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Chile
- Southern Patagonia
Torres del Paine National Park
Basic Information & Outline Packing List
Refugios
Our EcoCamps are not available for every night and your trek may include one night in Pehoe (PAT 025 and PAT 026) and another night in Los Cuernos refuge (PAT 025). These are typical mountain huts, and are open to the general public in Torres del Paine National Park. They have large rooms for 4-6 people. The beds are single bunks and we will provide you with a sleeping bag and a polar fleece liner (you don't need to bring a sleeping bag!). The bathrooms are also shared and they have hot water. The refugios are heated and have a very comfortable dining area.
Vehicles
A private van will deliver us in Torres del Paine National Park on day 1 and will pick us up on day 5 (PAT 026) or day 7 (PAT 025). We also use a private van for transfers within the park.
Group Size
2 people minimum. The average size of the group 6 to 8 people. Maximum of 20 clients.
Fixed Departures
The following trips are guaranteed to depart with 2 people minimum.
PAT 025: The trip starts every Monday morning in the airport of Punta Arenas from October 1st to April 15th.
PAT 026: The trip starts every Wednesday morning in the airport of Punta Arenas from October 1st to April 15th.
Arrival Timings
For both itineraries (PAT 025& PAT026) you must arrive from Santiago on a flight that arrives around noon or earlier. The trip ends at the airport of Punta Arenas at 5PM approx. You should book your return flights with the last flight (usually leaves Punta Arenas after 6:30PM / 18:30).
We reserve the right to change the order of the days in any itinerary under the sole discretion of the trip guide and based on operational considerations.
The trip guide can also modify, change or eliminate part of the itinerary based on safety/weather considerations.
This are the right trips for energetic people who like to be active and have a spirit of adventure and a positive attitude. To enjoy this trek it is essential to be in shape before you arrive. It is not wise to regard this trek as a means of getting into shape or losing excess weight. Start a programme of conditioning well before departure -in fact as soon as you book- and be aware that short walks on the flat do little to prepare you for the gradients of the Torres del Paine National Park. Regular aerobic exercise (power walking, jogging, cycling on hills, swimming, cross country skiing, etc) for al least one hour 4-5 times a week is suggested. Consult your usual medical advisor if you have questions concerning your underlying health. If you are over 65 we will need a statement from your usual medical advisor confirming that you are in reasonable health allowing for the activities to be undertaken.
What you need to bring
Day backpack (20-30lt), duffel bag (70 liters), waterproof trekking boots, waterproof parka & pants, inner isolating layer (fleece or wool), three changes of clothes, sun hat, sun screen, hiking socks, sandals (for after hikes), bathing suit, sunglasses, towel (optional), ski poles (optional), long underwear, extra change of socks, gaitors, flashlight/headlamp, extra insulating layer (fleece, wool, or expedition weight) long underwear. A complete list with more detailed information about what to bring will be sent to you once you book the trip.
You do not need
We will provide you with a sleeping bag and a polar fleece liner (you don't need to bring a sleeping bag!).
About the itinerary
-The numbers in brackets (distance-kms/miles, time-hrs) are approximated and refer to the trekking portions exclusively. In general the itinerary and the estimated times assume the walker is conditioned to similar levels of activity, considering also good weather conditions and occasional stops for sightseeing and pictures.
The climate
The vast unbroken stretch of ocean to the west and south of the South American continent leaves the Patagonian Andes very exposed to the saturated winds that circle the Antarctic landmass. Also, both the strong marine and the South Patagonic Icefield influence makes the weather hard to predict. In spring or early summer fine weather may deteriorate almost without warning, bringing rains and eventually snow. Even in summer (December to March) you should come prepared to find cold- strong winds (up to 130 km/hr) and rainfalls. The summers average temperature is 11ºC/52ºF (24ºCmax, 2ºC min).
We can also book and purchase for you at the best rates available the following additional services: Domestic flights, Hotel accommodation in Santiago (3 to 5 star) and Punta Arenas (1 to 2 star), Airport and Hotel pick ups in Santiago, side trips in Santiago and longer extension trips (rafting, riding, hiking, etc) in other areas throughout Chile. For example Otway Sound's penquin colony near Punta Arenas is popular when trekking in Torres del Paine.