were really impressed by the comprehensive and thorough approach of EcoCamp Patagonia to dealing with its waste, which could easily be replicated widely,” LATA stated.
Since its opening in 2001, EcoCamp Patagonia has implemented various initiatives to manage its waste in a remote location like Torres del Paine National Park. Waste is carefully sorted on site, with separate bins for recycling. Fruit, vegetables, and other organic waste are composted and used for the hotel’s greenhouse. Leftover food that cannot be composted is given to a local supplier who uses it to feed pigs. Materials such as glass, metal, and plastic are sent to a recycling center.
EcoCamp also partners with other organizations to repurpose certain types of waste. For example, Ecocitex transforms old staff uniforms into new products like hats and stuffed animals. Old towels become cleaning cloths, and worn-out curtains are repurposed into reusable bags.
Protecting Natural Ecosystems
In addition to waste treatment, EcoCamp takes proactive steps to minimize waste generation and protect natural ecosystems. Guests are provided with reusable lunch boxes, and the hotel uses composting toilets and a biofilter system to treat wastewater safely.
“This award is a great recognition of our team’s hard work every day at EcoCamp,” says Isabel Menendez, Sales Director of EcoCamp Patagonia and Cascada Expediciones. “Managing waste in a remote area like Torres del Paine is no easy task. It’s a continuous challenge that requires creativity and partnerships. We’re proud to receive this award and hope it inspires other organizations to take action as well.”
More information
The Latin American Travel Association (LATA) brings together key players in the travel industry to promote tourism to Latin America. Each year, the organization celebrates sustainability leaders among its members through the LATA Responsible Tourism Awards, which form the Latin American chapter of the Global Responsible Tourism Awards. This year’s awards featured five categories: Peace, Understanding and Inclusion; Managing Waste: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Upcycle; Nature Positive; Increasing Local Sourcing & Creating Shared Value; and Climate Adaptation & Resilience. A panel of experts in tourism and sustainability selected the winners.
About EcoCamp Patagonia
EcoCamp Patagonia is a sustainable dome hotel located in Torres del Paine National Park. It was founded in 2001 by Cascada Expediciones, a Chilean tour operator offering adventure programs in Chile, Argentina, and Bolivia. The hotel features 33 guest domes and a community dome with a restaurant and bar. In addition to activities in the park, EcoCamp offers yoga classes and massages. Each year, EcoCamp welcomes around 3,800 guests who explore Patagonia's nature, wildlife, and culture through various programs, including cultural excursions, trekking, wildlife observation, kayaking, and horseback riding.
