Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Horseback Riding
Parque Nacional Torres del Paine is certainly a beautiful place to ride. Due to property
divisions within the park, horses cannot cross between the western sections (Lagos Grey
and Pehoé, Río Serrano) and the eastern part managed by Hotel Las Torres (Refugio Los
Cuernos is the approximate cut-off). Baqueano Zamora (
Click here
)
runs excursions to
Lagos Pingo, Paine and Azul, and Laguna Amarga (half-day CH$25,000).
Ice Trekking
A fun walk through a sculpted landscape of ice, and you don't need experience to go. Big
Foot Patagonia (
Click here
) is the sole company with a park concession for ice hikes
(CH$90,000) on Glacier Grey, with trips at 8:30am and 2:30pm. Using the Conaf Centro
de Visitantes house (former Refugio Grey) as a base, the excursion includes a six-hour
round-trip hike and three hours on the ice, available from October to May.
Sleeping
Make reservations! Arriving without them, especially in high season, limits you to camp-
ing. Travel agencies offer reservations, but it's best to deal directly with the various man-
agement companies.
Refugios
If you are hiking the 'W' or circuit, you will be staying in
refugios
(mountain huts) or
campsites along the way. It is essential to reserve your spot and specify vegetarian meals
in advance if required.
Refugio
rooms have four to eight bunk beds each, kitchen privileges (for lodgers and
during specific hours only), hot showers and meals. Sleeping bag rentals cost CH$5000.
Should a
refugio
be overbooked, staff provide all necessary camping equipment. Most
refugios
close by the end of April.
Refugios
may require photo ID (ie a passport) upon check-in. Photocopy your tourist
card and passport for all lodgings in advance to expedite check-in. Staff can radio ahead
to confirm your next reservation.
'Most listings match the 'W' hiking description direction (
Click here
). Rates are basic
- if you want bed linens (vs your own sleeping bag), it's extra.
Refugio Las Torres
LODGE $
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