Since getting back from my journey to Patagonia, questions I’m typically requested by curious travellers embody:
“What sort of clothes did you bring?”
“Are mountain climbing poles needed?”
“Did you train for the treks?”
While reserving my 9-day Patagonia Hiking tour I contemplated the identical questions and frantically searched on-line for put together for this mammoth journey. It’s exhausting to not be just a little intimidated by the Physical Rating of “Level 4 – Demanding,” however don’t fret! I’m right here to calm your nerves and inform you first-hand correctly put together to your thrilling journey to Patagonia — like your bodily health, what to pack, cash trade, and common guidelines of the land which can be good to know earlier than you go.
1: Bring the appropriate mountain climbing boots
While 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 sooner or later so like an excellent scout, be ready! Pack waterproof mountain climbing boots which can be a half-size greater than your common shoe dimension as your toes naturally swell whereas on a trek (nobody likes scrunched toes, particularly on a hike). I’d additionally advocate bringing flip-flops or slides for that post-hike reduction.
2: Goodbye cotton, good day wool
Not simply any ol’ socks will do when galloping upon the mountains of Patagonia. Trekking socks which can be fabricated from wool are greatest as they’re quick-drying and hold the warmth in higher. This additionally goes to your clothes as nicely: base layers, pants, jackets, and many others. 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 prone to scent even after a number of hours.
3: Hiking poles are a should
While some inexperienced travellers might imagine they don’t want mountain climbing poles, let me be the primary to inform you: YES YOU DO! Not solely do mountain climbing poles shield your knees, they prevent from face-planting into rocks when wind gusts catch you unexpectedly. If you don’t personal mountain climbing poles, no sweat, in Patagonia (particularly within the city of El Chaltén) you possibly can hire poles at choose gear outlets for about $10 USD/day. Do it. Do it. Do it.
4: Exchange cash in massive cities
Don’t trade cash for Argentinian pesos in your house nation, deliver USD and trade upon arrival in Argentina. Find a Western Union, in my expertise they provide the most effective charge, and also you’ll get double what you exchanged in USD. Yes, double. Don’t ask concerning the logistics, I do not know the way it all works, however I do understand it’s good to be a vacationer in Argentina. However, once you arrive in Patagonia you’ll have a tougher time discovering cash trade locations so do all of it in massive cities like Buenos Aires.
While most eating places and outlets in Patagonia do settle for credit score or debit playing cards, you’ll get hit with increased trade charge charges out of your financial institution. Oh, one very last thing, don’t deliver Argentinian pesos again house as they’re principally price zilch outdoors of Argentina.
5: Not match? Not an issue
I’m common on the health degree scale. I don’t exercise every single day however I do get in a pleasant lengthy stroll right here and there. If you’re usually wholesome, you’ll be completely advantageous trekking in Patagonia. There are a wide range of hikes you possibly can take starting from 3 to 21 km (1.85 to 13 mi) which have completely different elevation ranges. Our Chief Experience Officer (CEO) repeated to us every single day, “be honest with yourself” and it’s true. Listen to your physique and relaxation as wanted. Our CEO additionally stated, “if you’re out of breath it’s not because of the altitude, we are not high enough, it’s because you’re just out of shape.” We love the honesty.
6: No littering
Patagonia is a protected space and littering of any variety will not be allowed. And I imply, of any variety. This means in the event you go to the lavatory within the woods, it’s a must to take your used bathroom paper together with you. It additionally implies that in the event 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 mountain climbing.
7: Order lunch on the lodge earlier than you hike
Calories, you want ‘em, especially if you’re transferring your physique all day. Most motels and hostels in Patagonia supply a pre-packed lunch to take in your hikes that price wherever between $10-$20 USD. The night time earlier than your hike, order from reception and choose 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 better part is once you get to your vacation spot and pull out a number of snacks, nothing tastes as candy as having a chew on prime of a mountain with a wonderful well-earned view.
Getting there
Feeling able to sort out these beautiful Patagonian peaks for your self? We wager you are actually! Here are a number of of our prime excursions within the area:
Patagonia Hiking
Hike Patagonia in Depth
Torres del Paine – Full Circuit Trek