Outfitter Tent Sleeps
US $298.50
Chile Vacations: Puerto Natales & Torres del Paine National Park
Torres del Paine National Park isn't the easiest destination to reach in Chile but that doesn't stop the thousands of tourists that visit the park every year. It's just that beautiful!
In order to get there, most people fly to Punta Arenas from Santiago and take a three hour bus to Puerto Natales, the gateway to Torres del Paine. From the city a full day tour will visit all the highlights of the park, including overlooks offering panoramic views, Lago Grey with its stunning reflections of Grey Glacier looming beside it, the roaring Salto Grande waterfall and all the impressive wildlife that can be found in around the park. It truly is a spectacular visit worth every bit of time it took to arrive there.
If you are interested in a more intimate experience with extraordinary Andean Patagonia, you may want to consider a trek. A trek would only be recommended for some in good physical shape that can handle the harsh conditions of Patagonia and walk comfortably on uneven ground for long periods of time. If you like adventure, this may be the exciting adventure in a difficult to duplicate corner of the world you are looking for.
What sort of gear do you want to get together for a trek in Patagonia? One of the most important things you'll need is a good sleeping bag, at least rated at 20 degrees but you might even prefer a 0. To go along with your sleeping bag it is absolutely vital that you have a good sleeping pad to help insulate you from the hard cold ground. What a lot of people don't realize is that a good sleeping pad is more about the warmth than the comfort. Next you'll need a good 4-season tent to protect you from the strong cold winds that can whip through a campsite at night. Underneath your tent you should be planning on laying out a thin ground cloth, something waterproof is a must but nothing fancier than a plastic tarp is necessary. Just make sure you cut it to be just smaller than the floor size of your tent.
You're going to want your gear to stay dry, since in very cold temperatures it can take days for things to dry once they get wet. I recommend a good pack cover to cover your pack. Also, inside your pack you might want to line the whole thing with a garbage bag or too, if you don't have individual dry bags for all your gear. It might be worth getting a couple of dry bags, though they are expensive, it can be a good place to tuck your valuables and maybe an extra pair of long johns and socks. Also, it might be worth it to throw a cheap poncho in too, they barely weigh anything and you never know when they might come in handy.
For your clothes, think layering and avoid cotton. Quick-dry is best for everything from your underwear to your warm layer. Think one or two of everything (except socks and underwear). Bring warm long underwear, gloves, scarf or neck warmer and a good wool hat. Then, make sure you have a good waterproof shell, both pants and jacket (with hood).
Now you've got the basics down. Refer to some other lists online to get a good idea of what additional items you need and what toiletries are necessary (sunscreen for one). Check with local outfitters in Puerto Natales because a lot of the big stuff can be rented pretty easily from guiding companies. Also, be sure to find out what sort of trail registration is required or if you need any permits.
It may seem like a lot of logistics but many people are out there ready to help. So, start planning and enjoy your trip!
About the Author
This guide to Torres del Paine was written by a Chile travel expert at Chile For Less, specialists in Chile travel deals.
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Atwater Carey Tropic Screen II Mosquito Net $68.00 Our most secure model is a free-standing net tent. The TropicScreen II completely encloses two people with a fully nylon floor and nylon mesh netting to keep out the smallest bugs. The largezippered side allows easy access. Replacement pole sets are available.Color: Grey netting with burgundy floor sleeves Total Weight: 3 lbs. with fiberglass poles Size: 91'' x 53'' x 36''high... |
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