Current Chile Time

Explore Southern Patagonia and Torres Del Paine – FAQ

Here is where you will find answers to some of your questions about this expedition. If you do not find what you need here, please contact us at info@bergadventures.com.

Choose the specific question to link to your answer

1. How fit should I be for this trip?
2. What Elevations will we be at on this trip?
3. What is the food like on the trip?
4. What will I bring with me on the hikes each day?
5. What kind of weather should I be expecting?
6. How much money do we need to bring?
7. Does the price of the trip cover meals, land transfers and accommodations?
8. Should I book the flights myself or do you have a recommendation?
9. Are there health concerns for travelling in Patagonia?
10. What types of communication are available on the climb?
11. What are the accomodations?

1. How fit should I be for this trip?

This trip is for energetic people who like to be active and have a spirit of adventure and a positive attitude. You should be in good health and reasonably fit. Travelers who can walk a few hours a day unassisted will be able to fully enjoy the Patagonia trip. Most excursions are moderate activities though some optional explorations involve short, steep climbs or longer walks in potentially rainy and windy conditions. Our guides will inform you fully of any challenges an activity might present, and help you tailor each day to make the most of opportunities. You should also be comfortable on the water as we spend some time cruising and sightseeing on a boat.

2. What Elevations will we be at on this trip?

Even though this is a trip featuring some of the wildest mountain scenery in the world, we are at low elevations throughout our travels in Patagonia. We will be a sea level some night and the trail that links our “W” trekking legs is entirely below 300 meters (1000 feet) above sea level. We will climb up the valleys to higher than this from time to time, but we never reach elevations on this trip that can present acclimatization issues.

3. What is the food like on the trip?

We will enjoy first-rate meals in fine restaurants and hotels along the route. All special dietary requirements such as vegetarian and gluten-free meals can be arranged, so please inform us if you have any food allergies or preferences.

Anyone who has already traveled with Berg Adventures knows we always bring along great snacks and treats for the trail. However, if there is a certain granola bar, trail mix or snack that you particularly like, please bring it along for yourself.

4. What will I bring with me on the hikes each day?

You will want to bring as little as possible. Most of your luggage will remain at the hotels where we stay, so you will carry a small daypack with items such as your camera, a rain poncho, and a couple of extra layers in case the weather cools off. It is always a good idea to carry layers when travelling in the mountains, as the weather is prone to change frequently and without notice.

5. What kind of weather should I be expecting?

You’ll be arriving during the southern hemisphere’s summer. It can cool off in the evenings so bring a light jacket - a useful part of your travel attire. Once we head up into the mountains, the temperatures will drop substantially and the wind will pick up. While traveling, you may want to bring some comfortable clothes and also have a nice change of clothes for our evenings in the city.

During our hikes, it can get hot at midday when the sun shines strong at this altitude, but evening temperatures are often cooler than most places in the North America. We’ll experience classic variable mountain weather, warm in direct sunlight, cool on cloudy days and at night. You will be adjusting your layers all day as you climb and hike in Patagonia.

6. How much money do we need to bring?

Tipping in Argentina and Chile is a strongly-established tradition and is expected but optional. Travelers frequently comment that they wish that they had brought more for tips. We recommend that you bring between $200-$250. You can generally budget to tip hotels, skycaps, shuttles, and restaurants at an average of 10 per cent.

7. Does the price of the trip cover meals, land transfers and accommodations?

Yes, all hotels for the scheduled trip, meals on the climb and trek, airport transfers and shuttles within Argentina and Chile are included. Not included; either in towns or on the climbs/treks are bottled drinks (soft drinks, bottled water, and alcohol).

Hotel Don Los Cerros, El Chalten

8. Should I book the flights myself or do you have a recommendation?

We can book for you or you can use you own travel agent to book directly with the airlines or online. Our office will work with you to assure that your itinerary will work.

9. Are there health concerns for travelling in Patagonia?

There are currently no specific immunization requirements for the areas we will be visiting. The water is very safe and clean in this region, so there is no need to bring purifiers of any kind.

10. What types of communication are available on the climb?

Our primary means of emergency communication is satellite phone, which is always with us. Our sat phone will also be used to post daily reports which will be posted on our web site for friends, family, workmates and schools at home to follow. You will have good opportunities for phone and internet at all of the hotels where we will be staying. Your mobile phone should work well in Argentina and Chile in the areas where we have cell coverage. Check with your service provider before leaving home however. International Roaming charges for both voice and data will likely be very expensive.