Inside OVO Patagonia’s Gravity-Defying Stay
OVO Patagonia is redefining high-altitude hospitality, offering an extraordinary experience suspended against the dramatic rock walls of Estancia Bonanza. A partnership between Perspectiva Aérea and Estancia Bonanza, the project is a seamless fusion of art, architecture and extreme engineering.
The vision behind OVO comes from Ezequiel Ruete and Luis Aparicio, co-founders of Perspectiva Aérea, who have spent over a decade mastering the complexities of high-altitude design. Their passion for transformative experiences led them to assemble a world-class team of mechanical engineers, specialized mountaineers and geomechanical technicians, who dedicated more than three years to bringing OVO to life.
Where Adventure, Architecture and Luxury Intersect
Creating an immersive, gravity-defying experience in Patagonia required both technical expertise and a deep respect for the environment. Every decision was made with sustainability, minimal impact and guest safety in mind.
Marcos Sturzenbaum, owner of Estancia Bonanza, saw the opportunity to blend adventure with luxury in one of the world’s most breathtaking locations. Having encountered similar concepts elsewhere, he wanted to create something unique, designed specifically for Patagonia’s raw beauty and challenging geography. His goal was not just to offer spectacular views, but to create an experience that made guests feel as if they were truly part of the landscape.
The capsules, custom-built for their location, integrate seamlessly with the rock wall. Their design takes into account aerodynamics, wind resistance and geomechanics to ensure stability and safety. Constructing them was a feat of extreme logistics. Because no roads were built, every material had to be transported manually, carried across rivers and small bridges before being lifted up the mountainside by a specially designed gondola system.
The remote location and unpredictable Patagonian weather posed continuous challenges, often limiting the number of workable days and extending the project timeline. Despite these obstacles, the team remained committed to a leave-no-trace philosophy, ensuring that OVO’s presence would be as subtle as possible.
Immersiveness and Sustainability at the Core of the OVO Patagonia Experience
The guest experience is designed to foster a deep connection with altitude, nature and solitude. Visitors embark on a two-day journey that begins with a hanging bridge crossing over the Río de las Vueltas, followed by a rugged 4×4 ride to the base of the hill.
From there, they hike through native lenga forests, taking in breathtaking views of the valleys before reaching the final ascent via a ferrata climb to their capsule. Once inside, they are surrounded by panoramic glass walls that immerse them entirely in the landscape. The transparent back wall and mirrored bathroom create a striking sense of exposure to the rock face, offering a perspective that is both exhilarating and humbling.
Sustainability is at the heart of OVO Patagonia. The capsules were designed to have minimal physical and visual impact, barely visible from a distance unless pointed out. Construction was carried out with the least possible disturbance to the environment, avoiding deforestation by using a forklift system to transport materials. Only a narrow footpath was opened to access the site.
Every aspect of the infrastructure was developed to function independently and in harmony with nature. The dry toilet system, gravel filtration for greywater and biodegradable amenities ensure that waste is minimized. The main operational base of OVO also incorporates biodigesters for water treatment and a complete composting cycle. Even guest transportation adheres to these principles, with visitors hiking to their capsule on foot rather than by vehicle, preserving the surrounding flora.
The Future of Experiential Hospitality
The seasonality of the region defines OVO’s operational calendar, with the experience available from November to April. While January is the peak season, autumn is considered a highlight due to calmer winds and vibrant colors that transform the landscape.
The experience appeals to a wide audience, from first-time explorers to seasoned adventurers. It offers a rare opportunity for those who dream of high-altitude travel but have never had the chance, as well as experienced climbers looking to spend a night suspended above one of the most spectacular landscapes on Earth. It is designed to be accessible and safe while still delivering the thrill of immersion in extreme terrain.
The future of OVO Patagonia is already being mapped out, with plans for expansion and new experiences. The project is not just about hospitality but about a broader movement towards thoughtful, sustainable tourism. Travel, when done responsibly, can be a force for conservation, giving economic value to pristine destinations without forcing them into environmentally harmful practices.
For those looking to enter the world of sustainable hospitality, the team behind OVO offers insight into the principles they believe are essential. Sustainability must be approached as a long-term commitment rather than a marketing strategy. Thoughtful tourism requires the participation of every stakeholder in a destination, from business owners to guests, to ensure its longevity.
Conserving water and energy should be a fundamental part of operations, not just an afterthought, and education plays a crucial role in encouraging responsible consumption. Waste reduction is key, particularly in remote locations where disposal and recycling are challenging.
In Argentina, where limitations often force businesses to be more resource-conscious, necessity breeds creativity. This mindset, when applied to tourism, can lead to truly innovative and sustainable solutions.
“I believe that travel has the power to protect both nature and culture when approached with the right mindset. By giving economic value to natural destinations in their most pristine state, tourism can provide the means for their preservation rather than their destruction. OVO Patagonia is a testament to this philosophy—offering an experience that is as breathtaking as it is responsible, where the connection to nature is not only visual but deeply personal,” concludes Ezequiel Ruete.
