Below are some general packing tips and information.
Please read the luggage requirements and travel information carefully.
Clothing
Layers is the name of the game here!
- sturdy, comfortable, supportive and waterproof hiking shoes
- t-shirts
- sun hat with brim
- winter hat that covers your ears
- winter gloves
- waterproof, rain, windproof jacket
- hiking pants, light-weight pants, workout pants
- hiking shorts
- long-sleeved synthetic tops
- short-sleeved synthetic t-shirts
- medium-weight fleece jacket
- synthetic hiking socks
- sunglasses
- casual city clothes
- casual shoes
Toiletries
- toothpaste
- toothbrush
- moisturizers
- sunblock (SPF 30 or higher)
- high factor sunblock lip balm
Personal Items
- heavy-duty one liter capacity water bottle and/or water bladder
- small flashlight/headlamp
- ear plugs (especially if you are going to share a room)
- plug adaptor – https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/chile/
- walking or hiking stick
- dry bag
- plastic bag for wet clothes
- multi-tool knife (please put in your CHECKED BAGGAGE)
- money belt
- insect repellant
- after bite
- travel towel
- travel insurance card
- first aid kit which includes –
- tiger balm (for headaches)
- prescription medicines
- anti-diarrheal
- antibiotic cream
- ace bandage
- pain reliever
- lip balm
- band-aids
- dramamine or bonine (for travel sickness)
- camera body, lenses, tripod and other gears
- binoculars
- large and small ziplock bags to protect your camera and other gadgets
- anti-bacterial hand lotion
- small day pack
- toilet paper
- SheWee (for women) – https://www.shewee.com/
Travel Documents
- PASSPORT
- Vaccine certificates (not required but if you have it, bring them)
- NO VISA required to Chile for US passport holders
Weather
Santiago:
The months of April/May is characterized by falling daily high temperatures, with daily highs decreasing from69°F to 61°F over the course of the month, exceeding 78°F or dropping below 53°F only one day in ten. Daily low temperatures are around 41°. Rainy days are less likely in the beginning of May when we will be traveling.
Patagonia (Torres Del Paine):
Fall in Torres del Paine National Park is a time of the year when the landscape becomes reddish and vegetation takes unique and beautiful yellow hues. A time when there are fewer visitors in the park, ideal for photography lovers. More importantly, where Patagonia is renowned for its strong winds, they are often at an ebb at this time making everything a little bit easier and the hiking much more comfortable!
Bottom Line: Pack for winter, spring, & fall! Every day is different in this part of Patagonia with temps varying up to 30 degrees day to day. Some days will likely be warmer with highs close to 65F while other days may only reach the low 50’s.
Throughout the month of May daytime temperatures will generally reach highs of 48°F- 60°F. At night the average minimum temperature drops down to around 34°F.
In the most recent years, the highest recorded temperature in May has been 66°F, with the lowest recorded temperature about 9°F. (we’ll be here at the beginning of the month so hopefully we’ll get lucky with some warmer weather!)
Money/Tips/Gratuities
* Chile uses the Chilean Peso: 1 USD = 651 CLP
Tips and gratuities to hotel, lodges, boat staff, drivers, & guide(s) are optional but expected in the travel industry if you feel the service deserves it. In total we recommend bringing 150-250.00 USD per person to have for tipping throughout the trip. Our tour director will assist with questions regarding this while on the trip.
*You do not need to tip in local currency (USD are OK).
* Most of the trip is all inclusive so aside from a few meals and general souvenir shopping, you will not need too much cash in addition to the recommended tipping budget above. We recommend bringing at least 500 USD in cash with you to have for all potential and unanticipated expenses.
Voltage & Plug adapters
The voltage in Chile is 220-240 Volts. Please go to the link below for more information. You will most likely NEED to bring a plug adapter (European plug type) to charge camera batteries, phones, and any other electronics you may need. However, voltage converters should not be necessary.
