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Since getting back from my journey to Patagonia, questions I’m typically requested by curious travellers embrace:
“What kind of garments did you deliver?”
“Are mountaineering poles vital?”
“Did you practice for the treks?”
Whereas reserving my 9-day Patagonia Mountaineering tour I contemplated the identical questions and frantically searched on-line for easy methods to put together for this mammoth journey. It’s exhausting to not be slightly intimidated by the Bodily Ranking of “Degree 4 – Demanding,” however don’t fret! I’m right here to calm your nerves and let you know first-hand easy methods to correctly put together on your thrilling journey to Patagonia — like your bodily health, what to pack, cash change, and common guidelines of the land which can be good to know earlier than you go.
1: Convey the correct mountaineering boots
Whereas a lot of the trails in Patagonia are pretty simple to stroll, there are moments you’ll encounter rocky, moist, and muddy paths. You’ll additionally possible expertise all 4 seasons in someday so like an excellent scout, be ready! Pack waterproof mountaineering boots which can be a half-size greater than your common shoe measurement as your ft naturally swell whereas on a trek (nobody likes scrunched toes, particularly on a hike). I’d additionally suggest bringing flip-flops or slides for that post-hike reduction.
2: Goodbye cotton, hiya wool
Not simply any ol’ socks will do when galloping upon the mountains of Patagonia. Trekking socks which can be product of wool are finest as they’re quick-drying and preserve the warmth in higher. This additionally goes on your clothes as nicely: base layers, pants, jackets, and so on. Wool is superior, and even artificial, however ditch any cotton materials as a result of if it will get moist, it will get heavy and uncomfortable. Plus, it’s extra more likely to scent even after a number of hours.
3: Mountaineering poles are a should
Whereas some inexperienced travellers might imagine they don’t want mountaineering poles, let me be the primary to let you know: YES YOU DO! Not solely do mountaineering poles defend your knees, they prevent from face-planting into rocks when wind gusts catch you unexpectedly. If you happen to don’t personal mountaineering poles, no sweat, in Patagonia (particularly within the city of El Chaltén) you may hire poles at choose gear outlets for about $10 USD/day. Do it. Do it. Do it.
4: Trade cash in large cities
Don’t change cash for Argentinian pesos in your house nation, deliver USD and change upon arrival in Argentina. Discover a Western Union, in my expertise they provide one of the best price, and also you’ll get double what you exchanged in USD. Sure, double. Don’t ask in regards to the logistics, I do not know the way it all works, however I do comprehend it’s good to be a vacationer in Argentina. Nonetheless, while you arrive in Patagonia you’ll have a more durable time discovering cash change locations so do all of it in large cities like Buenos Aires.
Whereas most eating places and outlets in Patagonia do settle for credit score or debit playing cards, you’ll get hit with increased change price charges out of your financial institution. Oh, one final thing, don’t deliver Argentinian pesos again dwelling as they’re principally price zilch outdoors of Argentina.
5: Not match? Not an issue
I’m common on the health stage scale. I don’t exercise daily however I do get in a pleasant lengthy stroll right here and there. If you happen to’re usually wholesome, you’ll be completely wonderful trekking in Patagonia. There are a number of hikes you may take starting from 3 to 21 km (1.85 to 13 mi) which have completely different elevation ranges. Our Chief Expertise Officer (CEO) repeated to us daily, “be sincere with your self” and it’s true. Hearken to your physique and relaxation as wanted. Our CEO additionally stated, “in case you’re out of breath it’s not due to the altitude, we’re not excessive sufficient, it’s since you’re simply out of form.” We love the honesty.
6: No littering
Patagonia is a protected space and littering of any type shouldn’t be allowed. And I imply, of any type. This implies in case you go to the lavatory within the woods, you must take your used rest room paper together with you. It additionally signifies that in case you eat an apple to its core, don’t chuck it away considering it’s natural. The native wildlife isn’t used to consuming human meals and it will probably make them sick. So, deliver alongside a small bag to place your litter in whereas mountaineering.
7: Order lunch on the lodge earlier than you hike
Energy, you want ‘em, particularly in case you’re shifting your physique all day. Most resorts and hostels in Patagonia supply a pre-packed lunch to take in your hikes that price anyplace between $10-$20 USD. The night time earlier than your hike, order from reception and decide it up within the morning. I selected a turkey sandwich (it was enormous!) and it got here with water, fruit, nuts, and candies to maintain me energized. The perfect half is while you get to your vacation spot and pull out a number of snacks, nothing tastes as candy as having a chunk on high of a mountain with a wonderful well-earned view.
Getting there
Feeling able to deal with these attractive Patagonian peaks for your self? We guess you at the moment are! Listed below are a number of of our high excursions within the area:
Patagonia Mountaineering
Hike Patagonia in Depth
Torres del Paine – Full Circuit Trek
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