Can I get a single room?
My Own Room may be available for hotels/lodges (not applicable to camp nights). Limited; request at booking.
What’s included in meals—and can you cater to my diet?
Breakfast most days; trail lunches & camp dinners during park sections (see daily for exact counts). Vegetarian/vegan/gluten-light are commonly accommodated with advance notice. Bring favourite snacks/electrolytes.
What are the internal baggage limits?
Aerolíneas Argentinas typically allows 15 kg checked and 5–8 kg carry-on. Overweight fees apply; >23 kg not accepted on some legs.
What do I carry on trek days?
Your main bag stays in Puerto Natales. You hike with a daypack (water, layers, camera, lunch). On Serious Trails, you’ll also get a dry bag (~2.5 kg allowance) carried by porters with your sleeping bag and camp items.
What’s the weather like?
Patagonia = four seasons in a day. Summer can be mild but very windy; shoulder seasons are cooler with possible flurries on high viewpoints. Bring a proper wind/rain shell, warm mid-layer, hat and gloves.
How big is the group and who leads it?
Small group, max 16 (avg ~12). A CEO (tour leader) runs the trip; local/mountain guides join for major hikes and the W Trek.
Is water safe and how much should I carry?
Hotels/refugios provide safe water or refill points. Carry 2–3 L capacity per hiking day. Your guide will advise where to refill.
Are there showers, power and Wi-Fi at camps?
Showers exist at many camps/refugios (expect queues at peak times). Power is limited—bring a power bank. Wi-Fi is unreliable or absent inside the parks; solid in towns.
Can I rent gear?
Yes—trekking poles, rain shells, rain pants and more can be rented in El Chaltén or Puerto Natales. Boots should be your own and broken-in.
How much cash should I bring?
Patagonia costs are higher than much of South America. Bring a mix of USD cash (crisp $50/$100) and cards. ATMs can be unreliable in El Chaltén/Calafate. In Chile, have CLP for small purchases.
Are tips included? What’s customary?
Not included. Typical guidance (per person, cash):
- El Chaltén day-hike guide: ~US$10
- El Calafate driver (multi-day): ~US$5
- Perito Moreno local guide: ~US$10
- Torres del Paine trek guides: ~US$40 (for 3–4 trek days)
- Porters (W Trek): ~US$15 total
- Camping staff: ~US$5
- CEO (tour leader): ~US$10/day (discretionary)
Do I need visas or special permits?
Most nationalities need a valid passport (6+ months) and may need visas/reciprocity fees—check your own requirements before travel. Park entries for included days are covered.
Is travel insurance required?
Yes—mandatory. Must cover medical, evacuation and repatriation (we recommend at least US$200,000 coverage). Bring proof for your CEO.
How do free days work?
You’ll have time in El Chaltén, El Calafate, and (Signature Sights) Ushuaia for optional activities—your CEO will shortlist the best options and weather windows.
What about safety?
Use normal big-city sense in Buenos Aires, keep valuables minimal, and follow guide instructions in parks. Wind and trail exposure are the main hazards—layer up, use poles, and mind footing on loose rock.
Laundry?
Available in El Calafate and Puerto Natales (paid). Plan your wash between trek blocks.
Age limits? Family-friendly?
Classic small-group; generally 12+ with adult. Contact us if traveling with younger teens to confirm suitability.
Last thing—what’s the one item people forget?
A real windproof shell (not just “water-resistant”). In Patagonia, that’s the difference between epic and “I’m a kite.”
