 | Q.- How is the Weather ?Q.- What Time of the year is better to go there ? Q.- How is the Transportation to get there ? Q.- What Activities are there to do? Q.- What about the Meals ? Q.- How are the Lodging Establishments ? Q.- What about Security and first aid ? Q.- What Clothing and personal Gear do I have to bring ?
Q.- How is the Weather ?
Average temperatures : Summer : min 5ºC / max 17ºC, Winter : min –3ºC / max 6ºC.
The
Wind predominates in summer, with an average speed of 35 km/hr ( 80 km/hr occasionally ). Rain it is no so common. It
Rains on and off, not long periods. Because of the strong wind, it may rain horizontally sometimes.
Q.- What Time of the year is better to go there ?
The Summer season ( October - April ) but then again, it has been getting so busy ( Dec-Jan-Feb ) so we advice to visit us in the low season or in Winter months Jun-Jul-Ago-Sep.
The Winter is not that cold or full of snow, the days are clearer & brighter ( because of the Tº of the air ), days are shorter, there is less wind, a lot of services are running, roads and main trails are open. Plus, you could get a more personalized service because been less crowded. Visit us in Winter.
Winter in Patagonia is a whole different thing, with those steady clouds playing between the snow caped mountain summits, over a calm lake, and the sun lightning across them.
Q.- How is the Transportation to get there ?
BY SEA : There is a Ferry Ship, ( cargo & 280 paxs ),run by Navimag, that goes between Puerto Montt and Puerto Natales ( 3,5 days ), at Pto. Natales every thrursday.
BY AIR :
From USA and Europe flights coming into Santiago de Chile and Buenos Aires. From there local flights to Punta Arenas, in Chile, and to Calafate in Argentina ( Lan Chile & Aerolineas Argentinas carry combo deals )
Air Bridge between Puerto Natales and Calafate ( Arg ) small planes, 45 min.
BY LAND : Buses from Santiago to Punta Arenas. By Puerto Montt, cross the Andes, by Bariloche ( Arg ), then through Argentinean pampas, then to Punta Arenas.( 38 hrs app ).
Regular Daily Buses : Punta Arenas to Puerto Natales ( 3 hrs, 250 km ), 3 lines, 6 times a day.
Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine ( 2,5 hrs / 140 km ) ( 3 lines, 07:00 am, 14:00 pm )
Puerto Natales to Calafate ( Arg ) ( 4,5 hrs / 285 km ). 2 lines. Once a day at 09:00 either way.
Puerto Natales to Ushuaia ( Arg ) ( 14 hrs ). 1 line, 3 times a week at 07:00
Q.- What Activities are there to do?
There are plenty of things to do, a variety of outdoor activities that combined the right way, could suit any of your demands for an Eco-Adventure. We list and detail as follow :
HIKE : walking for 1 day without carrying camping gear, jus a day pack.
TREKKING : walking, for 2 or more days carrying camping gear. Could be Soft – Moderate - Trained
KAYAKING : it uses small individual ships, designed for voyages, with dry compartment for gear and with helm. It allowa you to use " water ways " as roads to reach remote places, in a quiet ride.
ICE HIKKING : walk over a Glacier, with the assistance of a guide, by pre-determined routes to control security, with a maximum of 4 hrs. Depending on the physical condition of the client, you can climb ice walls, explore ice caves or crevasses. Especial equipment it is provided: crampons, piolet, rope, etc.
OVERLAND : excursion by motor vehicles specially adapted for trips to remote areas. The whole trip could be for many days, driving no more than 6 hrs a day, with some hours for other activities like trekking, fishing, cycling, etc.
HORSE RIDING / PACK HORSES : the use of horses, instead of walking, when physical condition it is not up to the demand of a long trekking. Or a combination, for horse lovers, just to enjoy a cavalcade in a nice surrounding.
Q.- What about the
Meals ?
Our Region it is distinguished for the Lamb breeding, 100 % ecologically fed ( world award winner ), the good quality of Beef, a variety od sea products : King Crab, Scallops, Sea Urchin, Mussels, Hake, Sea Bass, Salmon, squid, etc. At restaurants, in town or at the Park, you can enjoy a cuisine with regional flavour and a contemporary touch, suitable for all palates. Could be fix-menu at refugios or à la carte al Hostelries.
Q.- How are the Lodging Establishments ?
In town, you get a wide range of lodging alternatives, from a family guest house to a 5 stars hotels. At the Park, you get the basic Refugios, some mid and high level Hostelries, plus a 5 stars Hotel. Camping facilities, include hot water showers. We use for every 2 pads, a tent for 3, to give you more room, plus an air mattress.
Q.- What about Security and first aid ?
Due to the extension of the trails and accessibility, we curry a complete First Aid Kit, to control an emergency, within the capacity of a trained person. As a buck up, we have VHF Radio communication with the Refugios, with the Park Rangers and our Office, to coordinate any extra help from outside the Park, in case of a mayor event. Our experience it has been far proven in this matters. Nevertheless, this Park has a very low rate for accidents.
Q.- What Clothing and personal Gear do I have to bring ?
It will depends on the activities you will do here, but in general you should consider :
-Trekking Boots -Sneakers ( for replacement / river crossings ) -Rain Jacket ( breathable ) -Polar Fleece ( for warmth ) - Bacpack ( 60 lts capacity / 12 kgs ) -Day Pack ( 20 lts ) -Sleeping Bag ( -10 ºC ) – getting more popular lately, a pair of walking poles ( help to support backpack and keep balance in river crossings ).
If you do not want to spend that much money in equipment you will not use that often, you can Rent Equipment from us, except the Boots. Check before.
Then do not forget, as personal gear :
sun glasses – sun blocking cream – hat – shorts – sandals – flash light
|
FREQUENT ASKED QUESTIONS ( F.A.Q.1)