Sleeping at these suspended capsules in Argentina is not for the faint-hearted

Is sleeping in a capsule 270 meters above the ground on your bucket list? If so, you'll want to check out Ovo Patagonia, which promises a unique and unforgettable lodging experience in southern Argentina, offering panoramic views that highlight the stunning landscape.

Suspended from a 270-meter-high mountain face, Ovo Patagonia's four polycarbonate capsules are designed to accommodate two people each. These comfortable lodgings even offer room service in this extraordinary location. The best part is the unrivaled views of Mount Fitz Roy, a 3,405-meter-high peak on the Argentina-Chile border in Los Glaciares National Park, east of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field.

The Inspiration

 

Your journey to the capsules starts at Estancia Bonanza, located 12 kilometers from El Chaltén. This tourist development, created by Federico Echevarría, the entrepreneur behind Ovo Patagonia, involves a one-hour walk from the estancia to the top of the peak where the capsules are situated. You then descend a via ferrata comprising steps and small ledges to reach the capsules.

“When Federico saw the mountain face and realized it offered fantastic views of the Andes and especially Fitz Roy, he contacted us and asked, ‘What can you imagine going there?’ We were immediately interested and made a quick sketch that closely resembled the final design,” says Ezequiel Ruete, co-founder of the Ovo Patagonia project. Alongside architect Luis Aparicio, Ruete brought this vision to life through their Buenos Aires-based studio, Perspectiva Aérea, which specializes in remote high-altitude developments.

The challenge was to create high-altitude capsules that would appeal to adventurous travelers while ensuring complete safety. Using technology and simple design, the team overcame the elements to bring this unconventional accommodation option to life.

Beginning the project in April 2021 without electricity, internet, or even cell phone signals, the team, including mechanical engineers, civil engineers, surveyors, and high-altitude technicians, transported building materials across a river that could only be navigated when its water was low. They then ascended via a 250-meter elevator consisting of two towers linked by a steel cable. The goal was to construct Ovo Patagonia with minimal environmental impact.

A Unique Experience

 

“At Estancia Bonanza, we will welcome you at a reception where you can leave most of your luggage. You’ll only need a light backpack for the one-hour walk to the capsules. Upon arriving at the second reception area, you’ll put on your safety gear and then enter the capsules. It’s going to be an adventure,” Ruete promises.

Each cabin is organized vertically into three modules: the bed at the top, a small bathroom and living room in the middle, and an area to admire the incredible views of the Andes at the bottom, perfect for enjoying sunrises and sunsets.

“The capsules offer an unforgettable experience in several ways: the breathtaking beauty of the landscape, a capsule built to withstand Patagonia's wind and rain at a height of 270 meters, a meticulously designed interior that offers impressive night views of the stars, and the wildlife, including condors, pumas, and huemules (an endangered deer native to the southern Andes). There are many reasons to visit,” says Ruete.

While the capsules are ready to welcome their first guests, the project team told AD they are still working on final details before opening to the public for the 2024-2025 season.