Staying in the Ovo Pods in El Chaltén: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Patagonia Experience
If there’s one stay from our 12-night Chile/Argentina road trip that I’ll never stop talking about, it’s the Ovo Pods. Hanging off the side of a mountain in Patagonia, this experience felt equal parts adventurous, surreal, and slightly unreal.
We stayed on March 30th—our final “big moment” of the trip which was the perfect way to end it. Even though the weather was not great for our stay the fall foliage was beautiful and the experience was so unique and memorable.
What Are the Ovo Pods?
The Ovo Pods, run by OVO Patagonia, are exactly what they sound like—luxury capsule-style pods suspended on a cliffside with incredible views of Patagonia (on a clear day, you can see Mount Fitz Roy). Unfortunately for us the visibility was very low and we were not able to see the distant mountains.
There are only 4 pods total, and you can only book them for one night, which makes it feel even more exclusive. They’re open seasonally from November to early April, so timing is everything.
One thing I loved: the staff actually live up on the mountain while the pods are operating. You’re given walkie-talkies to communicate with them (which felt very “remote adventure chic”), and they use it to coordinate meals and check-outs.
Inside the Ovo Pod: 3 Levels of Pure Adventure
Each pod has three levels, and it’s surprisingly well thought out:
- Bottom level: A net with pillows and blankets—perfect for laying back and taking in the views
- Middle level: A table + chairs for meals, plus a bathroom (yes, really). The toilet uses sawdust, and they even provide eco-friendly toothpaste
- Top level: The bed, which was actually super comfortable
There are charging outlets, adjustable lighting, and even binoculars for stargazing. After midnight, you’re asked to dim or turn off lights so everyone can enjoy the night sky—which I loved in theory (even though clouds had other plans for us).
The Reality: Wind, Weather & Patagonia Doing Its Thing
Patagonia weather is no joke.
The wind during our stay was wild. At times, the gusts were so loud they woke us up—but thanks to the safety briefing, we knew the pods can withstand winds up to 300 km/h, so we felt safe the whole time.
Even though visibility wasn’t great and we couldn’t see Fitz Roy, the experience itself still completely delivered.
Getting to the Ovo Pods: It’s an Adventure Before You Even Arrive
Getting to the pods is part of the experience (and honestly, half the fun):
- Drive ~45 minutes from El Chaltén to Estancia Bonanza
- The dirt road was rough—potholes, flooded areas, and slow driving
- In hindsight, I’d probably leave the rental car in town and take their shuttle instead
- Walk across a suspension bridge
- Off-road vehicle transfer to a base station
- You can leave extra luggage here that you don’t want to hike up to the pods with
- 45-minute hike up the mountain
- We even passed a “rainbow mountain”… that actually had a rainbow
- A couple short rest stops
- Welcome stop at the top
- Drinks (beer of choice and a non-alcoholic orange juice drink)
- Cheese board
- This is when you can use the showers if you want to since there are no showers in the pods
- Safety briefing and getting the harness and helmet on
- Via Ferrata climb into your pod
- Your guide will help you through the whole experience
- It took us about 20 minutes to get into pod #3 which included us stopping and taking pictures
- My first time doing via ferrata—and honestly, I loved it
- A little intimidating at first, but totally beginner-friendly and very safe
Meals Provided in the Ovo Pods
Once you’re in the pod, it’s all about slowing down and soaking it in. Both meals will be delivered by your guide to your pod.
- Dinner at 8pm: soup, beef stew, empanadas, brownie, and a full bottle of red wine
- Breakfast at 8 am: lots of carbs which included muffins, bread, yogurt, granola bar + French press coffee that you make yourself
- We brought our own bottle of wine which we drank before dinner was delivered and then ended up taking the wine they provided back with us
It felt cozy and remote especially with the wind howling outside and being tucked into a pod on the side of a mountain.
The One Downside (And It’s a Big One)
Time.
- You arrive to your pod around 7 PM
- Sunset is around 8 PM
- Sunrise is around 8 AM
- Checkout is 9:45 AM
So realistically, you only get about 2.5–3 hours of daylight in the pod.
For something that costs around $1,600 per night (we got a Black Friday deal for $1,160), it definitely felt a little rushed. I just wanted more time to actually be there and enjoy it fully.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
Even with the weather, limited time, and price—yes, it was absolutely worth it.
This wasn’t just a place to stay. It was an experience:
- My first via ferrata
- Sleeping on the side of a mountain
- Waking up in the middle of Patagonia
- Ending our trip on such a high note
Would I do it again? Definitely!
And honestly, it made me want to do more via ferrata experiences in the future.
Quick Tips If You’re Planning to Stay in the Ovo Pods
- Book the Ovo Pods early—there are only 4 pods
- Consider taking their shuttle instead of driving
- Bring wine/snacks if you want more then what they provide
- Dress warm (even with the heater, it gets cold)
- Mentally prepare for limited time—it goes by fast
- Be prepared for strong loud wind gusts
- Download a movie to watch at night
If you’re looking for a truly unique Patagonia experience that’s equal parts luxury and adventure, this is one you won’t forget
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Thanks for all the detail and helpful tips! It sounds like a great experience!! We’re all the pods occupied?