Chile Nativo are one of our go-to specialists for active trips in Torres del Paine National Park and have serviced thousands of Swoop customers. You can be based at their excellent glamping site—Riverside Camp or opt for more conventional refugios and campsites along the famous W Trek or O Circuit trails. The team are all passionate, friendly and brimming with the expertise needed to truly bring your adventure to life.
Who are Chile Nativo?
Operating out of Puerto Natales since 2001, they are one of our most trusted specialist partners, driven by founder Gonzalo Fuenzalida's passion for Patagonia and his country. While other operators focused purely on the main tourist trails, Gonzalo recognised that true exploration should connect visitors with the region's rich, lived heritage. He started by forging close relationships with local estancieros (traditional ranch owners), working alongside them to open up their historic cattle routes to travellers in a way that protected and celebrated their cultural identity.
From those early days of pioneering authentic riding routes across the steppe, the company has steadily evolved into a leading specialist in active adventures. Today, their underlying ethos remains unchanged: they are dedicated to sharing the wild, untouched frontiers of their home, keeping their team firmly grounded in local expertise, always prioritising genuine connection and, of course, adventure.
Why We Love Working with Chile Nativo
- We have a long-standing partnership with Chile Nativo, built on 15 years of happy Swoop customer reviews and with a direct line to their dedicated local team to ensure smooth logistics.
- Chile Nativo’s trips are designed for immersion in Torres del Paine's beautiful landscapes and the exceptional guides know the trails like the back of their hand.
- Once a guide himself, founder Gonzalo created a network of local freelance guides who comply with strict prerequisites: a minimum of two years’ experience, constant maintenance of their First Responder credentials and membership in their local professional guides’ association. Guides are highly valued, paid above standard salaries, and undergo training to be able to lead new tours with extra challenges.
- We like their focus on private and small-group travel, capping group sizes at a maximum of 14 people to ensure you get personal attention from your guides.
- We share Chile Nativo's strong commitment to conservation and sustainable tourism. They built their Torres del Paine Riverside Camp using 29 tonnes of recycled plastic, making it the first of its kind in Chile. They also strive to maintain a zero-waste commitment in partnership with Puerto Natales' first recycling centre, Compost Coirón.
- Gonzalo actively supports the removal and permanent storage of 600kg of carbon per year, and they plant native trees using the Miyawaki method in the Araucanía Region.
- When it comes to giving back, Chile Nativo are on the front foot. A part of your booking directly funds the Torres del Paine Legacy Fund to support habitat restoration projects and help bring areas damaged by historic wildfires back to life.
A Selection of Trips with Chile Nativo
Swoop says
Chile Nativo are great to work with and offer some of the best trekking and expedition combinations to create your trip of a lifetime in Patagonia.
Imogen Mahon Patagonia Sales Consultant
Swoop works with the best Patagonia operators
Swoop’s unrivalled network spans over 30 trusted partners operating across the region makes it easy to create your dream Patagonia adventure. Our deep regional expertise ensures we provide completely impartial advice on which destinations, hiking routes/activities, or accommodation options are the best fit for your travel goals. By working closely with the best local specialists on the ground, we help you create a seamless, world-class experience tailored specifically to you.
Ready to plan your Patagonia adventure?
1. Listen
We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.
2. Match
Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.
3. Reserve
We'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details.