Torres del Paine National Park in southern Chile is a twisted mass of monoliths and hoodoos that rise some 10,000 feet from the dry Patagonian steppe, seemingly piercing the clouds overhead. It's a dramatic glacial landscape where The Horns, a block of sweeping granite, rise majestically over the guanacos (orange- and white-colored members of the llama family), rheas (ostriches), and

Torres del Paine National Park in southern Chile is a twisted mass of monoliths and hoodoos that rise some 10,000 feet from the dry Patagonian steppe, seemingly piercing the clouds overhead. It's a dramatic glacial landscape where The Horns, a block of sweeping granite, rise majestically over the guanacos (orange- and white-colored members of the llama family), rheas (ostriches), and flamingos that congregate near watering holes below.

For the perfect vantage point, stay at EcoCamp Patagonia, one of an increasing number of eco-resorts in the country. Smack-dab in the middle of the park, EcoCamp consists of 15 brightly painted dome-shaped tents. You can stand in the spacious lodging, which houses beds, floors covered with sheepskin rugs, and enough bedding to get you through the cooler nights. The winds blow unmercifully in this part of Patagonia, yet the tents are strong enough to withstand the strongest gales. A special bonus is that each of the domes has windows on top, so you can be cozy in bed watching the star-filled night sky above.

Bathrooms are shared. If you want your own private bathroom and heat from a woodstove, opt for one of the more spacious Suite Domes. The resort is powered by solar and wind energy and EcoCamp does its best to minimize impact by using compost toilets and wooden walkways to the bathroom and the large dining-room tent. All meals and guides are included in the price of the lodging. Expect fresh fruit, eggs made to order, and just-baked bread in the morning, a bagged lunch for your hike, and dinner that starts with a drink around the woodstove and moves on to fresh fish and steak.

The best part of EcoCamp, however, is its location. Torres del Paine is a haven for hikers who can trek as long as they like amidst the incredible rock formations. Led by a local naturalist, you'll quickly be able to tell the difference between a rhea and guanaco, maybe even spot a condor overhead. One thing's for certain: After making the three-hour drive from Puerto Natales to one of the most scenic spots in South America, you won't want to leave.