Patagonia is a beautiful, wild and unpredictable part of our planet.  It is best suited to lovers of the outdoors who are used to travelling in remote areas (and who have a keen sense of adventure and a flexible attitude). The rewards are plentiful and memorable. 

Your companion and guide is an experienced leader. All of our guides and those of our partners are local and have worked in the area for a number of years.   They are experienced, knowledgeable, safety conscious individuals who are passionate about what they do and who are very proud to share their wonderful country with visitors. 

With groups over a certain size, the guide will have an assistant and with camping groups of a certain size in certain areas, he will also have a dedicated cook.    

All our trips are escorted and guided throughout unless otherwise detailed on your itinerary.   Our camping trips are fully supported with meals being prepared for you where possible and luggage being carried by pack horses, vehicles or porters (unless stated otherwise on your itinerary).   

Our campsites are all chosen for their location and views.   We try to avoid the high traffic areas and we are constantly striving to come up with new trip routes and ideas as new areas open up. Our philosophy is to offer locally run estancias and outposts, family owned hotels & small lodges where we can. Places that directly benefit the

Due to the risk of fires, campfires are strictly monitored.  They are prohibited at sites where fixed fire areas are not available.  We are in complete support of this policy.  On non-camping trips we select hotels, refugios and estancias based on their location, service and comfort.  We are constantly monitoring these establishments to ensure our standards are met.  Where this is not the case, we are prompt to act and alter our itinerary or trip recommendation.      

On camping trips guests typically set up their own tents although with our dedicated team tents are often put up in advance when circumstances and timing allow.

Let us know if you require any special support or assistance in regard to the putting up of tents and we will organize this. 

On camping and some lodge based trips, lunch items are laid out at breakfast and you make up your own sandwiches and lunch box for the trail. 

We publish a number of trip examples on our website and some of these trips run on set dates through the season and are suitable for solo travellers or couples who wish to join an existing departure, for example our W or Circuit itineraries in Torres del Paine. These tours are also sometimes available as a custom tour whereby we can schedule a new departure for 2+ clients on specific dates. For these popular tours, pricing can be found in the ‘Is this trip for me’ section on the trip summary. If you cannot see pricing, please contact us as we are in the process of adding these. For custom or bespoke tours for couples, families, honeymooners or groups pricing is quoted according to the services required. Refer to note on pricing in our Travel Inspiration section under Real Stories. 

The roads in Patagonia are varied. Most of the main routes are now paved but some are not and can be dusty and occasionally bumpy. In addition the distances between sites can be great.  The road between Punta Arenas and Cerro Castillo is now fully paved.  The new road between Puerto Natales and the Serrano River is not and this road shortens the journey time to that area considerably. In Argentina the road is paved between el Calafate and the Perito Moreno Glacier and on most of the main routes.

Torres del Paine has a milder and drier microclimate than the surrounding areas of Patagonia because of some unique geological features. The weather throughout Patagonia is however famously unpredictable and it is possible to experience four seasons in the course of a few hours!  Average daily temperatures vary but in summer one can expect 10 – 20 degrees celsius with the occasional hot day of 25 degrees.  Temperatures can drop to zero at night and high winds are common in the area. 

In winter, temperatures are cooler especially at night and there is the possibility of snowfall on the lower elevations. Winters generally experience less wind and wildlife can be more prevalent at this time of the year.

Although you can never be sure of how Paine will treat its guests, we ask that you are prepared (both mentally and physically) for unpredictable and sometimes challenging weather conditions at any time of the year and that you pack accordingly.  Good waterproofs (top to toe) are essential when joining a camping or multi-day hiking or riding trip.

Our trips take us into some pristine wilderness areas.  You should be aware that the Torres del Paine National Park is about a 4 – 6 hour drive from the nearest trauma care facility in Punta Arenas (4 hours if you are able to exit on the new road from the Serrano sector of the Park).  There is a new hospital in Puerto Natales (1-3 hours depending on where you are) with 24-hour medical assistance that can deal with most minor injuries and illnesses.  In the rare event of there being a serious incident, accident or broken bone, you may have to be taken out of the Park by whatever means necessary to join transport for the long drive out.  Helicopters are available for emergencies but these cannot fly during high winds.    All our leaders carry first aid supplies for dealing with minor injuries and incidents.  If you have a medical condition or are taking any medication you should discuss this with us prior to travel.

For those with allergies we reserve the right to request further information such as details of any medication carried and information on how serious the allergy is.

If you would like to see a copy of our Operating procedures and Risk Assessment guidelines for dealing with medical emergencies just ask

Please note that it is a condition of booking that you have in place a suitable travel insurance policy and that this includes emergency evacuation in the event of an accident and repatriation.  For trips that take place during high season we have a group Air Evacuation policy available that is provided for our clients. If you are in doubt about the cover provided please ask.

Please refer to any specific notes regarding your trip, for example the Circuit and W Hikes where stricter luggage limits are in place.

During your trip your driver will transport what we consider is a reasonable amount of luggage in the support vehicle, pack horses, boats etc. We cannot be responsible for any extra costs due to excessive luggage – or be held responsible for heavy or expensive photographic equipment.  The Guide will make an assessment of the luggage during your trip briefing and if he/she feels there is an excessive amount, they will advise you and offer you alternatives (such as leaving some of it at our offices in Puerto Natales which we are very happy to do). 

On some multi-day or camping trips (such as the Circuit and W hikes) the guide will provide waterproof expedition bags for repacking a small amount of clothing and personal effects. This enables your belongings to be packed comfortably, safely and drily onto the pack horses or for the porter to carry. Note, if your trip includes porters, they will sometimes re-pack your luggage into back packs for carrying.

In these cases the rest of your luggage joins you later.

Porters do not carry valuable items such as photography gear or laptops

There are laundry services (lavanderias) in towns and villages throughout Chile and Argentina where you drop off laundy to be washed and dried for you at reasonable prices. Some hotels can also offer this service at an extra cost. In Torres del Paine, we can usually arrange laundry during your trip whereby the driver would take this into town and the laundry returned to you later during the trip or on your return to Puerto Natales.

We are happy to cater to vegetarians and those with food intolerances or allergies as long as we receive prior notice. If your trip involves stays in hotels or lodges, we will pass on the information provided to us at the time of booking. On camping trips, we will inform the chef who will take this into account with the provisioning for the trip.

Please note that Patagonia is a culture largely founded on the farming of sheep. Meat, especially lamb, is a staple for most people living in the area. On group camping trips and estancia stays it is very likely the group will get to enjoy a lamb or meat asado (BBQ) during their trip. This typically Patagonian preparation of lamb involves cooking the meat over an open fire.

We use comfortable small dome tents (usually North Face and Marmot) which are roomy, comfortable and able to withstand the sometimes high winds in the area.  Accommodation is usually based on twin-share with single supplements quoted on request.

Most campsites used on our trips offer hot showers, bathrooms, some form of shelter or indoor dining and fire pits (outside of the Park). This is usually specified on your itinerary so make sure and ask if you are unsure. Some of the camping, for example when kayaking down river from Torres del Paine, will be true ‘wilderness’ style camping with the only washing facilities being in a river or lake.  In this case, the guide will provide instructions on bathroom etiquette.

Your sleeping bag should be 3 or 4 season and should be carried in an effective stuff sack.  We can rent sleeping bags and mats to guests and you should indicate this at the time of booking.  If you are renting a sleeping bag from us or if sleeping bags are provided as part of your trip, we include liners to go inside these. We can also provide quality mats on request.  Note that for multi-day hiking trips we provide weight limits for sleeping bags and mats that you may choose to bring.

On the W trek, there are new elevated tents (that sleep two people) at a couple of the sites, please ask for details.

Please note that ear plugs are strongly recommended for light sleepers. On windy nights, the tent can get noisy (also recommended for refugio based trips).

Meals are varied and wholesome and include fresh salmon and local fish, pasta, chicken, beef, lamb and some local Chilean meals.  Fresh salad is served every night.  Local wine is served with dinner and all meals are prepared for guests.  Packed lunches are usually prepared at breakfast and are carried with you.  These consist of sandwiches (e.g. tuna, cheese, ham, peanut butter, salami), fresh fruit, trail mix, chocolate, biscuits, snacks etc.  You are normally  responsible for looking after your lunch boxes.

Breakfast is normally hot and cold cereals, toast, jams, marmalade, coffee, tea and juice.  At times a cooked breakfast is served. 

Vegetarians and those with other food intolerances or preferences can be well catered for and you should indicate your requirements at the time of booking (see notes above).

On trips in Torres del Paine where there is no refugio or hut nearby a dining tent is carried for eating meals and cooking although sometimes we choose to eat in a camp ‘shelter’ or around the campfire (weather and fire regulations  permitting).  Please note that inside dining is normally available at the following campsites: Rio Serrano, Laguna Azul and anywhere a refugio is also present such as: Pehoe, Dickson, Cuernos, Las Torres, Grey etc.

Where possible, vehicle support is arranged.  Supplies of bread, salad and fresh fruit are replenished.

On arrival at the campsite, wine and canapes are served giving you ample time to relax while the evening meal is being prepared.

All meals are included unless stated otherwise on your itinerary. Wine is also included (generous though necessarily limited supplies).  Meals in Punta Arenas and lunches in Natales on transfer days are generally not included.

A dedicated, professional cook is provided on groups of a certain size at certain sites (varies according to the actual trip). We generally eat in the refugios where available to comply with the relevant rules whereby it is not always permitted to put up dining tents and provide a cook.

Meals are usually eaten in the hotel restaurant. Food usually consists of lamb, beef, chicken or salmon with fresh vegetables or salad accompanied by rice or potatoes.  Wine and beer is available at an extra charge.

Packed lunches will either be prepared by you at breakfast (on BlueGreen supported trips) or the hotel or refugio will provide you with a made up packed lunch. These usually consist of sandwiches (tuna, cheese, salami, ham, peanut butter etc), fresh fruit, nuts and snacks and biscuits/chocolate. 

The restaurants in the refugios offer a lively atmosphere and wholesome food.  However, the quality can vary depending on the number of people in the refugio, the staff on duty, the date of the last food delivery, the weather and the functioning of the generator!  Please make sure your expectations are managed in regard to this. Vegetarian options are also available, see above.

Breakfast in Chile is usually not a cooked meal and will include toast, coffee, cereal, ham/cheese, bread rolls and juice. In larger hotels and som eestancias, eggs are sometimes prepared.

We have been organizing trips for families with young children for many years. Preparation in terms of clothing is very important. For Patagonia, we advise layering to ensure children stay warm during sightseeing and activity days. Thermal vests close to the skin are a good idea combined with light weight synthentic or wool tops which breathe and do not stay damp in case of more exertion. A zip-up fleece is the final layer and this can be tied around the child’s waist if they get too warm. In the event of rain, a gortex waterproof jacket can be worn over the top together with waterproof trousers (the latter are essential for camping or multi-day hiking trips). Woollen or fleece hats, a scarf or snug, gloves and warm socks are also required together with a peaked hat to keep the sun off and suitable sun protection (the sun is very strong in the south). Good sturdy walking shoes that have been worn-in prior to arrival are worth investing in together with a second pair of sandals or shoes for lounging around in the hotels or campsite. Jogging pants and sweatshirts are also good for this.

In terms of travelling, car seats and booster seats are not available locally so to ensure safety and comfort for your young children we advise you to bring these with you if required. Strollers are not practical and as most of our family trips are vehicle-supported we do not advise bringing them. A child-carrying back pack however is a great idea for hiking trips. For very young children, please contact us prior to travel if you have any concerns.

A refugio is a type of mountain cabin that sleeps guests in bunk-style accommodation. Usually  made of wood they were built in the park for minimum environmental impact while ensuring guests have somewhere to sleep in remote areas. Horses or boats usually deliver supplies and they are generator powered between 7am and 11pm. Hot showers are usually available. Meals are served in the convivial dining area and packed lunches can be made up on request. Reservations are necessary during the high season. Most of them also offer camping and it is possible to eat in the refugio while using the campsites. We use a number of them on our trips. On the W, we avoid the busy ones and tend to stick with the Refugio Domos Frances and the private Cabins at Los Cuernos. On our riding trips and the Circuit Hike we use Refugio Dickson as it serves as a base from which to visit the beautiful Dickson Valley and Glacier. We also use Refugio Grey and Las Torres where necessary.

Refugio accommodation is in mixed dormitories which sleep between 6-8 guests depending on the location. During the high season it is very difficult to secure private rooms although this is occasionally possible in special circumstances. You should note that the dormitory rooms will be mixed with males and females. There are no segregated rooms in the majority of cases so if you are uncomfortable with this, please let us know and we will arrange camping or an alternative itinerary.

We recommend packing ear plugs for refugio-based trips.

The type of hiking depends on the specific itinerary but our trips usually include moderate to challenging hiking unless otherwise stated, for example our Lodge to Lodge hike offers moderate hikes with the option of more challenging hiking if required.

Our family itineraries are usually vehicle supported throughout which builds in flexibility for each day depending on how everybody feels.

The most challenging multi-day hike in the area is the Circuit hike. On this trip, a two-day hike over the Pass calls for greater fitness and stamina.

In an attempt to minimize the luggage carried by porters over the pass on this trip we include meals in the refugio at Refugio Grey, please refer to the detailed itinerary for your particular trip and if you are joining the Circuit, you will be sent an information document with further details.

When preparing your itinerary the hiking or physical demands we feel are necessary for each trip or route are provided. If you have any concerns about the level of fitness required please contact us.

The kayaking does not generally involve any white water but in the event of bad weather conditions and high winds it can be challenging despite this. Consequently there are strict age criteria for kayaking and children under 14 (or 16 in some areas) are not permitted to kayak. In most cases the maximum age is 65 years. No previous experience is necessary for the majority of our kayaking trips although we might ask for further details on your general fitness for certain trips. A full safety and instruction briefing is given before boarding and full dry suits and life jackets are mandatory. If you are including kayaking in your itinerary you should be comfortable around water.

Please note that in the event of bad weather on the river, the itinerary might be subject to last minute alterations. The same goes for any boat trips such as the whale watching and glacier trips arranged in the Magellan Straits.

The horses we use are Criollo-cross and vary in size with the majority being between 14.0 and 15.2 hands.  They are responsive, fit, willing and sure-footed.  We are able to provide good horses for both experienced riders and for riders who are more ‘rusty’.   The pace of the ride will be adjusted by the guide to suit the majority of riders but as we always travel with more than one horseman, there is flexibility and riders soon find their own pace for the trip.  Riders are not responsible for grooming or tack.  Horses are constantly checked for injury and/or lameness and tiredness. The weight limit for riding trips is 210 pounds unless by prior agreement.

All clients participating in horse riding during their trip will be required to read our Riding Safety Briefing prior to travel.

Please note that although we are able to provide riding helmets for horse riding the quality and availability can vary from destination to destination and we cannot guarantee that any headgear provided will be of the same standard as those available in your home country. Please bring your own headgear if you have any concerns

This depends on the itinerary, riding that is added into custom or family trips is gentle and slow paced according to the experience and comfort of the group. On the multi-day riding trips the pace is moderate – fast.  In any case, on all riding trips the pace is largely dictated by the experience and capabilities of the group, the terrain and the distance we need to travel on a certain day but where possible there is a lot of trotting and cantering. 

Distances vary between 20 and 40 kilometres in a day on the multi-day scheduled riding trips and riders joining these trips need to be experienced – as a general rule, you should be able to control a horse on open ground at the canter and be used to riding outside in open spaces. 

On custom and family trips riding is suitable for beginners and the pace and distance is set according to the preference and experience of the group.

The tack is Chilean and comprises of metal framed saddles onto which is layered felt, sheepskin and leather.   Rope, rawhide and leather form the bridles, girths, straps etc.  The saddles provide adequate comfort for long days riding and the stirrups consist of a leather cup through which the foot cannot pass.  Most of the horses are ridden in simple snaffles.  Halters are worn throughout the ride with rope tied around the horse’s neck to tie up at lunch stops/rest stops etc. 

If you are pregnant you must sign a declaration form and complete a medical report. Depending on the type of activity involved, i.e. trekking or horse riding your ability to take part will depend on the stage of pregnancy and accompanying medical report. We regret we are unable to accept pregnant woman on kayaking trips for safety reasons.

Do not leave home without…
* Passport (check expiry date)
* Money (debit /credit cards – note some banks require advance notice of travel)
* Local currency (US Dollars can be easily exchanged in Chile, Euros or Sterling much harder)
* Airline tickets or booking codes
Emergency phone numbers for your travel insurance, local operator and booking agent
Your Final Trip Confirmation for your trip (provided by us prior to travel)
Charger for phone and/or camera. You should also ensure your phone is unlocked if you plan on buying a local SIM card on arrival

Soft holdalls or duffel bags are preferable to hard cases with wheels
Bring a day pack for your personal items while hiking (camera, water bottle etc)
Luggage tags so your bag is easily recognizable

A few lightweight, easily washable items (layering is always best):
T-shirts and long-sleeved tops
Breathable (wicking) under layer or thermal vest
Long sleeved tees or shirts, always choose a synthentic layer close to the skin
Midweight fleece or wool sweater
Midweight fleece or sweat pants
Shorts for warmer days (summer)
Hiking pants, lightweight, synthetic and loose fitting (those that convert to shorts can be useful in summer months)
Underwear and personal items
Hiking socks and liners are good to help prevent blisters
Cotton socks for traveling etc
Set of thermals for cool nights
Scarf or neck warmer for windy days
Woollen or fleece hat for extra warmth (especially for camping or winter trips)
Sun hat or visor to protect from the sun
Waterproof, windproof (gortex is best) outer rain proof layer (full rain proof not just shower proof)
Waterproof trousers/pants (again gortex is best although can be expensive so not essential here)
Insulated warm jacket, down or similar is best and they pack up very small and light
Sturdy, well broken in, ankle supporting, waterproof hiking boots with good tread
Comfortable shoes for travel and around camp (very important for winter trips to have a second pair of shoes)
Warm fleece or nylon (quick drying) gloves

Water bottle (minimum one litre)
Camera with spare battery and a spare memory card and charger if required
Waterproof camera bag or plastic bags; for example, Ziplocs
Flashlight/torch with spare batteries (Maglite or similar). *In estancias and refugios, the generator gets turned off at night.
*Headlamp (essential for winter & camping trips)
Sunglasses and retainer strap
Sunscreen
Lip salve
Insect repellent
Small towel (camping trips)
Personal toiletries
Any personal medication
Travel plug adaptor (Chile uses a 2-pin 220 volt outlet so US appliances such as hairdryers will not work. Chargers for phones and other devices will need a plug adaptor) Spare contact lenses or glasses if necessary

Spanish phrasebook or dictionary
Travel alarm clock
Small camping pillow (camping trips only)
Tissues
Binoculars
Ear plugs (if you are a light sleeper, recommended for refugios)
Gaiters (for hiking)
Swimsuit (for the hardy or if you are staying in the private cabins at Los Cuernos for the hot tub)
Light sticks (great for travel with kids)
Reading and writing material
Extra plastic bags (always seem to come in useful whether for muddy boots or trail mix)
If you are reliant on a phone as a camera a charging device to allow you to re-charge your phone with power is very useful

Riding trousers or jeans with chaps (half or full chaps)
Pair of insulating quick drying riding gloves (or multi-purpose gloves if hiking)
Riding helmet: riders who do not wear a helmet do so at their own risk (we can normally provide these if required)
Thick socks
Riding boots (well broken in) or ankle high multi-purpose boots which work well when worn with half chaps and which can be comfortably worn for walking too
Waterproof and windproof jacket (gortex or other suitable fabric) with a hood and no leaks. Some clients wear Australian stock coats.
Waterproof trousers with under foot stirrup to prevent them from riding up the leg
Plastic bags for storing non-waterproof items such as camera, binoculars etc in the saddle bags which are made of tough hessian and which will not repel heavy rain