27/05/2025
Scattered across Patagonia’s vast landscapes are hundreds of small structures; from windswept puestos used by gauchos and baqueanos to humble huts that shelter trekkers, Patagonia’s rural architecture is as varied as its landscapes. These small structures, often simple, sturdy and built with purpose reflect a bygone era shaped by isolation, extreme weather and tradition. Each has a story, born from the needs of the land and the people who live and work here.
Puestos, or estancia outposts, often no more than a one room shelter with a wood burning stove for heat, cooking and hot water and a place to sit and sleep, are used by gauchos during long stretches of work on vast estancias. They offer essential refuge from Patagonia’s fierce winds and unpredictable weather.
High in the mountains, alpine huts serve trekkers and climbers, often placed at strategic points for rest and safety.
Whilst these simple structures still exist on many of the estancias in the region, some of them have evolved beyond their utilitarian roots. Abandoned or unused huts have been restored as eco casitas or cabins for use by guests in search of solitude and a glimpse of Patagonian rural life. What was once shelter for survival is now part of Patagonia’s unique charm—linking people to place, past to present. This transformation reflects both a growing appreciation for Patagonia’s cultural heritage and a shift towards sustainable, small scale tourism.
Whether its a lone puesto on the steppe or a cosy cabin nestled in a native forest, these structures continue to connect people to the land in ways that are both practical and poetic.
As a local operator with strong ties to the region we have always endeavoured to get off the beaten path into the traditional Patagonia. One such hut that stands out in our minds is Refugio Zapata, before it was sadly destroyed many years ago. This remote hut was hidden among native forest inside Torres del Paine. A magical stopover on the way to Pingo Glacier and Mirador Zapata and a wonderfully authentic shelter and place to cook or lay a camping mat.
In a world where densely populated cities and constant connectivity have become the norm, the wild, untamed landscapes of Patagonia provide a vital antidote, offering the peace and rejuvenation that only nature can provide.
We can help you discover it.
